Dental implants are made of titanium, which is a biocompatible metal
that is also used in joint replacements. Because of the compatibility,
the jawbone grows around the implant making it firm and stable.
Dental implant treatment offers firm, stable, and natural looking
teeth. Patients can eat almost anything they like and can smile
with confidence again. Dental implants also stop the destructive
bone loss process caused by trauma from wearing dentures.
Just about anyone with missing teeth is a candidate for dental implants.
The primary concern is one of physical health. Generally, uncontrolled
diabetics and cancer patients who have recently received radiation
therapy are not good candidates. Any other medical condition is
usually not a contraindication for dental implant treatment.
There is very minor discomfort with this procedure when performed
by a trained surgeon. We offer I.V. sedation and oral sedation dentistry,
in our Nashville, Tennessee, area office to ensure our patients
are pain free. Most of our patients find that they do quite well
with minor pain medication such as Ibuprofen (Advil) after the procedure.
Most patients return to their normal activities within a day of
their dental implant treatment.
The length of dental implant treatment varies and is determined
by the specific treatment required. In some cases, patients can
leave the office on the day of treatment with functioning teeth;
however, most treatment plans require four to six months. The majority
of the time is needed for the patient’s bone to “bond”
or “integrate” with the dental implant.
You are most likely experiencing a gradual bone loss process that
occurs when the teeth are extracted and tooth roots are missing.
Because tooth roots stimulate jawbone health, the jawbone starts
to shrink or melt away once the tooth roots are gone. Wearing a
denture greatly speeds up the bone loss process. Normally, the lower
jaw shrinks much faster than the upper jaw, causing the most problems.
Most patients complain of the inability to stabilize their lower
denture or to keep it in place. Therefore, they have problems with
eating, chewing, speaking, and even digestion. Many patients complain
of mouth sores as well.
Absolutely not. We would like for you to keep your dentures out
the day of treatment, but, thereafter, you can wear your dentures
throughout your treatment.
In choosing a professional for your implant treatment, it is important
to know the experience level of the dentist. Don’t be afraid
to ask how long the practitioner has been placing implants and how
many implants they have placed. Implant Dentistry is not currently
a separate dental specialty; therefore, just because a dentist is
a specialist in periodontal disease or oral surgery does not necessarily
mean they have adequate implant surgical experience. Also, ask about
board certification from the American Board of Oral Implantology
and active membership in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.
It depends on the insurance company and the type of coverage. Almost
every policy is different. Sometimes medical insurance will help
patients with the cost of dental implant treatment. This area is
one we are very familiar with, and we can help you with the determination
of your insurance benefit.
The cost is determined by several factors: the number and type of
dental implant needed, the amount of bone loss the patient has experienced,
and the type of final dental implant-supported teeth the patient
chooses. In your private consultation with Dr. Locante, he will
first review your X-rays and perform an oral examination. He will
then be able to discuss your specific treatment plan, length of
treatment, and total treatment fee.
Yes! We offer financing through CareCredit and CitiHealth. Both
companies offer interest fee financing options. Call us for more
information!
Yes. With the modern bone augmentation procedures available to us
today, even severe bone loss conditions can be helped. Usually,
with proper treatment, patients’ mouths can be restored to
normal function.
Dr. William Locante and the team of implant professionals in the
Nashville office offer expert placement and restoration of dental
implants. To learn more about dental implants, please contact our
Nashville, Tennessee, team today!
Contact
Dr. Locante today to schedule a consultation >>
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