Dental Implants

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your dentist is forming new replacement teeth.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Drs. Childress and Johnson will uncover the implants and attach small posts that protrude through the gums and will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. When the artificial teeth are placed, these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, our doctors are able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction further minimizing the number of surgical procedures.

Dental Implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. While Drs. Childress and Johnson perform the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary, the restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist. Often, dental implants are just as affordable as dentures when all factors are considered.

Drs. Childress and Johnson perform in-office implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite, thus optimizing the level of sterility. Inpatient hospital implant surgery is for patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs or for those who need extensive bone grafting from the jaw, hip or tibia.

Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to improve you life. When you lose several teeth whether it’s a new situation or something you have lived with for years chances are you have never become fully accustomed to losing such a vital part of yourself.

Dental implants can be your doorway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.

A Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, developed this concept for oral rehabilitation more than 35 years ago. With his pioneering research, Dr. Branemark opened the door to a lifetime of renewed comfort and self-confidence for millions of individuals facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.

There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a partial at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.

We understand that cost plays a major role in your decision to move forward with dental implants. One of the most common questions we hear is, “How much are dental implants?” While pricing varies depending on your specific needs, our team is always transparent about what to expect. Factors like the number of implants, the type of prosthesis, and any additional procedures – such as bone grafting – can affect the final amount.

At Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga, we believe everyone deserves access to lasting, life-changing solutions. That’s why we take the time to explain your treatment options clearly and discuss the cost of dental implants in advance. Dental implants are an investment, but they’re often more cost-effective over time than other options like bridges or removable dentures. In many cases, patients are surprised by how affordable dental implants can be when comparing long-term value.

If you’re searching for dental implants in Chattanooga, we invite you to begin with a dental implant consultation at our practice. This visit gives us a chance to examine your health, review any necessary imaging, and create a plan just for you. It’s also a great time to ask questions about cost, care, and long-term success.

We want you to feel confident moving forward. If you’re wondering about dental implants near Chattanooga, you’re not alone. Many of our patients come to us after searching for affordable dental implants – and find the quality care and expertise they need right here in Chattanooga, TN. From your first consultation through your final restoration, we’ll walk with you every step of the way.