Missing teeth affect how you eat, speak, and feel about yourself. Over time, gaps in your smile can also lead to bone loss, shifting teeth, and a sunken facial appearance.
Dental implants offer a permanent solution. They are the gold standard for tooth replacement because they restore both the root and the crown of the missing tooth. At 615 Smile Design, Dr. Kevin Sivaneri uses the latest dental technology and top oral surgeons to provide implant services.
Many patients are interested in implants but are unsure how they can benefit. We’ll review the benefits of dental implants in Nashville, TN, and why they matter for your health, confidence, and quality of life.
The Top Benefits of Dental Implants
Implants offer many advantages over traditional bridges and dentures. We also recommend implants as soon as you lose your permanent teeth for these common reasons.
1. Preserve Your Jawbone and Facial Structure
Your jawbone needs stimulation to stay healthy and strong. When a tooth is missing, the bone in that area no longer receives the pressure from chewing. Over time, the bone begins to shrink and deteriorate. This bone loss can change the shape of your face and make you look older.
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that prevents bone loss. The titanium post of an implant acts like a natural tooth root. Implant posts stimulate the jawbone to create a stable foundation and keep your jawbone healthy for a lifetime.
Patients who choose dentures or a dental bridge do not get this bone stimulation. The jawbone continues to shrink, leading to a sunken appearance around the missing tooth site. Choosing an implant preserves your facial structure and helps you maintain a more youthful appearance.
2. Help You Eat, Speak, and Smile with Confidence
Loose dentures and unstable bridges can make everyday activities frustrating. Dentures can slip or click during eating and speaking, causing embarrassment and difficulty. Bridges may not restore your full biting power, and they can also fail over time.
Dental implants restore nearly 100 percent of your natural biting force. This means you can eat crunchy apples, fresh vegetables, and tough meats without worry. You do not have to avoid your favorite foods or cut them into tiny pieces. Your implant works just like a natural tooth.
Implants are also stable and secure. They do not shift or move because they are fused with your jawbone. You can speak clearly without worrying about your teeth clicking or slipping. This stability gives you the confidence to laugh, smile, and talk freely in any situation.
The custom crown, bridge, or denture attached to your implant is color matched to your natural teeth. It is designed to blend in seamlessly. No one will know you have an implant unless you tell them. You can feel confident about your appearance and your smile.
3. Protect Your Healthy Teeth
Traditional dental bridges come with a significant downside. To place a bridge, the healthy teeth on either side of the gap must be ground down to serve as anchors. This process weakens those teeth and can lead to future problems. Once ground down, those teeth will always need crowns, even if the bridge fails.
Unlike bridges, dental implants do not affect your neighboring teeth. An implant stands on its own with its own root. Implants are also easier to clean than bridges. You can brush and floss around an implant just like a natural tooth.
By protecting your natural teeth, implants also help maintain a healthy, balanced bite. Preserving your adjacent teeth keeps your jaw alignment. This reduces the risk of TMJ problems and other bite-related issues.
4. A Long-Term Solution That Saves You Money
Dental implants have a higher upfront cost than dentures or bridges. However, they are significantly more cost-effective over time. Dentures typically need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years. They also require relining and regular adjustments, which add to the total cost.
Bridges generally last 5 to 15 years before needing replacement. When a bridge fails, the teeth that were ground down may also need new crowns or additional treatment. This can become a costly cycle of repair and replacement.
Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. The titanium post is permanent and does not decay. The crown, bridge, or denture attached to the implant may need replacement after 15 to 20 years due to normal wear.
5. Improved Quality of Life and Peace of Mind
Missing teeth can take a toll on your self-confidence. You may hide your smile, avoid photos, or feel self-conscious in social and professional settings.
Dental implants also don’t need messy adhesives or pastes to keep them in place. You don’t have to worry about your teeth falling out when you eat, laugh, or talk. Your implants are secure and comfortable, giving you peace of mind every day.
Good oral health is linked to overall health. Missing teeth and gum disease have been associated with heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions. When you restore your teeth with implants, you are investing in your overall health and well-being.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most adults who are missing one or more teeth are candidates for dental implants. Dr. Sivaneri will evaluate your oral health during a consultation. Ideal candidates have healthy gums and adequate jawbone density to support the implant.
Patients who have been missing teeth for a long time may have experienced bone loss. Bone grafting can rebuild the jawbone and create a solid foundation for the implant. Patients with certain medical conditions may still be eligible. Dr. Sivaneri will review your medical history carefully and coordinate with your physician if needed.
Smokers have a higher risk of implant complications. Dr. Sivaneri strongly encourages patients to quit smoking before and after surgery. Good oral hygiene and a commitment to regular dental visits are essential for implant success.
Cost and Insurance Information
The cost of dental implants varies depending on several factors:
- Number of implants needed
- Bone grafting
- Type of restoration
Dr. Sivaneri will provide a detailed estimate during your consultation.
Most dental insurance plans don’t cover the full cost of implant surgery. However, many plans provide partial coverage for the restoration portion of the treatment, such as the crown or bridge. Some plans also cover bone grafting and extractions. Our office will verify your benefits and explain your coverage before any treatment begins.
For patients without insurance, 615 Smile Design offers financing options through CareCredit. This allows you to pay for treatment in manageable monthly installments with little to no interest. We can help you find a payment plan that fits your budget.
Schedule Your Implant Consultation Today
Don’t wait to restore your smile and your quality of life. Explore the full benefits of implant treatment in our office. Call 615 Smile Design today at (615) 637-2878 for questions. You can also request an appointment online.
Dr. Sivaneri serves patients from Nashville, Belle Meade, Forest Hills, Franklin, Pegram, Dickson, Antioch, and the surrounding areas.