Are you missing one or more permanent teeth? Do you need a more secure dental restoration? Dr. Kevin Sivaneri works with oral surgeons to place dental implants in Nashville, TN. Implants are high-quality dental restorations. A single dental implant consists of a titanium post, an attaching abutment, and a dental crown.
Dental implants can also secure a dental 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 dentistry treatment we provide to the public in Nashville.
Dental Implant Treatment in Nashville, TN
There are two types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant. They are titanium screw-shaped rods that are inserted directly into the jaw bone. Subperiosteal implants are a great option for patients with insufficient jaw bone tissue to support an implant. These implants are placed under the gum line but above the jawbone.
No matter the implant type, all implants can benefit patients with missing teeth. Dental implants support patients’ bone structure and can prevent facial sagging, which some patients experience when missing multiple teeth. Implant-secured restorations also look just like natural teeth because they use porcelain 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.
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. We can also provide patients with implant-supported or retained dentures. Before implant treatment, we take X-rays to determine the best places to place the implants. We will take impressions of the mouth to create a custom restoration.
To begin treatment, an oral surgeon places the implant in the prepared bone and then 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 replace the healing caps or temporary restoration with the final crown, bridge, or denture.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
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 a lifelong restoration you don’t have to worry about adjusting or replacing. Your implant may only need a replacement for the final restoration — usually a custom dental crown.
Advanced Dental 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 give you back around 30-40% of your bite function, while dental implants can give you back close to 100%. Foods like fresh fruits and vegetables are essential to your diet, but eating them with restorations like removable dentures is often difficult. You can eat a healthy, balanced diet with dental implants.
Implant posts prevent the jawbone from deteriorating further. 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. It prevents continued breakdown. With other restorations, the jawbone continues to break down and changes the shape of your face and fit of your restoration, requiring changes.
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. The face starts to sag in that area as the jawbone deteriorates with other replacement options.
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 known for their durability. Dentures and dental bridges often need replacement or readjustment because of the state of your jawbone and its continued deterioration. They’re a long-term, cost-effective replacement. You know all your costs upfront because they won’t incur more in the future. Dental implants should last you a lifetime as long as you properly care for your oral health.
Another benefit is that implants are easy to take care of. Dentures require adhesive and extra maintenance steps to ensure they’re cleaned properly. With dental implants, you just have to brush and floss your teeth as you would normally. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to ensure you don’t scratch or damage the restoration. Implant recipients can live hassle-free and be confident in their restoration.
Dental Implant FAQs
Learn more about implants with answers to these frequently asked questions:
How much are dental implants?
The cost of your dental implant treatment will depend on many factors, including the number of implants and what kind of restoration you require. Our dental team will review your options with you and help you stay within your budget.
Can I get dental implants if I already have a dental bridge or denture?
Patients can receive dental implants for a current restoration if the restoration is in good shape. Some patients may only need a single implant if they have a dental bridge.
How long do dental implants last?
The titanium implant posts can last many years if patients do not develop problems like gum disease or tooth decay. A dental crown, bridge, or denture can last much longer with the support of dental implants. Typically, dental restorations will need replacement before the implant post. Crowns can last 15 to 20 years.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
Do you want a more functional dental restoration? Call our office for implant treatment today at (615) 637-2878 or request a dental appointment with us online.