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. Tooth bridges replace one or more consecutive missing teeth, and dentures can restore full arches of lost teeth. Dental 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.
Tooth 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.
Common 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 office, capped with 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.
Better Bite Function and Bone Health
Implants restore nearly 100% of your natural biting force. Removable dentures only give you back 30-40%. That means you can eat crunchy fruits, fresh vegetables, and tough meats without worry. Implants also prevent jawbone deterioration. When you lose a tooth root, your jawbone starts to break down. Implants fuse with your bone and stop that loss, keeping your face from sagging over time.
Natural Look and Lasting Confidence
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 to match the size, shape, and shade of your other 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.
Easy Care and Long-Term Value
Unlike dentures that need messy adhesives, implants are easy to clean. Just brush and floss like you would with natural teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to protect the restoration. Implants are a cost-effective choice because you pay upfront and avoid future replacement costs.
The Dental Implant Process at 615 Smile Design
Implants are a multi-step process. Dr. Sivaneri and our team guide you through each step of the dental implant process in Nashville 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
Read answers to common questions about dental implants in our Nashville, TN, dental office.
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:
- 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 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 example, if you have a bridge, sometimes just one implant can provide extra support.
If you have dentures, you can switch to implant-supported ones that snap into place without needing sticky adhesives. We’ll assess the condition of your existing bridge or denture and recommend the best way to use implants to support your smile.
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. You may have some mild soreness or swelling directly after treatment, but our office will recommend that you take over-the-counter pain relievers.
Can I Get Implants if I Smoke?
Smoking can make it harder for implants to heal properly and may increase the risk of failure. If you smoke, vape, or use tobacco products, we’ll work with you to reduce these risks. You want to stop using tobacco products before you get implants for the best chance of success.
What if My Implant Doesn’t Work?
Implant failure is rare. Dental implants have a success rate of over 95%, which is very high. But like any medical procedure, there is a small chance of problems. The most common issue is that the implant does not fully bond with the jawbone. Infection or smoking can also increase the risk of failure.
We ensure you’re healthy and not smoking when you receive your implants. If you do experience failed implants, we’ll fix any underlying issues and help you heal first before treatment.
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.