Dental Implants
Missing teeth can diminish your confidence and quality of life, keeping you from smiling or eating the foods you enjoy.
Dr. Andrew Lunn and his team in Chattanooga, TN, provide implant placement and restoration services to rebuild your smile.
Ready to learn more? Find out why dental implants are considered the gold standard for missing teeth.
Dental Implants Can Transform Your Smile and Confidence
Understanding How Implants Work
Dental implants are small titanium rods that Dr. Lunn will surgically place into your jawbone. Implants function like tooth roots and are designed to provide a solid foundation for crowns, bridges, and dentures. Unlike traditional dentistry restorations such as dental bridges or removable dentures, implants never move or shift in the mouth. Whether you have one tooth missing or have lost an entire arch of teeth, dental implants offer a permanent solution for restoring your smile and overall oral health.
Why Choose Chattanooga Family Dentistry?
With over 100 hours of continuing education completed annually, Dr. Andrew Lunn is regarded as a local leader in implant dentistry. He has received numerous certifications, awards, and recognition for his achievements in the field and is dedicated to offering his experience for your treatment.
He and the team at Chattanooga Family Dentistry provide comprehensive, patient-centered care. Our commitment to your success is reflected in our consistently positive patient reviews and customized master treatment plans for every patient. Reach out to our practice to request a dental implant consultation online or by calling us anytime.
(423) 553-8858
Thanks to Our Patients for These Amazing Reviews "Dr. Lunn is a true professional."
Randy Wethington
January, 2020
I’m leaving this review for the reader as much as I am for Dr. Lunn and his staff. I have lived in seven different states. Consequently I’ve had seven different dentist. I will tell you unequivocally, Dr. Lunn is a true professional and has put a phenomenal team around him. You will not regret your decision. This guy is a technician and a true craftsman of his trade. I did my research before coming here just as you are now, and I can assure you, I have zero regrets.
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Nick Ervin
September, 2019
Friendly staff, clean office. Everyone seemed very focused on patient education and explaining in-detail why they were doing everything. I learned a few things while I was there, for sure. I also had questions about insurance coverage on certain findings, and they provided a very easy-to-understand written estimate for everything that would fall on me. The office dog is a plus, too. He's pretty cool.
View On GoogleDental Implants Can Help if You're Struggling With These Conditions
Severe Infection
Sometimes a root canal is enough to save a natural tooth that has become infected, but if the infection is too severe, an extraction may be necessary to protect your other teeth. After extraction, we can place an implant, abutment, and restoration.
Dental Trauma
Crowns, inlays, and onlays can often restore a tooth that has been damaged in an accident, but if your tooth has been damaged too severely or has been knocked out completely, an implant and restoration can restore your dental function.
Dental Implants Can Treat All Types of Tooth Loss
Whether you're dealing with a single missing tooth or an entire arch of missing teeth, our team at Chattanooga Family Dentistry can use implants to transform the look and function of your smile. Learn more about our implant-supported treatment options:
Crowns
If you have a gap in your smile due to one missing tooth, an implant-supported crown can subtly and effectively restore your smile. Our restorations are made of high-quality materials that can be color-matched to your natural teeth, ensuring your crown will be virtually indistinguishable from the real thing.
Bridges
Having several consecutive missing teeth can noticeably impact your bite and your appearance, leaving you self-conscious about your smile. An implant-supported bridge can give you a long-lasting solution to the problems that tooth loss causes. While traditional bridges last between five and seven years on average, with good oral hygiene your implant-supported bridge can withstand the force of your bite and retain a lifelike appearance for over 20 years.
Dentures
If you're dealing with extensive tooth loss, you've likely tried a traditional removable denture to make eating and speaking easier. Implant-supported dentures offer a significant upgrade over removable dentures in terms of stability, and they can be cleaned just like your natural teeth. Dr. Lunn will strategically place a series of dental implants in your jaw tissue to create an anchor for your durable, natural-looking denture. You'll enjoy the freedom to eat without restrictions and smile with confidence in any situation.
Materials Make a Difference
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To ensure you receive the very best results from treatment, we’ll use high-quality materials such as dental-grade ceramics to create your restoration. These materials possess the same light-reflective properties as natural teeth, meaning your crown, bridge, or denture will blend in seamlessly with your smile. We can expertly shape and color-match your restoration to flatter your smile.
Do I Qualify for Dental Implants?
At our dental office in Chattanooga, TN, we believe in the importance of patient education. We want our patients to understand their dental journey and what treatment entails to make the best decision for themselves. At your consultation, we’ll walk through your full medical history to determine if dental implants are the right option for you. Some medical conditions and lifestyle habits can affect whether you qualify for dental implants. Factors that are considered include:
Overall Health
Diabetes, heart disease, and other autoimmune disorders may put you at higher risk for complications or implant failure. We evaluate each patient on an individual basis to determine their candidacy for implants.
Smoking
Smoking may affect your ability to heal from a dental implant. We require patients to stop smoking months before treatment to ensure implant success is not jeopardized.
Jawbone Density
Dental implants require a strong and sturdy foundation. If your jaw has atrophied or is too soft or thin, we may recommend you for a bone graft procedure before you can qualify for an implant.
Periodontal Disease
Healthy gums are required for implant surgery. If you have gum disease, we recommend periodontal treatment before moving forward with your dental implant journey.
Choose an Implant Dentist Who Patients Love
Since receiving his dental degree from the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center in 1995, Dr. Lunn has practiced dentistry with the highest degree of professionalism and care for his patients. He has built long-standing relationships with members of the Chattanooga community over the years by providing life-changing dental work, and his patients have expressed their gratitude through an outpouring of glowing reviews. Chattanooga Family Dentistry has over 180 five-star reviews on Google and 375 five-star reviews on BirdEye.
Dr. Lunn and our team share a commitment to treat each patient with a personalized approach and caring attitude. We're excited to welcome you to our dental family as you begin your journey with dental implants. To request a consultation with our friendly dentist, send us a message or give us a call at:
(423) 553-8858
"So kind and gentle."
April Butler
2022
The best dentist office I have ever been too. Everyone is so kind and gentle. They even have a therapy dog. And if if you have to have work done you can have sedation. Wonderful dentist.
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Kristy Worley
2022
Dr. Lunn and the ladies at Chattanooga Family Dentistry were super nice! Dr. Lunn was really understanding and addressed all of my concerns for dentistry for my special needs son.
View On GoogleYour Comfort Is Our #1 Priority
We understand that going to the dentist isn’t exactly your favorite activity. For many patients, the dentist's office brings up feelings of anxiety and uneasiness.
We are proud to offer oral conscious sedation, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation for implant surgery. Dr. Lunn is one of only two general dentists who perform IV sedation in the Chattanooga, TN, area.
In addition to providing a range of sedation options, various amenities are available throughout the office to help you relax and feel at home. Want to zone out? We have noise-reduction headphones and DVDs available. Wrap up in a cozy blanket and enjoy the smell of scented candles throughout the office. Here at Chattanooga Family Dentistry, we strive to create a safe and comfortable experience for our patients. If there’s anything we can do to make your implant visit more pleasant, just let us know.
What to Expect During Your Treatment
Dental implants offer a 95% success rate over 40 to 50 years.
Consultation
During this meeting, we will discuss your medical history as well as your implant treatment goals. We use state-of-the-art technology to create an individualized plan just for you.
Implant Placement
After administering anesthesia, or if needed, sedation to ensure you are completely pain-free and at ease, Dr. Lunn will make a small incision into the gums. The titanium implant is then carefully placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth.
First Recovery
The dental implant site will heal in four to six months. As the area heals, a process called osseointegration takes place in which the titanium post fuses with the bone. This ensures your implant is securely anchored to the jaw, creating a stable foundation for the next stage of your dental treatment.
Attaching Abutments
Once the titanium implant has successfully healed and bonded to the jawbone, a small connector called an abutment is attached to the implant post. This will be used to attach a restoration.
Second Recovery
After the abutment is attached, an additional two weeks is needed for the gum tissue in the surrounding area to heal.
Placing the Restoration
At the final stage of your dental treatment plan, a crown, bridge, or denture resembling a natural tooth or teeth will be attached to your implant with an abutment.
Do You Accept Insurance and Offer Financing?
Yes. Although insurance plans do not normally cover dental implant surgery, they can cover a portion of your restoration costs. Our compassionate, friendly staff will work with your carrier to get you the maximum coverage available. We accept insurance plans such as:
- Cigna
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield
- Hamilton County, TN, Board of Education and more
If you do not have insurance, or out-of-pocket costs make you hesitant to restore your oral health with dental implants, Dr. Lunn also offers affordable financing through CareCredit®. This trusted lender works with your individual budget to break out-of-pocket costs into low-interest monthly payments.
Request a consultation at our Chattanooga practice to discuss how we can make your dental implant treatment more affordable through insurance or financing. Feel free to use our simple online form or just pick up the phone and call us. Dr. Lunn wants all his patients to have the best possible smile despite budgetary worries.
Dr. Lunn and Our Office Dog Get 5 Stars "They even have a little dog that will sit in your lap..."
"My first visit was today. I am very nervous when going to the dentist. My dentist of many years retired and referred me to Dr Lunn. A wonderful experience. Personable staff. They even have a little dog that will sit in your lap to comfort you. I think this will be a fantastic relationship." Valerie Fraley - 2021
Advanced Technology for Your Implant Surgery
We pride ourselves on using the latest state-of-the-art technology for dental implants in our Chattanooga, TN, dental office. Modern dentistry allows us to use the latest tools available to ensure the success of implant surgery.
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Accurate Results
We use a digital scanner to provide an exact impression of the patient’s teeth, giving us the most precise results for improved treatment planning.
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Treatment Planning
Our Chattanooga office uses a 3D printer that allows us to make exact surgical guides to help us plan an implant case.
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Virtual Placement
We use dental software to virtually place the implant before surgery, allowing for exact placement of the implant and a seamless surgery.
What Is the Success Rate for Implants?
Patients who meet the requirements for dental implant placement can rest assured that their surgery has a high potential for success, with one dental study reporting a 90%-95% success rate 10 years after surgery. In addition to already being a trustworthy dental solution, undergoing implant placement surgery with a highly trained dentist like Dr. Lunn will decrease your risk of infections and side effects.
If you're not a candidate for dental implants, our dentist can build a personalized restorative treatment plan that meets your needs and lifestyle.
The Next Best Thing to Having Natural Teeth See if You Qualify for Dental Implants Today
Are you tired of dealing with dentures that don't stay in place? Are you worried about your teeth shifting out of place after you lost a tooth?
If you have missing teeth, replace them with a dental solution patients and dentists trust. Implants and restorations fill in your smile, keep your remaining teeth in place, and are easy to maintain. Implants can last a lifetime and prosthetics can last for years and can be replaced or upgraded whenever needed.
To see if dental implants are right for you, request an appointment with our form or call:
(423) 553-8858
More Excellent Reviews for Chattanooga Family Dentistry
Barbara Ensley
2022
Dr Lunn and his staff are professional while still being compassionate and patient. They have shown me a tremendous amount of understanding and really work with me to get through dental appointments as comfortably and efficiently as possible! They are amazing!
View on GoogleYOLANDA ECHOLS
2022
Dr. Andrew Lunn and his staff are great! I was treated with dignity and respect from the minute I entered the office until I left. I had several major problems and Dr Lunn did a great job completing my work. He took the time to explain each step! Thank you to Dr Lunn and his wonderful staff.
View on GoogleDental Implants Are a Lifelong Investment
Dental implants are an investment in your oral health. While implant surgery may seem expensive, the benefits are lifelong. Traditional methods of replacing teeth such as bridges and dentures require frequent adjustments. These adjustments add up over time and require more dental visits. Though dental implants require two initial surgeries, they can last for decades, making them a worthwhile investment in your smile. We offer a wide range of insurance plans to help offset the cost of implants.
Recovering After Surgery
After your implant surgery at our Chattanooga office, you should avoid exercising and heavy lifting for up to 72 hours. Elevating your heart rate can increase side effects like swelling and bleeding.
Dr. Lunn will prescribe antibiotics and pain relievers to help your recovery. Follow the instructions to minimize potential risks.
Ice packs and cold compresses can reduce inflammation and swelling. Apply the compress to your cheek in 20-minute increments, two to three times a day.
You should return to our Chattanooga practice at least every six months for a dental cleaning. During this appointment, Dr. Lunn can check on your prosthetic and implant, making any necessary adjustments.
Join Our Family of Happy, Smiling Patients
john seiffert
July 17, 2021
All the employees were very polite and nice and the doctor is very professional. I have been suffering with a bad wisdom tooth and they took me in right away. I would recommend doctor Lunn to everyone I know.
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Christian Haynes
July 17, 2022
Chattanooga family dentistry is the best! The entire team treats truly treats you like family from the moment you walk in the door. I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else!!
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