What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants provide a strong foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Who Should Consider Dental Implants?
Dental implants could be the right choice for:
- Individuals with missing teeth who desire a permanent solution.
- Those who want to restore their smile, confidence, and ability to chew properly.
- People looking for a long-term tooth replacement option.
Still unsure whether or not dental implants are the right choice for you?
Learn more in this article. If you think they may be the right choice, contact us to set up a consultation with our experienced surgeons to discuss your options.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Initial Consultation
Implant Placement
Healing Period
Abutment Placement
Placement of Replacement Teeth
One of our experienced oral surgeons will assess your oral health and determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
The implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, where they fuse with the bone over time.
It may take several months for the implants to integrate fully with the jawbone.
Once the implants have healed, abutments are attached to the implants to connect the replacement teeth.
Custom-made crowns, bridges, or dentures are securely attached to the abutments to complete the restoration.
Stages of the Process
The entire dental implant procedure process occurs in multiple stages. First, the dental implants are placed in your jawbone. For the next few months (usually 3-6) the implants are below the gum surface, slowly bonding with your jawbone. After the bonding occurs, your surgeons will uncover the implants and attach small posts that go through the gums and are used as anchors for the artificial teeth. Utilizing the latest advances in the dental implant field, our surgeons can put single-stage implants. These types of implants don't require a subsequent strategy to reveal them, yet require at least a month and a half of recuperating time before the artificial teeth are finally set.
A Common Complication
Leaving missing teeth untreated can cause severe jaw issues like resorption. This can lead to a severe lack of bone, which makes the dental implant procedure difficult and, sometimes, impossible. Luckily, through advanced surgical procedures, we can develop bone where it is lacking. This allows us to place implants of appropriate length and width and reestablish functionality of the jaw and aesthetic appearance.
This is done through a procedure called bone grafting. Typically a portion of bone will be taken from the skull, hip or tibia (underneath the knee) and used to reconstruct places lacking bone throughout the jaw. Sinus bone grafts are used to supplant bone in the back upper jaw. These procedures are performed in an operating room and require a hospital stay, which is why Tennessee Valley Oral Surgery has privileges at the University of Tennessee.
The cost of your dental implants will depend on a number of factors including how many you’re having placed, the state of the bone your surgeon will be drilling into, etc. We accept a variety of insurance plans (use bolded text to link to the insurance section of the general FAQ page), which would reduce your out-of-pocket cost. For more convenient financing, we also accept CareCredit and United Medical Credit. To have a better idea of what your specific procedure would cost, schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons.
How much do dental implants cost?
Dental Implants Frequently Asked Questions
While dental implants are a popular option for tooth replacement, not everyone is a candidate. Your oral surgeon will evaluate your oral health and bone density to determine if you are a suitable candidate.
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