Dental Implants

The Best Tooth Loss Solution Available                                                    

Tooth loss is a common issue, affecting over 178 million Americans. While the immediate effects of tooth loss can make it harder to eat, speak, and confidently smile, its long-term effects can be potentially devastating to your health. Untreated tooth loss increases your risk of gum disease, misalignment, tooth decay, and other health issues that can spread beyond your mouth and negatively affect the rest of your body.

While there’s a wide variety of tooth loss treatments available, not all of them are created equal. Crowns and bridges as well as dentures and partial dentures can be helpful in restoring the appearance of your smile, but they don’t adequately protect you against the problems caused by tooth loss. If you want to permanently restore your smile while giving yourself the best protection available against tooth loss-related health issues, the Drs. Starbody invite you to explore the benefits of dental implant solutions.

What Are Dental Implants?                                                    

Dental implants are lifelike dental restorations attached to small screw-like posts that are usually made of titanium. These posts are surgically implanted into your jaw, where they fuse to the bone in a process called osseointegration. Thanks to their design and installation process, dental implants have the potential to completely restore the look and function of your smile.

Benefits of Dental Implants                                                    

There are numerous benefits to dental implant solutions that make our expert dentists recommend them to patients who have experienced tooth loss. Some of those benefits are as follows:

                                                     
• Stability – Dental implants are surgically inserted into your jawbone, providing your restorations with a stable foundation. This prevents them from slipping around and falling out.
• Natural Appearance – Dental implants are customized to match the look of your natural teeth, allowing them to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
• Stain Resistance – Implant restorations are stain-resistant, helping them look pristine for many years to come.
• Versatility – Restorations for dental implants can come in the form of crowns, bridges, or even dentures. Regardless of your choice, we’ll tailor your dental implant solution to your unique needs.
• Permanence – While the restorations may need to be replaced due to regular wear and tear, with proper dental hygiene and regular dental exams, the titanium posts can last twenty years to a lifetime.
• Resorption Prevention – Unlike other restorations, the titanium fixture of a dental implant is designed to mimic the root of a tooth, stimulating the jawbone and preventing bone deterioration, or resorption. This helps preserve the health of your jawbone, prevent premature wrinkles, and keep your gums and other teeth healthy.
• Eat, Speak, And Smile With Confidence — With dental implant solutions, you can confidently do all the things you did with your natural teeth, such as eating your favorite foods, speaking clearly, and showing people your best smile.
                                                   

The Dental Implant Process                                                    

Consultation

Before having your dental implant solution installed, you’ll undergo a consultation with our expert dentists. During your consultation, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth, review your medical history, and discuss your oral health goals with you. The information your dentist gathers will allow them to determine if dental implants are right for you. They’ll also let you know about all of your treatment options, so you can make an informed decision that suits your unique oral health needs. Our team is certified and trained on the best practices of implants, so rest assured, we have you covered.

Designing Your Dental Implant Solution                                                    

Once both you and your dentist have decided that dental implant solutions are right for you, we’ll take images and impressions of your teeth that will serve as the blueprints for your dental implants. We’ll send these images and impressions to a special lab, where your custom-made dental implants will be crafted.

Installing Your Dental Implants                                                    

Before your restorations can be fully installed, your implants will be surgically inserted into your jaw. We’ll apply a local anesthetic before the procedure begins, so you don’t feel any pain while your doctor works. We also offer sedation dentistry options if you’re prone to dental phobia or anxiety. Your dentist will discuss possible sedation methods that we can use during your procedure at your initial consultation.

Once we’ve ensured your anesthetic is working properly, your dentist will drill small holes into your gums to gain access to your jawbone. Your implants will be inserted into these holes and you’ll return to have your restorations attached once your implants have fully osseointegrated. This process usually takes three to six months.

Attaching Your Restorations                                                    

Once the osseointegration process is complete, you’ll return to have your restorations installed. Your dentist will attach your restoration to the implant with a connector piece called an abutment. You’ll be able to leave our Murfreesboro office that day with your newly restored smile.                                                                                                      

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I eat after having my dental implants installed?                                                                                                            

After your implants are installed, you’ll need to be mindful of your diet for at least two weeks. You should also wait until after your anesthetic has worn off before trying to eat solid food again, or you might bite down too hard and damage your mouth, cheeks, gums, or your new restorations.                                                        

When you do start eating again, stick to soft foods like:

                                                         
• Jell-O
• Soft and ripe fruit
• Cooked vegetables
• Soup
• Smoothies
• Cooked pasta
• Mashed potatoes
• Applesauce
                                                       

As for what you should drink, stick to liquids that are:

                                                         
• Low on sugar
• Non-carbonated
• Room temperature
• Non-alcoholic
                                                       

Following these guidelines will help you prevent sensitivity, preserve your dental implants, and keep the healing process on schedule.

‍What’s the success rate of dental implants?                                                                                                            

Dental implants tend to have a high success rate, usually around95 to 98 percent. Complications from dental implants are usually rare and easy to treat. Your dentist will ensure you receive a rigorous evaluation to determine your candidacy for dental implants before going forward with the process.                                                      

‍Am I a candidate for dental implants?                                                                                                            

You may be a candidate for dental implant solutions if:                                                        

                                                         
• You’ve experienced tooth loss
• You have sufficient gum tissue and bone density
• You want a long-lasting solution to tooth loss that will boost your self-confidence
• You’re committed to practicing a regular oral hygiene routine and attending bi-annual dental exams at Murfreesboro, TN office
                                                       

We will be sure to review your medical history and ask you questions about allergies, drug resistance, your overall health, and other factors to determine your candidacy.

‍What is the average cost of dental implants?                                                                                                            

The costs of your dental implant solution will vary based on factors such as your oral health, the number of implants you require, and your insurance. We encourage you to contact your insurance provider beforehand and ask them if they can cover some or all of the cost of your dental implants. To help make your treatment more affordable, we also offer third-party financing throughCareCredit.                                                      

Choose Dental Implant Solutions For A Full, Healthy Smile

At our Murfreesboro practice, our talented dentists offer long-lasting dental implant solutions so you can smile your brightest, eat what you want, speak clearly, and protect your oral health. To learn more about how dental implants can transform your smile for the better, contact our Murfreesboro, TN office by dialing (615) 896-1330 or fill out the contact form on the bottom right of the page. With dental implant solutions, we can help you feel confident and smile your best for many years to come.