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 that are missing teeth.
Dental Implants in Nashville, TN
Dentists offer two types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal implants are the most common type. These implants are titanium screw-shaped rods we insert directly into the jaw bone.
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.
No matter the implant type, all implants can benefit patients with missing teeth. Dental implants support bone structure and can prevent facial sagging, which some patients experience when missing many teeth. Implant-secured restorations also look like natural teeth because they use porcelain or ceramic materials.
These materials are color-matched to blend in with the shade of natural teeth. Patients also find it much easier to bite and chew with implants because they support teeth at the root.
Dental Implant Treatment
We offer dental implants to replace single or multiple missing teeth. Our office can also coordinate care for All-On-4 or All-On-6 dental implants, which secure arches of missing teeth. Additionally, we can provide implant-supported or retained dentures.
We will take X-rays to find the best location for implant placement before surgery. Then, we will take impressions of the mouth to create a custom restoration.
An oral surgeon places the implant in the prepared bone to begin the dental implant procedure. Then, the surgeon places a healing cap or temporary restoration. During a period called osseointegration, the implant fuses with the jaw bone.
Once the implants have healed, we will place the abutments on the restoration. After your gums heal, we will replace the healing caps or temporary restoration with the final crown, bridge, or denture.
The Benefits of Dental Implants in Nashville, TX
Dental implants are the gold standard of tooth replacement. They come with so many benefits that other solutions can’t compete with. 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 around 30 to 40% of your bite function, but implants can restore close to 100%.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are essential to your diet. However, eating them with removable dentures is often difficult. 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.
With other restorations, the jawbone continues to break down. Jaw bone 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 as they blend 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 are easy to care for. 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 brushing, 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.
Dental Implant FAQs
Learn more about dental implants in our Nashville, TN 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 depends on a few things, such as:
- Whether you need extra treatments such as bone grafts or tooth extractions.
- How many implants you’ll need.
- 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.
Get a Dental Exam Today
Do you want a long-lasting dental restoration? Call 615 Smile Design Studio for implant treatment 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.