Dental Implants FAQ Knoxville, TN Dentist

Dental Implant FAQs

Learn answers to commonly asked questions about the dental implant procedure in our Knoxville, TN dental office:

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are small biocompatible titanium posts that replace missing teeth. The implant acts as a prosthetic root and is surgically implanted into the jaw bone. Once the implant is healed, a custom-fabricated ceramic dental restoration will be attached for a natural, functional, and long-lasting missing tooth replacement.

Are dental implants right for me? 

Periodontist Dr. Robert Cain offers complimentary dental implant consultations. There is no right treatment for any oral health concern. We treat each patient individually.

Some patients aren’t eligible for dental implants, either. Certain oral health or medical conditions can prevent you from getting the surgery. Bone density is the biggest factor when we’re examining whether someone is eligible for implants. Without proper bone density, the implants won’t be successful. Bone grafting procedures are available if we find that your bone density isn’t sufficient.

Are dental implants expensive? 

Dental implants involve investing in oral health, overall well-being, and quality of life. Dental implants may be more costly upfront but commonly require no additional maintenance during your lifetime.

Other missing tooth replacement options such as dentures or bridges can be lost or broken or ill-fitting resulting in the need for new restorations to be fabricated at an additional charge.

Our Knoxville, TN dental care team will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits and help you find 3rd party financing if necessary.

What are the benefits of dental implants? 

Dental implants offer patients many long-term oral health benefits:

  • 98% Success rate
  • Improved speech
  • Prevents further bone loss
  • Stabilizes oral foundation
  • Full function chewing
  • Protects surrounding teeth
  • Natural-looking

Does the dental implant procedure hurt? 

Most patients find that the dental implant procedure is surprisingly comfortable. Dr. Cain provides sedation dentistry options for optimal comfort and ease during your procedure. After the procedure, you’ll experience some soreness and discomfort. Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication can help you manage this as you heal.

Does my insurance cover dental implants? 

Unfortunately, many insurance companies do not cover dental implants. Our compassionate and knowledgeable staff will work with you to maximize your coverage. Our Knoxville periodontal office also offers 3rd party financing through CareCredit for manageable monthly payments.

How long do dental implants take to heal? 

Dental implants generally take 3-6 months to heal completely and fuse to your bone. Once healed, a dental restoration will be custom designed and permanently fitted for your final tooth replacement.

How long does it take to get dental implants?

The dental implant process will take a few visits to our Knoxville, TN dentist office. Your first visit will be a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Cain. Together you will build your treatment plan tailored to your dental health and goals. Your second visit will be for the surgical implantation of your dental implant. After your implant is healed, you will return for the fitting of your final restoration.

Are dental implants safe?

Yes, dental implants are extremely safe. They have one of the highest success rates of any tooth restoration option, at around 95% or higher. Our dental implant professionals are highly trained and experienced in every facet of the dental implant process. We’ll ensure that you’re comfortable and safe throughout the entire thing.

How many teeth can one dental implant support?

It’s not common for a single dental implant to support multiple teeth. However, dental implants can be used in conjunction with each other to support multiple teeth in a fixed bridge or denture. Technically, one implant can support around three false teeth. Two dental implants support around six teeth, while four can support a full arch of missing teeth.

What should I do after the implant surgery?

You’ll receive specific aftercare instructions so that the site heals properly. If we prescribe antibiotics, be sure to take them exactly as prescribed. They’re not always needed but can help prevent infection after the procedure. Use over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses to help keep the swelling down. Avoid hot drinks or food on the first day, and don’t do any mouth rinses. Don’t do any heavy exercise for the first 48 hours and don’t disturb the implant site. All of these things help to ensure that the site heals the way it should.

How do I know if my implant is healing correctly?

Around two weeks after the surgery, you should be almost completely healed. You should no longer have pain or discomfort in the area. If you continue to have pain and swelling after the first week, contact us immediately, particularly if the pain is severe. This is a sign that there’s something wrong with the healing process.

When do implants start to feel normal?

One of the best features of dental implants is how much they look and feel like your natural teeth. However, there’s always a bit of an adjustment period with any dental restoration. It can take up to around two weeks before you feel completely comfortable with your implants.

Can I get two dental implants right next to each other?

Technically, yes. You can get an implant to replace each of your teeth. However, you have to take bone density into consideration. You have to have enough healthy jawbone to support both of those implants in around the same area. If you have multiple consecutive teeth missing, we’ll recommend a dental bridge supported by a dental implant on either end.


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