NATURAL-LOOKING DENTAL IMPLANTS in Nashville

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a titanium post that fuses with your jawbone to act as a root for your new artificial tooth — this process is called osseointegration and it prevents your jawbone from losing density. Because they’re completely resistant to infection, implants also help keep your mouth and gums free of hazards such as decay and gum disease.

Once they’re in place, dental implants offer a natural-looking and permanent solution to tooth loss.

What Is the Dental Implant Process?

The dental implant process at Dentistry of Nashville consists of three simple steps:

• Placement — During this first step, Dr. Fleming will surgically place your implant directly in your jawbone. One it’s been placed, a temporary crown is attached to protect the surgical area.
• Recovery — Your implant will now need a recovery period before any further actions are taken. This is the stage where osseointegration occurs between your jawbone and your implant, creating a strong foundation for your new replacement crown.
• Restoration — Once your implant has had enough time to properly heal and fuse with your jawbone, you’ll return to Dr. Fleming so he can attach the abutment (a small connecting piece) and top it with a porcelain crown. At this point, the process is complete and you can leave our office ready to show off your fully restored smile.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Although dental implants are often the best choice for tooth replacement, not everyone immediately qualifies for the procedure. The benefits of dental implants don’t work if your mouth isn’t healthy.

If you have insufficient jawbone mass or infected gums, you could still be a candidate for dental implants. However, you might need to undergo a supplemental treatment to prepare your smile  for the implant process. The most common supplemental procedures are bone grafting and gum disease treatment, which Dr. Fleming can provide here in our office.