Today’s dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. This appearance is aided in part by the structural and functional connection between the dental implant and the living bone. Implants are typically placed in a single sitting but require a period of osseointegration. Osseointegration is the process by which direct anchorage of a dental implant root and the bone of the jaw occur.

Osseointegrated implants are the most commonly used and successful type of dental implant. An osseointegrated implant takes anywhere from three to six months to anchor and heal, at which point the dentist can complete the procedure with the placement of a crown. Once the dental implant has anchored with the jawbone, the new implant-supported teeth may be attached and the process is complete. During the integration period, patients wear a temporary tooth – or teeth – for cosmetic reasons.

Pain Free With I.V. Sedation
For a relaxed, comfortable and pain free experience, Dr. Locante and staff are certified to provide conscious I.V. and oral conscious sedation dentistry. During sedation, patients are conscious but in a state of total relaxation in which no pain – none – is felt. The implant team carefully monitors the vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure comfort and safety at all times. One advantage of conscious sedation is an “amnesia effect” whereby most patients remember little or nothing of the dental procedure.

Cosmetic Dentistry Can Include Dental Implants
In many cases, dental implants are the preferred treatment for patients seeking a cosmetic solution for missing teeth. The front uppers and lowers are especially prime candidates since appearance is important to us all. The same functionality and excellent appearance applies here as well. Our Nashville dentist, Dr. Locante, is an expert at creating implants that appear just like the natural teeth.

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