Are you missing one or more permanent teeth? Do you need a more secure dental restoration? Dr. Kevin Sivaneri works with top oral surgeons to offer the best dental implant services in Nashville, TN. Implants are high-quality dental restorations that consist of a titanium post, an attaching abutment, and a dental crown.
Dental implants can also permanently secure a bridge or denture. Bridges replace one or more consecutive missing teeth, and dentures can restore full arches of lost teeth. Tooth implants are a restorative dental treatment we provide to our patients with missing teeth.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small, strong posts made of titanium that act like the roots of missing teeth. They’re placed directly into your jawbone and provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth. Once they heal, we attach a connector called an abutment. This piece connects the implant post to the restoration it supports.
Implants can support crowns, bridges, or dentures. Because they fuse with your bone through a process called osseointegration, implants are secure and function just like natural teeth.
Types of Dental Implants
The two main types of dental implants are endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal implants are the most common type. These implants are titanium screw-shaped rods that we insert directly into the jawbone.
Subperiosteal implants are a great option for patients who don’t have enough healthy jaw bone tissue to support an implant. We place these implants under the gum line but above the jawbone.
We offer dental implants to replace single or multiple missing teeth. You can get a single tooth implant in our Nashville office, capped by a dental crown. If you have one or more consecutive missing teeth, we may recommend an implant bridge. We can also provide implant-supported or retained dentures.
Our office can also coordinate care for All-On-4 or All-On-6 dental implants, which secure arches of missing teeth. We can use as few as 4 or 6 implant posts to secure an upper or lower arch of lost teeth. All-On-4 and All-On-6 utilize your natural bone and reduce your need for bone grafting.
The Benefits of Dental Implants in Nashville, TX
Dental implants are the gold standard of tooth replacement. They offer so many benefits that other solutions can’t match. Implants are the only method that replaces the tooth root and the visible crown.
They’re also a lifelong restoration. You don’t have to worry about adjusting or replacing your restoration. Your implant might only need one replacement for the final restoration during your lifetime.
Advanced Function and Jawbone Preservation
Because they replace the tooth root, you get more function out of your smile when you replace missing teeth with dental implants. You can eat, speak, and chew without worrying about your restoration slipping or falling out. They have the stability that other restorations don’t, mimicking the functionality of your natural teeth.
Removable dentures can restore 30-40% of your bite function, but implants can restore close to 100%. It can be hard to eat fresh fruits and vegetables with removable dentures because they can be hard and crunchy, but you can eat a healthy, balanced diet with dental implants.
Implant posts also prevent jawbone deterioration. Once you lose a tooth root, the jawbone immediately begins to break down in that area. Implants stimulate jawbone growth as they integrate with the bone structure to prevent continued breakdown.
The jawbone continues to break down with other restorations. Jawbone loss changes the shape of your face and the fit of your restoration.
Improved Self-Confidence and Aesthetics
Missing teeth can damage your self-confidence. Dental implants provide a natural-looking smile by blending seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. We custom-make each implant based on the size, shape, and shade of the rest of your teeth. With other replacement options, your face can sag once your jaw bone breaks down.
The facial muscles rely on the bone structure to support and keep the face filled out. You keep a more youthful appearance when the face stays full with implants.
Long-Lasting and Convenient
Dental implants are durable. Dentures and bridges often need replacement or readjustment every few years because they don’t support your changing jaw.
Dental implants are a long-term and cost-effective replacement. You know all your costs upfront because they won’t incur more in the future. Implants should last a lifetime as long as you properly care for your oral health.
Another benefit is that implants offer easy care. Traditional dentures need adhesive and extra maintenance to keep them clean and healthy.
With dental implants, you just brush and floss your teeth as you would normally. When you brush, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to ensure you don’t scratch or damage the restoration. Because implants last a lifetime, they can improve your quality of life and self-confidence.
The Dental Implant Process at 615 Smile Design
Implants are a multi-step process. Dr. Sivaneri and our team guide you through each part of treatment so you know what to expect.
Step 1: Exam and Preparation
Before any dental implant procedure, we start with a thorough exam to make sure your mouth and jaw are ready. Dr. Sivaneri takes detailed X-rays and 3D imaging to determine the ideal placement for your implant and to assess whether any pretreatment is needed, such as a bone graft or sinus lift.
Next, we take custom impressions of your teeth. These help us design your single crown, a bridge, or a full denture so it fits perfectly in your mouth. Dr. Sivaneri also works with you to color-match your restoration to your natural teeth.
Step 2: Implant Placement and Healing
Once your mouth is prepared, we coordinate with a trusted oral surgeon to place the implant directly into your jawbone. A small healing cap or temporary restoration is added to protect the implant site.
During a process called osseointegration, the titanium implant fuses securely with your jawbone. This step is critical because it ensures your dental implant functions just like a natural tooth root. It usually takes about 3 to 6 months for the implants to heal.
Step 3: Final Restoration
After your implants have fully integrated with your jaw, we attach abutments to the implants. Your gums are allowed to heal around these abutments before the final step.
Finally, we place your permanent restoration carefully designed to match your bite, shape, and color. Dr. Sivaneri will ensure your new restoration looks and feels right.
Patient Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about dental implants in our Nashville, TN, dental office with answers to these common questions:
Am I a Good Fit for Dental Implants?
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you’re likely a good candidate for dental implants. The only thing you’ll need is enough healthy jawbone to support the implant and a healthy mouth.
Don’t worry if you’ve lost some bone because we can often do a bone graft to strengthen the area first. During your consultation, Dr. Sivaneri will check your oral health and let you know if implants are the best option for you.
How Much Are Dental Implants?
The cost of dental implants in Nashville depends on a few things, such as:
- Whether you need pretreatments such as bone grafts or tooth extractions.
- The number of implants
- The type of restoration you choose, like a crown, bridge, or denture.
Other factors can also affect the total price. During your visit, we’ll go over the details and give you a clear estimate. We’ll also discuss payment options to make it easier to fit implants into your budget. While they may seem like a bigger expense upfront, implants are a long-term solution that’s worth it for many patients.
Can I Get Implants if I Already Have a Dental Bridge or Denture?
Yes, you can still get implants if you already have a bridge or dentures. Implants can secure your current restoration if it’s in good shape. They can also support a new one to give you more stability and comfort. For instance, if you have a bridge, sometimes just one implant can provide extra support.
For dentures, you can switch to implant-supported ones that snap into place without needing sticky adhesives. We’ll check the condition of your existing bridge or denture and recommend the best way to make implants work for you.
How Long Do Implants Last?
The implant posts should last you a lifetime if you take good care of your gums. Keeping up with brushing, flossing, and checkups will help prevent problems that can affect the bone and tissue around the implants.
The crowns, bridges, or dentures attached to the implants usually need to be replaced every 15 to 20 years because of normal wear and tear. With regular cleanings and good oral care, your implants and restorations can stay in great shape for many years.
Will Getting Dental Implants Hurt?
Not at all! We use local anesthesia during the procedure, so you won’t feel any pain. Afterward, you might have some mild soreness or swelling, but most people find it easy to manage with over-the-counter pain relievers. Many patients are surprised by how smooth the recovery is.
Can I Get Implants if I Smoke?
Smoking can make it harder for implants to heal properly and may increase the risk of problems. If you smoke, we’ll work with you to reduce these risks. Sometimes, we might suggest quitting smoking before starting the implant process to give you the best chance of success.
What if My Implant Doesn’t Work?
Dental implants have a very high success rate, but there’s always a small chance of issues. For example, the implant not bonding with the bone or an infection developing. If that happens, we’ll remove the implant, fix any problems, and create a new plan to replace your tooth. Your comfort and a successful outcome are always our top goals.
Schedule an Implant Consultation Today
Do you want a long-lasting dental restoration? Call 615 Smile Design Studio for the best dental implants in Nashville today at (615) 637-2878. You can also schedule an appointment with us online. We serve patients from Harpeth Path, Devon Highlands, and Belle Meade.