Dental Implants in Nashville, TN

The surgery itself is painless because of local anesthesia or IV sedation. Most patients describe feeling pressure and vibration but no pain. After surgery, mild soreness (similar to a tooth extraction) is normal for 3-7 days and easily managed with over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Many patients are surprised by how comfortable the experience is.

Typical costs range from $3,000-$5,000 per tooth, including the titanium post, abutment, and custom crown. This is an investment, but compared to replacing dentures every 5-7 years, implants are often more economical long-term. Many Tennessee insurance plans cover 40-80% as a restorative procedure. We offer interest-free financing for qualifying patients to make implants accessible.

The titanium implant post is designed to last your lifetime—it doesn't decay. Custom crowns typically last 10-15 years, though many last longer with proper care. Compared to dentures (which need replacement every 5-7 years) or bridges (which last 7-10 years), implants offer exceptional longevity and value.

Many Tennessee insurance plans cover implants as a restorative procedure, typically covering 40-80% of costs. Some plans have waiting periods or annual maximums. We check your coverage before beginning treatment and assist with pre-authorizations so there are no surprises. Financing and payment plans are also available.

Yes! Bone grafting can rebuild jawbone in areas with insufficient density. The grafted bone is allowed to integrate (usually 4-6 months) before implant placement. While this adds time and cost, it makes implants possible for people who thought they weren't candidates. We evaluate your specific situation with 3D imaging and can discuss whether grafting is right for you.

Physical recovery is quick: swelling peaks at 24-48 hours and resolves within 1-2 weeks. You can return to normal activities within 1-2 days. The longest phase is bone integration (osseointegration), which takes 3-6 months—but you don't feel anything during this time. From start to finish, most patients have a functional restored smile within 4-7 months.

Dentures and dental bridges are alternatives. Dentures are removable and require daily cleaning; they shift over time as bone recedes. Bridges require grinding down healthy adjacent teeth and last 7-10 years. Implants are more durable, don't require damaging other teeth, and feel like natural teeth. For most patients, implants offer the best long-term solution, though bridges or dentures may be chosen due to budget or timing.

Absolutely. At Nations Dental Studio, we custom-design each crown to match your bite, shade, contour, and surrounding teeth. We use premium materials and work closely with our lab to ensure your implant crown looks completely indistinguishable from natural teeth. Most people won't know it's an implant.

Implant failure is rare (less than 5% with proper candidates and technique). If an implant fails early, your oral surgeon can assess and, in most cases, place a new implant once the site heals. Smoking, poor oral hygiene, uncontrolled diabetes, and bone loss increase failure risk. Following post-op instructions and maintaining good oral care minimize complications.

Yes. Some patients need implants to replace multiple individual teeth, while others get implant-supported dentures or full-mouth restorations (like All-on-4 or All-on-6 procedures). Each situation is unique. We'll evaluate your specific needs and discuss what's possible and best for your goals and budget.

Significantly. Smoking constricts blood vessels, reducing oxygen and nutrient flow to healing bone, which dramatically increases implant failure risk. We strongly recommend quitting at least 2 weeks before surgery and maintaining abstinence during the entire 3-6 month healing period. If you smoke, discuss this openly with us—we can provide resources and support.

Treat it like a natural tooth: brush twice daily, floss once daily, and attend regular dental checkups every 6 months. Avoid biting on hard objects (ice, hard candy, pens). With proper care and hygiene, your implant crown will provide decades of service.