A New Era in Implant Dentistry

We use state-of-the-art digital tools to plan and perform dental implant surgery with extraordinary precision. These tools can improve patient outcomes, reduce healing time, and make the overall experience more comfortable for our patients. What this practically means is that treatment is predictable. Modern procedures lead to faster healing with better long-term success.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small titanium posts placed into the jaw where teeth are missing. These anchors are compatible with the bone and act as artificial tooth roots. Over time, your bone naturally fuses with the titanium, forming a secure base for new teeth.

Our surgeons use advanced 3D imaging to evaluate your jawbone and customize the procedure before surgery begins. This detailed planning ensures the best placement for long-term success.

In addition to replacing teeth, implants help prevent bone loss and support your facial structure – preserving the shape of your face as you age.

How the Implant Process Works

For most patients, dental implants are placed in two stages. In the first step, the titanium implant is surgically positioned in your jaw. It will remain beneath the gum for a few months, allowing the bone to integrate with it. During this time, you may wear a temporary restoration and follow a soft diet.

Once healing is complete, your oral surgeon will uncover the implant and place a small connector (called an abutment) that emerges through the gumline. This piece acts as a support for your final crown or bridge.

The full process typically takes six to eight months. However, most patients are surprised by how little it disrupts their daily lives.

Advancements in Implant Surgery

We also offer single-stage implants, which eliminate the need for a second surgery. In some cases, we can even place an implant the same day a tooth is extracted – reducing the total number of procedures.

These modern techniques aren’t just about convenience. They can help shorten healing time and reduce discomfort.

Collaboration With Your Restorative Dentist

Dental implants are a joint effort. Dr. Childress and Dr. Johnson and our experienced team handle the surgical placement of implants, any necessary bone grafting, and tooth extractions.

Types of Implant Restorations

• Single Tooth Replacement: A crown supported by a single implant.
• Multiple Teeth Replacement: A bridge that spans the gap using two or more implants.
• Full Arch Replacement: A full upper or lower set of teeth, either fixed or removable, supported by multiple implants.

Whether you’re missing one tooth or all of them, we’ll help determine which option best fits your goals, lifestyle, and budget. In many cases, dental implants are more cost-effective than dentures in the long run because of their durability and function.

Advanced Care, Right Here in Our Office

All surgeries are performed on-site in our sterile, hospital-style treatment suites for your safety and comfort. For patients with complex needs – including those requiring advanced bone grafting or medical accommodations – we also offer hospital-based surgical options.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

Tooth loss affects more than just your appearance. Without a tooth root, the surrounding bone begins to shrink. Over time, this can affect neighboring teeth, your bite, and the shape of your face. Dental implants stop this process and preserve both bone and confidence.

They allow you to eat your favorite foods, speak clearly, and smile without feeling self-conscious. For many patients, implants are a life-changing solution to years of discomfort, insecurity, or denture struggles.

How Do Implants Compare to Other Options?

Unlike bridges, dental implants don’t require healthy teeth to be filed down. Unlike removable dentures, they don’t slip or need adhesives. And unlike both, they’re designed to be a permanent part of your mouth – stable, strong, and natural-looking.

Let’s Talk About Cost

We understand that affordability is part of your decision. The price of dental implants can vary depending on how many are needed, the type of restoration, and any other procedures required. We’re always transparent about your treatment plan and will walk you through your options in detail.

Over time, many patients find that implants can cost less than replacing or maintaining traditional dentures. The long-term comfort and confidence they provide are often worth the investment.

Book Your Consultation

Searching for dental implants near Chattanooga? Come visit us at Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your oral health, review imaging, and create a personalized plan. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions about your care, your budget, and your recovery timeline. Our team is here to help you make a confident, informed decision.

Whether you’ve been living with missing teeth for years or are facing a new extraction, it’s a great time to explore how dental implants can change your life. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward your long-term solution for oral health and confidence.

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At Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga, we help patients every day who deal with jaw misalignment, facial asymmetry, or impaired chewing. With over 70+ combined years of experience between Drs. Childress and Johnson, our team has treated a wide range of complex jaw conditions. If your bite doesn’t line up, or you’ve struggled with pain, snoring, or difficulty chewing food, you may be a candidate for corrective jaw surgery. We take time to evaluate your symptoms, imaging, and medical history so you can understand all your options.

What Is Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Corrective jaw surgery, AKA “orthognathic surgery,” is always done by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and serves to reposition your jaw to achieve a specific result. This isn’t cosmetic surgery. It’s a reconstructive medical intervention that helps fix structural issues that braces or dental appliances can’t resolve.

Problems that may require surgery include:

• A misaligned bite (underbite, overbite, or crossbite)
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Chronic jaw pain or TMJ problems
• Sleep apnea caused by jaw structure
• Speech difficulties linked to jaw position
• An unbalanced facial appearance from jaw irregularities

The goal of surgery is to improve how your jaws function, not just how they look. Jaw surgery can also help prevent long-term problems like joint damage, tooth wear, or worsening alignment caused by a poor bite.

When Do You Need Jaw Surgery? 6 Signs to Watch For

So when do you need jaw surgery instead of braces or other treatments? Look for these signs:

1. Your bite still feels off after braces. Braces only move teeth, not bone. If your bite remains uneven, surgery might be needed.
2. You have trouble biting or chewing food. This could mean your upper and lower jaws don’t meet and fit with each other correctly.
3. You experience frequent jaw pain or locking. TMJ disorders often stem from misaligned jaws.
4. Your chin or face appears asymmetrical. This could indicate a growth imbalance in your jaw.
5. You snore heavily or have sleep apnea. A recessed or small lower jaw can restrict your airway at night.
6. You feel self-conscious about your facial profile. Many patients seek jaw surgery to create balance in their facial features. This is common in patients with a severe overbite or underbite.

If any of these apply, schedule a consultation with our expert oral and maxillofacial surgeons. We’ll use panoramic X-rays, 3D imaging, and diagnostic models to determine the best treatment path. You’ll get a clear picture of whether corrective surgery is appropriate – and what results you can expect.

What to Expect from Surgery & Recovery

Your corrective jaw surgery will be performed in a hospital while you are under general anesthesia. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, the surgery typically lasts a few hours. Recovery times vary, but most patients return to normal activities within a few weeks.

Our team uses state-of-the-art tools to plan your surgery to increase accuracy, reduce time in surgery, and improve healing. During recovery, you may need a soft diet, follow-up visits, and some short-term physical limitations. However, most patients say the long-term benefits (improved function, appearance, and confidence) far outweigh the temporary discomfort.

We’ll work closely with your orthodontist before and after surgery to make sure your teeth and jaws align properly. This team-based approach works to provide the best possible outcome.

Talk to a Trusted Oral Surgeon in Chattanooga, TN

Still wondering when do you need jaw surgery? We’re here to help you find the answer. At Implant & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga, our board-certified oral surgeons bring decades of training, hospital privileges, surgical precision, and compassion to every case. We are members of AAOMS, TSOMS, ADA, and CADS – and our team is constantly staying up-to-date with our ongoing education.

Here’s what one patient shared:

“Each staff member treated me with the utmost respect and care. I was told everything that was about to happen and what the outcome would be. Dr. Childress was quick and gentle and I really appreciated the prayer before the treatment. I highly recommend this practice to anyone needing oral surgery.”

– Cindy S.

If jaw problems are affecting your life – chewing, breathing, or facial balance – let’s talk about your options. We offer complete care from diagnosis to procedure, aftercare and recovery in a compassionate, state-of-the-art environment. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward long-term jaw relief and function.

The post When Do You Need Jaw Surgery? Signs & Solutions appeared first on Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga.

“Orthognathic” Definition

The word orthognathic comes from the Greek words orqos, meaning to straighten, and gnaqos, meaning jaw. Orthognathic surgery, then, is when an oral surgeon corrects deformities of the jaw and the associated malocclusion (abnormality in how the teeth come together).

What is Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery is a type of jaw surgery that corrects jaw problems you can’t resolve with orthodontics. It involves the moving of bones in the lower or upper jaw (or both). Patients need it when their teeth and jaw don’t meet correctly. We use it to reposition the jaw so the teeth can perform their intended function comfortably and consistently. This will also improve chewing and jaw joint ability and can help with things such as sleep apnea, speech, facial aesthetics, etc. Because it’s a complex surgery it usually involves an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. In addition, at times an orthodontist also assists.

Who Needs It?

Those who would benefit from orthognathic surgery are people who have an improper bite or incorrectly positioned jaws. After the end of growth your upper and lower jaws may not match. Or, you may have had an injury during growth that could have also caused this issue. Malocclusion can cause issues such as speech difficulty and impaired chewing function. It can also affect facial appearance.

When it comes to bite problems, orthodontics can be used when only your teeth are involved. However, if your jaw bones aren’t aligned you should consider orthognathic surgery to restore your oral health.

Why is it Important?

Jaw surgery is important for not only appearance, but also because it helps to restore your oral health. Orthognathic surgery can also help with the following:

1. Corrects speech issues
2. Improves chewing and biting
3. Corrects facial imbalance such as underbites, overbites, etc.
4. Relieves pain caused by temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) and jaw issues
5. It can help with sleep apnea and snoring
6. Corrects birth defects and injury

What Can I Expect?

Many times, an orthodontist will have you wear braces before surgery for 12 to 18 months to help align your teeth. Your oral surgeon and orthodontist will work together on your treatment plan and this will include x-rays, models of your teeth, etc.

The jaw surgery itself is usually done under general anesthesia in a hospital by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Many times it will be a 2 to 4 day stay. An oral surgeon completes the surgery inside your mouth. For that reason, no scars will show.

If you have any questions regarding orthognathic surgery, call IOSC today at (423) 296-8210. Our experienced oral surgeons are here for you every step of the way.

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