Over the past two decades, dental implants in Tullahoma have become the premier solution for replacing missing teeth. Unlike other restorative options, implants replace the entire structure of the tooth above and below the gum line. This provides the strongest and most stable results as well as a completely natural appearance. They can be used to replace any number of teeth, and with the proper care, they can last over three decades. The best way to learn whether this is the right option for you is to schedule a consultation with your implant dentist in Tullahoma, Dr. Petty, today! Our team of dental professionals would love to answer any questions you may have!
At Petty Dental, our office partners with only the best local oral surgeons to place your dental implants. Once the surgery portion of your treatment is completed, you can return to our office to receive high-quality, custom-made restorations provided by Dr. Petty. To learn more about this treatment and what it could do for you, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
There is a clear process that is required if you are to receive dental implants. While your treatment plan is likely to be different than someone else’s, the fact is that you must complete the following four steps to ensure successful implant placement and longevity. Dr. Petty and our team are here to further explain the process of how dental implants work, so review the details and call us if you have any questions.
If you think that dental implants are what you want to replace your missing teeth, you’ll first meet with Dr. Petty. It is during this visit that he will take digital images of your smile as well as perform a visual examination. Combining his findings, he will go over whether you are eligible to move forward with dental implant surgery right away or if you must wait. Any signs of poor oral health or jawbone shrinkage will require additional treatment, such as bone grafting, a sinus lift, gum disease treatment, or tooth extraction.
Dr. Petty is pleased to partner with the best local implant dentists and oral surgeons. Their expertise will ensure that your dental implants are placed and positioned correctly for maximum support. Once you arrive at their office, you will receive local anesthesia to numb your mouth. They will then make small incisions in your gums so that each implant post can be put into place. Depending on how many posts you need, this process will take time.
Once your surgery is complete, your dentist will close your gum tissues and send you home to begin the recovery phase of treatment. This involves following specific instructions that will help you heal thoroughly and successfully. During a 4-6-month timeframe, osseointegration must occur, which is the fusing of your dental implants with your jawbone. This ensures that your new teeth are firmly in place. After you are fully healed, you will receive your metal abutments, which are attachments that are required to sit atop the implant post and help hold the restoration in place.
Dental implants can support crowns, bridges, or dentures, so whichever one Dr. Petty decides that you need is what you will receive. When preparing for placement, he will examine the restoration to ensure that it appears natural and blends in nicely with the rest of your smile. It will be secured to the top of the implant(s), creating a complete and functional smile you can be proud of.
There are countless advantages to dental implants. They come highly recommended by patients and professionals alike because they’re an ideal solution for nearly anybody suffering from tooth loss. Through the process of osseointegration, where the titanium posts naturally fuse with your jaw, they are able to prevent bone deterioration and promote long-term oral health. This also allows them to be the closest solution to your natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with total confidence.
By far, the greatest benefit of dental implants is that with routine oral hygiene by brushing twice each day and flossing, they can last decades. Although they have a higher up-front cost than, say dentures, they can actually save you money, time, and hassle down the road.
Whether you’re missing a single tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants can help. To be considered for the procedure, it’s important to have good oral and overall health and enough jawbone density to support the titanium posts. There are also preparatory procedures we can schedule to help with that. Once you’re approved to get dental implants by your dentist in Tullahoma, there will be a variety of new restorative solutions available to you.
If you have a single gap in your smile that needs a replacement tooth, an implant-retained custom-crafted crown is a great choice. Your existing teeth won’t have to be altered in the process, allowing you to maintain optimal oral health and preserve your natural smile.
If you’re missing multiple teeth or even an entire row, implants can still be the best solution to replace them. Unlike traditional bridges and partial dentures, implant-retained ones offer a longer-lasting and more stable solution.
With implant-retained dentures, a custom-made prosthetic is designed that simply snaps onto a set of implants placed into your mouth. This offers numerous advantages when compared to a traditional removable dentures such as added stability and a stronger bite.
Dental implants may have a higher up-front cost, but they’re an incredibly economical solution for patients looking for lasting results. Unlike other restorations that need to be replaced every five to ten years, implants can last decades with the proper care. Also, you won’t need to pay for all of your procedures upfront, just as you get them over several months.
At Petty Dental, we are firm believers that patients shouldn’t have to put their oral health on the back burner to not break their monthly budget. That’s why we offer additional financing options through CareCredit. Don’t hesitate to contact us, we’d be more than happy to walk you through the financing aspect of your procedure!
Before beginning the dental implant treatment, our team will need to make sure you’re free of any existing oral health problems that could pose an issue later on, such as gum disease, decay, or even insufficient jawbone density. If you require preliminary services like gum disease treatment, bone grafting, or tooth extractions, this can impact the overall cost of your procedure. The good news is that most insurance companies can help cover parts of these appointments. The surgery itself will also come with its unique price point, as our team has partnered with a local specialist to ensure you get the quality care you deserve.
Various factors that can influence the cost of your dental implant treatment include:
While choosing more traditional tooth replacements, like dental bridges or dentures, might seem like a more affordable option, you’ll want to consider the many advantages you can enjoy with dental implants. Yes, they come with a higher initial price, but they won’t require replacements as often as other solutions. You also won’t have to use special products to preserve them, which can become costly over time. Dental implants can also help you avoid oral health problems from arising as they’re easier to clean, and they can successfully preserve your youthful facial shape in the long run.
Dental insurance companies can help cover the cost of parts of your dental implants, but typically not the implants themselves. For instance, your provider can pay a portion of your final restoration or any preliminary treatments that you may have needed beforehand. Feel free to speak with your insurer or our team to learn if dental implants are included in your coverage plan and how to make the most of your benefits.
For those who aren’t currently insured, you can still look for alternative financing options to help minimize your out-of-pocket expenses. Our team is partnered with CareCredit, which can help split up the cost of your dental treatment into monthly payments instead. These plans also come with little to no interest, meaning you can save more while focusing on improving your smile.
If you’re ready to restore missing teeth and improve your quality of life, then it’s time to give our team a call to discover if dental implants are right for you! Of course, it’s only natural to have a few questions before you’re ready to commit to a treatment plan. We’ll be more than happy to address all your questions in person as we walk you through the entire process during your consultation. In the meantime, we’ve gathered some dental implant FAQs below so you can learn more about them. If you’d like to learn more or if you’re ready to schedule your next appointment, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Traditional tooth replacement options like dentures and dental bridges only last 5-10 years before they lose their fit and need to be replaced. On the other hand, since your dental implant is embedded into your jawbone and will actively work to keep it strong, your dental implant should never come loose or need to be replaced. In fact, most patients can easily expect their dental implants to last a lifetime with the proper care!
Practically anyone with missing teeth can get dental implants. You’ll need to be well enough to undergo minor oral surgery, be free of oral health issues like gum disease, and have adequate jawbone density. Even if you do not initially qualify for dental implants, preliminary procedures like periodontal therapy or a bone graft can get you on the path towards becoming a dental implant candidate.
There is no upper age limit for dental implants! As long as you are healthy and have a strong jawbone, we can help you replace any number of missing teeth. Many patients who are a bit older will naturally have jawbone deterioration, which can pose a threat to dental implants. Fortunately, with a bone graft, sinus lift, or ridge expansion from one of our trusted local specialists, we can help you achieve the strong, stable smile you deserve.
We do not recommend dental implants for patients who are under the age of 18 years old. Dental implants fuse with the jawbone in order to stay in place, but a young adult’s jawbone will continue to grow and change until about the age of 18. To ensure your teenager’s tooth replacement is successful, we will wait to place a dental implant until we are certain their jawbone has stopped developing.
At first, hearing that getting dental implants requires minor oral surgery may sound somewhat intimidating. But we’re here to put your fears to rest and reassure you that you have nothing to worry about. In fact, most patients are pleasantly surprised at how easy and comfortable the procedure is! We entrust this vital part of your dental implant treatment to trusted local specialists, who will take every precaution to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while having your dental implants placed.