Dental Implants Clarksville TN

Dental Implant Introduction

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Today, dental implants have become one of the most predictable tooth replacements available.

Dr. Lee, Dr. Lilly and Dr. DeFelice specialize in immediate placement and immediate loading of dental implants, in addition to traditional implant placement techniques. They will decide with you and your restorative dentist if you are a candidate for any of these treatment options. For more information, or to make an appointment, please call us: Clarksville TN Oral Surgery Office Phone Number 931-552-3292.

Importance of Dental Implants

When a person loses a tooth, the body starts reabsorbing the jaw bone that used to hold that tooth in place because the body thinks it does not need that tooth anymore. Therefore, dental implants help preserve facial structure by preventing jaw bone deterioration by fooling the body into thinking that the tooth is still in place.

Dental Implant Placement Procedure

The placement of dental implants usually involves one or two surgical procedures, depending on the patient’s anatomy. First, implants are placed within your jaw bone. For the first three to four months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jaw bone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time.

After the implant has bonded to the jaw bone, the second phase begins. Our surgeons will uncover the implants and attach small posts, which will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. These posts protrude through the gums. When the artificial teeth are placed, these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes four to eight months. However, recent advances have shortened the healing times. Dr. Lee, Dr. Lilly and Dr. DeFelice can discuss this with you during your initial consultation. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

Advanced Dental Implant Technology

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, our surgeons are able to place single-stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction, further minimizing the number of surgical procedures. Advances in dental implant technology have made it possible, in select cases, to extract teeth and place implants with crowns at one visit. This procedure, called immediate loading, greatly simplifies the surgical process. Dental implants implementation are a team effort between an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and a Restorative Dentist. While Dr. Lee, Dr. Lilly and Dr. DeFelice perform the actual implant surgery, and initial tooth extractions and bone grafting if necessary, the restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis that is placed on top of the implant. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

Our surgeons perform in-office implant surgery in a state-of-the-art office based surgical facility. For patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs, outpatient surgery can be performed in the hospital setting.

The majority of dental implants and bone grafting can be performed in the office under local anesthesia and/or IV general anesthesia.

Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists.

Dental Implant Information

Dental implants are changing the way people live. With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life. For more information about dental implants or to schedule a consultation appointment, call our office in Clarksville, TN at Clarksville TN Oral Surgery Office Phone Number 931-552-3292.