Dental Implants

How it Works

Nashville Restorative Dentistry uses advanced technology throughout the implant process to provide you with the best results.  Cone Beam CT scan 3D imagery is used to evaluate each case, allowing us to see the amount of remaining bone, determine enough space is available for an implant, and rule out the presence of any problematic anatomy of the jaw bone. CT imagery also allows us to plan the exact implant placement position that will be most successful for each individual case.  A 3D printed surgical guide is then created which allows us to surgically place an implant exactly according to plan, making for a more predictable and less invasive procedure and a quicker healing time for the patient.

Nashville Restorative Dentistry offers two different types of dental implants - titanium and zirconia. While both are effective, each has different attributes you should consider when selecting which one to use.

What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Successful and long-lasting - Decades of clinical research show the success rate of implants to be at or above 95%. Unlike other tooth replacement options like bridges and dentures which often fail over time, a properly placed implant that is well cared for with good dental hygiene should last a lifetime.

Natural and durable - A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth and is securely anchored in the jaw bone. This allows a new crown to be placed on the implant that naturally resembles the tooth that was lost and recreates the same biting force and ability to confidently eat. The tooth replacement can also be brushed and flossed just like a natural tooth.

No more loose dentures and partials - Implants can be used to support or anchor removable options like partials and dentures. This can significantly increase your comfort, chewing force, and ability to eat and talk without the concern of things shifting or coming loose.  In some cases, implants can be used to replace multiple teeth with an implant supported bridge and eliminate the need for wearing a partial altogether.

Save healthy neighboring teeth - Implants allow you to fill a missing space without grinding down the neighboring teeth to make a bridge, which can increase the chance of needing a root canal or tooth extraction over time. They also prevent undesired shifting or tipping of teeth that can occur if a space is left unfilled.

Value - Although the initial investment may be higher than alternative treatment choices, over a lifetime implants provide the most cost-effective and long term value of tooth replacement options.

How Can Implants be Used?

Replace a single tooth - The most common implant use is to replace a single missing tooth.  One implant is used to replace the root of a missing tooth and, after healing, an abutment and crown are attached to the implant to provide a natural appearing and fully functioning tooth replacement.

Replace multiple teeth in a row - In some cases when several teeth in a row have been lost, two implants can be placed and used as anchors for an implant bridge.  This allows for the replacement of multiple teeth without the unnecessary expense of placing an implant for each missing tooth.

Support or anchor a removable denture or partial - As few as two implants can be placed under an existing denture or partial to greatly increase its stability and your confidence.  The denture is modified or made to snap onto the implants underneath, preventing anything from coming loose while you’re eating, falling out while you’re talking, and eliminating the need for sticky and messy denture adhesives.  See some examples of cases we've completed.

All-on-4 , All-on-6 , All-on-X - Replacing all the teeth - If all of your teeth need to be replaced, as few as four to six implants in each jaw can be used to stabilize a bridge or hybrid denture that gives you a complete restoration of your teeth and ability to smile and eat with confidence.  In many cases, the failing teeth can be removed and implants and healing restoration can both be placed the same day - preventing you from ever being without teeth or wearing a denture.  Check out some of the amazing transformations we've completed.