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Dental Implants & Sedation Dentistry -
Memphis, Tennessee
Do missing teeth make it difficult for you to chew or leave you feeling awkward about your appearance? Wouldn’t it be nice to have a full, permanent set of teeth again—teeth that look and function just like your real teeth? Dental implants can do just that. Forget about bridges and the hassle of removable dentures. Dental implants, placed in our Cordova, Tennessee office near Memphis, can give you back a full set of strong, healthy teeth and make you feel good about smiling again.
Not only will dental implants placed by our Memphis, Tennessee, team give you a natural, healthy smile, but they will also help preserve bone mass around the implant site. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement procedure proven to both prevent bone loss and stimulate new bone growth.
Same Day Teeth
For patients desiring a more beautiful smile without the waiting time required for traditional dental implants, we are pleased to offer the option of "Same Day Teeth." Also known as Immediate Function Implants, "Same Day Teeth" eliminate the four to six month implant integration period usually required before new teeth can be placed. Thanks to "Same Day Teeth," many patients are able to leave our office with a new smile after just one visit. Set up a consultation at Southern Dental Implant Center to find out if you're a good candidate for this revolutionary procedure.
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Comfort and Convenience
The professional team at the Southern Dental Implant Center makes the dental implant process easy. We guide you through each step of the implant process, from placing the dental implant to restoring the final tooth. And to ensure your complete comfort during the dental implant procedure, we offer I.V. sedation dentistry at our Memphis, Tennessee area office. We invite you to learn more about dental implants and sedation dentistry by reading the information below. If you have further questions please feel free to email the Southern Dental Implant Center or call us at 901-756-0078.
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What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a replacement for a missing natural tooth root. The implant post is anchored in the jawbone, allowing a natural looking artificial tooth to be attached to it. The anchor stimulates the growth of new bone and gum around it, bonding the implant firmly in place. The final result is a remarkably strong, stable tooth that looks just like a natural tooth.
Why are my dentures not fitting anymore? They used to fit when I first got them.
You are most likely experiencing a gradual bone loss process that occurs when the teeth are extracted and tooth roots are missing. Because tooth roots stimulate jawbone health, the jawbone starts to shrink or melt away once the tooth roots are gone. Wearing a denture greatly speeds up the bone loss process. Normally, the lower jaw shrinks much faster than the upper jaw, causing the most problems.
What kind of problems will I experience with dentures when this bone loss occurs?
Most patients complain of the inability to stabilize their lower denture or to keep it in place. Therefore, they have problems with eating, chewing, speaking, and even digestion. Many patients complain of mouth sores as well.
What are dental implants made of?
Dental implants are made of titanium, which is a biocompatible metal that is also used in joint replacements. Because of the compatibility, the jawbone grows around the implant making it firm and stable.
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How do I select an implant dentist?
In choosing a professional for your implant treatment, it is important to know the experience level of the dentist. Don’t be afraid to ask how long the practitioner has been placing implants and how many implants they have placed. Implant Dentistry is not currently a separate dental specialty; therefore, just because a dentist is a specialist in periodontal disease or oral surgery does not necessarily mean they have adequate implant surgical experience. Also, ask about board certification from the American Board of Oral Implantology and active membership in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.
Who is a candidate for dental implants?
Just about anyone with missing teeth is a candidate for dental implants. The primary concern is one of physical health. Generally, uncontrolled diabetics and cancer patients who have recently received radiation therapy are not good candidates. Any other medical condition is usually not a contraindication for dental implant treatment.
Does insurance cover the dental implant procedure?
It depends on the insurance company and the type of coverage. Almost every policy is different. Sometimes medical insurance will help patients with the cost of dental implant treatment. This area is one we are very familiar with, and we can help you with the determination of your insurance benefit.
How much does the dental implant procedure cost?
The cost is determined by several factors: the number and type of dental implant needed, the amount of bone loss the patient has experienced, and the type of final dental implant-supported teeth the patient chooses. In your private consultation with Dr. Locante, he will first review your X-rays and perform an oral examination. He will then be able to discuss your specific treatment plan, length of treatment, and total treatment fee.
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Is financing available for dental implants?
Yes! We offer a one-year interest fee financing option as well as a discount for cash payment made at the beginning of dental implant treatment. Long-term financing is available as well.
Is the dental implant procedure painful?
There is very minor discomfort with this procedure when performed by a trained surgeon. We offer I.V. sedation dentistry in our Memphis, Tennessee, area office to ensure our patients are pain free. Most of our patients find that they do quite well with minor pain medication such as Ibuprofen (Advil) after the procedure. Most patients return to their normal activities within a day of their dental implant treatment.
Do I have to go without my dentures during my dental implant treatment?
Absolutely not. We would like for you to keep your dentures out the day of treatment, but, thereafter, you can wear your dentures throughout your treatment.
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How long does the dental implant treatment take?
The length of dental implant treatment varies and is determined by the specific treatment required. In some cases, patients can leave the office on the day of treatment with functioning teeth; however, most treatment plans require four to six months. The majority of the time is needed for the patient's bone to "bond" or "integrate" with the dental implant.
I have been told I do not have "enough bone" for dental implants. Is there anything your Memphis, Tennessee, team can do?
Yes. With the modern bone augmentation procedures available to us today, even severe bone loss conditions can be helped. Usually, with proper treatment, patients' mouths can be restored to normal function.
What are the primary benefits of dental implants?
Dental implant treatment offers people firm, stable, and natural looking teeth. Patients can eat almost anything they like and can smile with confidence again. Dental implants also stop the destructive bone loss process caused by trauma from wearing dentures.
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Would you like to learn more about dental implants at our Cordova, Tennessee practice?
Dr. William Locante and the team of implant professionals at the Southern Dental Implant Center offer expert placement and restoration of dental implants at our office in Cordova, Tennessee, just outside Memphis. To learn more about dental implants, please contact our Memphis, Tennessee, team today!
I.V. Sedation Dentistry
To ensure you feel comfortable, relaxed, and free from pain during the dental implant procedure, the dentists at the Southern Dental Implant Center are certified to provide conscious I.V. sedation dentistry at our Memphis, Tennessee, area office. During sedation, you will be conscious but in a state of total relaxation in which you feel no pain. Our implant team will carefully monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure your safety at all times. One advantage of conscious sedation is an “amnesia effect,” whereby most patients remember little to nothing of their dental procedure following treatment. If you would like to learn more about sedation dentistry at our Memphis, Tennessee, area office, please contact the Southern Dental Implant Center today.
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