Do I need an implant for each of my missing teeth?

It depends. Since every case is unique, we'll need to see you for a consultation to figure out the best course of treatment for you.

Can you put a temporary crown or bridge on my implant the same day it’s placed?

At this time, we do not place temporary crowns or bridges on implants that have just been placed. The reason for this is that we want as little force being placed on the implants as possible while we wait for them to integrate with your jawbone.

How much do dental implants cost?

Click here for cost of dental implants.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Most people are candidates for dental implants, even those who have been told they weren't in the past. Call us to schedule your consultation and let's see what we can do to get you smiling again.

What kind of after care will I need to performe with my dental implant(s)?

Care for them like natural teeth:

• Brush and floss twice a day.
• Get cleanings regularly at intervals recommended by your dentist.

What do implant teeth look like?

In the mouth, they look almost exactly like a natural tooth. The implant body (the screw) won't be visible in the mouth. It is under the gums in your bone.

Will it function and feel like a natural tooth?

Yes! It will feel different from a natural tooth but will function the same.

How long should I take off work for recovery after my procedure?

Most patients are able to return to work either the same day or the next day. Certain cases could require more time off from work.

How long will I bleed after the procedure?

You may continue to bleed slightly for the first 24 hours after your implant placement. If you feel that you are bleeding more than you should be, please call the clinic.

An old home reemedy that still works really well to help clotting and stop bleeding is the use of tea bags. Just get a regular tea bag, get it damp, ring out the excess water, place it on your extraction site or sites, and the tanic acid in the tea leaves will help you clot. Multiple tea bags can be used if needed. Replace the tea bags as they get saturated with blood. This process can be repeated as many times as you need.

Can I be put to sleep for my procedure?

We do not currently put patients to sleep, however, we do offer oral conscious sedation. This medication will help to relax you and often makes it so you don’t even remember your procedure. For this, we write you a prescription, and you can pick it up at your pharmacy of choice. NOTE: You MUST have a driver for this procedure, someone who can drive you after you have taken your oral sedation pill(s). You MUST NOT operate a motor vehicle or any machinery after taking your medication.

Will there be pain after the procedure?

While experiences will vary, there could be some discomfort and possibly swelling after your procedure. Many patients report very little discomfort after their procedure. You will be prescribed pain medication to help alleviate any discomfort.

What is the process for getting an implant?

The process is very straight forward. Your implant is placed into your jawbone and is left alone to intergrate for 4-6 months. After this, we take impressions and have your tooth fabricated. If bone grafting is needed, this can increase treatment time.

Is my implant removable?

No, once your implant is completed, you will not be able to remove it.

Do you offer this procedure with zirconia (non-metal) implants?

We do not currently offer this type of implant. While titanium implants have been around for decades with a long track record of success, zirconia implants are very new to the market, so we do not know what their success will be like long-term. We want the most successful, most predictable, best long-term results for our patients, and for these reasons, we do not offer zirconia implants at this time.

Will my insurance cover any of my treatment?

Most insurances will pay toward your treatment at Memphis Dentures and Implants. These are just a few of the insurance companies we work with:

• Aetna

• Blue Cross Blue Shield

• BlueCare Plus

• Cigna

• Cigna HealthSpring

• Delta Dental

• Guardian

• MetLife

• UnitedHealthcare

If you don’t see your insurance, don’t worry. Give us a call at 901-308-5952 and we’ll be glad verify your policy and see what we can do to maximize your coverage at our office.

Does Medicare cover dental implants?

Medicare itself does not cover dental implants or any other dental services; however, there are certain supplemental Medicare Advantage plans that do provide coverage for dental implant services. When choosing a supplemental Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll want to make sure that the plan provides coverage for dental implant services and that it’s a plan that allows you to choose which dental office you go to. Some plans have extremely small networks, which limit where you’re able to utilize your benefits.

Can implants fail?

While titanium dental implants do have a 95+% success rate, yes, they can still fail. Some of the things that can cause them to fail:

• failure to integrate into the bone
• smoking
• diabetes

If an implant fails within the first year, your dentist will replace it at no charge to you.