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…
Understanding How Implants Work
Dental implants are small titanium posts inserted into the 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 quality implant dentist. 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 consistently positive patient reviews and customized master treatment plans for every patient. Reach out to our practice online or at:
(423) 553-8858
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 GoogleDo You 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.
Your 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
Day of Procedure
Dental implants offer a 95 percent 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 and ensuring the patient is comfortable, and at ease, we 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 implant has successfully healed and bonded to the jawbone, a small post called an abutment is attached to the implant post, which will be used to attach a restoration.
Second Recovery
After the abutment is attached, an additional two weeks is needed for the gum tissue to heal in the surrounding area
Placing the Restoration
At the final stage of your dental treatment plan, a crown, bridge, or denture resembling a natural tooth will be attached to your implant.
"This place is incredible. I have a serious fear of the dentist and they have eased that fear. They took their time to explain everything to me, they showed compassion and empathy and were completely nonjudgmental about my anxiety. They even let me cuddle with Winston, the office dog, while I was in the dentist chair. I have to have some work done and I am not freaking out about it. Definitely recommend them to everyone." Kari Guider, from a Google Review
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 confidently.
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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 3-D printer 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 place the implant before surgery virtually, allowing for exact placement of the implant and resulting in a seamless surgery.
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. According to the Dental Implant Guide, dental implants offer a 95 percent success rate over 40 to 50 years. We offer a wide range of insurance plans to help offset the cost of implants.
