Single Tooth Implants at Nooga Dentistry
Hey guys, I'm Dr. Mark Dill with Nooga Dentistry. I get a lot of questions about individual dental implants, so I'm going to answer the most commonly asked questions we receive regarding individual dental implants in hopes of bringing better understanding to what they are and how they can help you in your dental health.
Individual Dental Implants in Chattanooga, TN
Answers to your most common implant questions
Nooga Dentistry
What is an individual dental implant and how is it placed in the mouth?
The simple answer is magic, but I'll give you more than that. A dental implant resembles a screw, although it's not exactly a screw. We turn it as we place it into the bone, but it doesn't engage the bone like a screw in the wall. It just has threads, and as your bone heals, it integrates with those threads, providing stability and retention. That's where the strength comes from.
It's placed in one of two ways. Sometimes we make an incision in your gums, and other times we can place it directly through the gums into the bone. We create a small hole in the bone, enlarging it gradually to accommodate the implant size. If you think about how big a tooth or its roots are, that's about the size of the implant, maybe slightly smaller than a pencil or mechanical pencil. We place it below the gums and close them up, allowing the implant to heal.
There are different versions based on the implant's location in your mouth. Sometimes a small nub sticks out of the gums, making healing smoother and faster. If it's in a cosmetic area, you might not want that visible, but if it's in the back, it's no big deal. Depending on the location, it takes several months to heal. Once healed, it's ready for the tooth. It's a two-phase process. After healing for 3 to 6 months, we attach an abutment to the implant.
We use a temporary attachment to take an impression, which we send to the lab. After a couple of weeks, it returns with a custom abutment. The abutment resembles what your tooth would look like under a crown, protruding from your gums, and a crown goes over it. The crown looks and feels like a natural tooth, covering the abutment, which is screwed into the implant.
This process may seem complex, but when you visit our office, we provide models and demonstrations to simplify it.
How do individual implants compare to other tooth replacement options like bridges, partials, or dentures?
An individual dental implant, if you're a good candidate, closely resembles a natural tooth. It looks and feels natural, and you can floss between it. It's not biological tissue, so there's no risk of decay, and it's made of very strong material, reducing the risk of breakage. Dental implants have a long shelf life and a good long-term prognosis, potentially lasting a lifetime.
You can replace a missing tooth with a bridge, which connects to the two teeth on either side of a space. However, a bridge isn't an option if you lack teeth on one or both sides, or if the adjacent teeth aren't strong enough to support a bridge. In such cases, a dental implant is preferable. We evaluate you to ensure you have sufficient bone quality for the implant. Various factors influence our recommendation.
Dentures, which are removable, often feel unnatural and can irritate gums, tongue, or cheeks. If a denture is the only option, it's acceptable, but a bridge is a step up, and an individual dental implant is even better.
How long does an individual dental implant last and what can affect its longevity?
Dental implants can last a lifetime, depending on certain factors. Since they're not made of biological tissue, there's no risk of decay or breakage due to their strength. However, they can be susceptible to periodontal disease. Like natural teeth, implants require healthy gums and bone. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum tissue and bone loss around implants.
Grinding and clenching can also affect implants, causing bone irritation and loss. This is similar to the impact on natural teeth, but it's something to be mindful of with implants.
What are the steps in the recovery process when getting an individual dental implant?
The recovery process is straightforward. After the implant is placed, we provide instructions before you leave the office, and in writing, so you don't have to remember everything. We prescribe antibiotics and ibuprofen, assuming you can take ibuprofen, to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Opioid pain relief is rarely needed as postoperative discomfort is usually mild.
You'll leave with sutures and need to care for the area. While the implant heals over the next few months, you're not left with an open incision. After a few days, and certainly after two weeks, you may forget it's there. It heals below the gum line, and you can resume normal eating without noticing it.
Can just anybody get an individual dental implant or are there specific things that have to be met?
We need the bone to be in good condition. We'll discuss your medical history and any head and neck radiation to determine if you're a suitable candidate for a dental implant. The anatomy of your bone is crucial. When teeth are missing, bone loss can occur over time. We assess the bone's anatomy, quantity, and quality to ensure it's adequate for an implant.
We use a CT X-ray for a 3D image of your bone, enabling precise measurements and evaluation of anatomical features that may affect implant placement. Most people are good candidates for dental implants, but we qualify you before discussing implant placement.
Your dental health matters to us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you’re looking for expert dental care near Chattanooga, TN, call (423) 296-1053 or email patients.noogadentistry@gmail.com to learn more. Ready to get started? Schedule your appointment below.
The Most Versatile Tooth Replacement Solution
Single Implants
Single dental implants are firmly rooted in your jawbone to support a lifetime smile.
Dental Bridges
Implant-retained dental bridges provide greater strength and longevity, without modification of adjacent teeth.
Full-Mouth Dental Implants
The ultimate solution for transforming an entire missing smile with a fixed, stable set of teeth.
Clear, Honest Pricing & Monthly Payments
Typical Implant Pricing
- • Single implants start at $75/week
- • Implant bridges start at $179/month
- • Full-arch solutions start at $228/month
- • Pricing includes extractions, implants, and temporary teeth
- • No hidden fees. No surprise charges.
Flexible Monthly Payments
- • Most patients qualify
- • $0–low down payment options
- • Multiple financing partners
- • Fast approvals — often in 60 seconds
- • Our team does all the work for you
Free Consultation
Comfortable, Judgement Free Experience
- 3D Scan
- Full Oral Health Assessment
- Diagnostics & Treatment Plan
- Projection Of The Implant Treatment You Need
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*Please note, Medicare or Medicaid does NOT cover dental implants.
Related Services
Replace a Single Tooth
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