Dr. Sully Talks to Us About Dental Implants
Dental Implants in Nashville, TN
Do you hide your smile because of missing teeth? Many people who have chipped, broken, or extracted teeth suffer from anxiety and lack of confidence in their smile. Dental implants can improve your appearance and give you the confidence to laugh, smile, eat and speak again.
At Sullivan Dental Partners, we offer state-of-the-art dental implants, the gold standard for tooth replacement. Dental implants are a permanent solution that will restore your oral health and your ability to smile with confidence.
Dental implants may seem like a recent innovation, but they have actually been in use for decades. Dr. Rick was mentored by Dr. Jack Haan at the Misch Dental Implant Institute and has been placing and restoring dental implants at our Nashville, TN office for over 25 years. As a graduate of Alabama Implant Education, Dr. Sully brings his own expertise, having received specialized training in guided implant placement.
A dental implant is a standalone tooth replacement that mimics the natural structure of a tooth. Dental implants are secured in the jawbone with a surgically implanted titanium “root,” then capped with a natural-looking dental restoration, the part of the tooth that is visible when you smile. They fuse with surrounding bone and tissue and become an anchor that mimics a natural root. This process prevents any deterioration of bone that occurs when a tooth is lost.
Dental implants are a foundation for replacement teeth that function and feel like your natural teeth. You won’t need to worry about cutting out hard or crunchy foods or having your denture slip or shift. You can eat whatever you like and smile confidently. Dental implants will not only give you back the ability to enjoy your life, but they also retain the structure of your face and preserve your youthful appearance.
Getting dental implants isn’t the same for everyone. Dental implants can be used to:
Since implants are secured in the jaw with titanium roots, they don’t require the support of adjacent teeth to stay in place. You will be amazed at how natural dental implants look and feel once they are placed. Dental implants also prevent jawbone deterioration, look and act like natural teeth, are easy to care for and last for years.
Normally, placing a dental implant is a lengthy process. First, the implant must be placed and allowed to heal for several months. Only after this healing period can the dentist cap the implant root with an attractive restoration that will look and function just like your real teeth.
If you are in the Nashville area and you’re tired of dentures that slip or fall, we offer two solutions to give our patients more confidence and make it possible to eat more of their favorite foods.
Implant-retained dentures and All-on-4® dental implants secure dentures and bridges in place. Because dental implants fuse with your natural bone, teeth stay put, and you can avoid embarrassing dental mishaps. Plus, eating is one of the great joys in life and something you share with friends and family. Dental implants can make it more comfortable to go out and enjoy the diverse cuisine that Nashville offers.
Over time, bone loss can mean that your dentures no longer fit properly. When they shift or fall, dentures can trap food between the plate and palate, making eating out and enjoying social situations difficult.
For our Nashville patients who want an alternative to complete dentures, we offer implant-retained dentures. We use 4-6 dental implants to act as a locking mechanism that holds dentures in place. We can sometimes retrofit your existing dentures.
At Sullivan Dental Partners, we use state-of-the-art Cone Beam Computed Technology (CBCT) to improve and expedite the dental implant placement process.
Traditional X-rays provide a two-dimensional portrait of your teeth that only gives us a portion of the information needed for precise implant placement. CBCT, however, provides us with a three-dimensional view of the interior of your teeth and other mouth structures.
Using this technology, we create a digital model of your mouth. This virtual model allows us to precisely plan placement of your dental implant and design a virtual version of your final restoration.
When you come to our Nashville, TN dental office to have your implant placed, we will have prepared a detailed guide that shows us the ideal placement for your replacement tooth. When used with state-of-the-art CEREC restorations, we can perform the entire procedure from implant placement to final crown restoration in one visit.
Many patients at our Nashville dental office location who have gotten dental implants are surprised at how little pain and discomfort they experience. Our dentists use local anesthesia to ensure the entire area is numb so you won't feel any pain.
Once the procedure is done, and the anesthesia wears off, patients use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen to treat any soreness.
Just like your natural teeth, dental implants can last a lifetime when cared for properly. With proper care and maintenance, such as brushing and flossing preventive exams, and dental cleanings, you can enjoy the benefits of your dental implants for years to come.
If you are interested in learning more about how dental implants in Nashville, TN can improve your appearance and your life, please contact Sullivan Dental Partners. A member of our team will be happy to arrange a convenient time for a dental implant consultation with Dr. Rick or Dr. Sully.
Many people worry about the potential pain associated with dental implants. Understanding the process and what to expect can help alleviate these concerns.
During the surgery, we use local anesthesia to numb the area, ensuring you feel no pain during the procedure. For those who are particularly anxious or undergoing multiple implants, sedation options are available to provide a more relaxed experience.
It's normal to experience some discomfort once the anesthesia wears off, including minor swelling, bruising, and soreness at the implant site. However, this discomfort is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Most patients find that the discomfort subsides within a few days. During your recovery, following our post-operative care instructions closely is essential. This includes:
Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns about pain or discomfort during the dental implant process. We're dedicated to ensuring your experience is as pain-free and pleasant as possible.
Contact Sullivan Dental Partners to learn how we can help you achieve a beautiful, pain-free smile. Call us at (615) 373-1012 today!
The cost of dental implants can vary based on several factors, including:
On average, a single dental implant can cost between $1,000 to $4,000. However, for more comprehensive solutions such as the All-on-4® treatment concept or all-on-x fixed hybrid implants, the costs can be higher.
At Sullivan Dental Partners, we offer three main options for All-on-4® and all-on-x implants:
We handle all procedures in-house, including surgery, sedation, and prosthetics. This approach minimizes costs and enhances patient convenience by providing a seamless and efficient experience.
We understand the cost of dental implants can be a concern, which is why we offer flexible financing options. We collaborate with multiple third-party financing companies to provide payment plans that can reduce monthly payments to $400–$500, extending up to 10 years.
Contact us today to discuss your options and schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our implant dentists in Nashville.
If you are an adult who has missing teeth and are thinking about replacing them, you can’t make a better choice than dental implants. They are the tooth replacement that mimics the structure, form, and function of a natural tooth, which is why they are now considered the standard of care for tooth loss.
Placing a dental implant is not a complicated procedure, but it is surgical in nature because we place the implant in your jaw bone. Generally speaking, though, most people who are healthy enough for oral surgery are candidates for dental implants.
But the determining factor is the quantity and quality of bone in your jaw where we will place the implant. When you chew, you exert tremendous force on your teeth, and if there isn’t sufficient bone to absorb it, implant placement would likely fail.
However, all is not lost if you don’t have sufficient bone because you may be a candidate for bone grafting. This is a procedure where a specialist takes bone from another part of your body and transplants it to your jaw bone to supply the stability and support the implant needs to be successful.
If you’re considering dental implants in Nashville, TN, please call Sullivan Dental Partners. We will be happy to arrange a commitment-free consultation with Dr. Rick or Dr. Sully so they can explain the process and answer your questions.
Updated May 21st, 2025
Losing just one tooth can lead to a series of events that can seriously compromise your overall oral health. The empty space left by a missing tooth gives surrounding teeth room to move into the void and surrounding bone can start to deteriorate.
It is important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible, and dental implants are a popular and effective solution. A dental implant is surgically placed in your jawbone and serves as a replacement root for the missing tooth.
1. Placement of the Implant
2. Healing and Integration
3. Restoration Placement
Contact our Nashville dental office today to schedule your personalized dental implant consultation with Dr. Rick!
Dental implants have entirely changed the way we approach tooth replacement. Bridges and full and partial dentures are great for solving the aesthetic problem of missing teeth, but they are designed to sit on top of your gums.
A dental implant, on the other hand, consists of an artificial titanium tooth root that is placed in your jaw and allowed to heal. During this time, the implant fuses with surrounding bone and tissue and becomes a permanent part of your dental anatomy.
However, the longevity of an implant relies on the presence of sufficient healthy bone in the jaw. If the jaw bone starts to deteriorate because of gum disease and poor oral hygiene, the implant is likely to fail, known as implant failures.
That is why at Sullivan Dental Partners, we don’t just provide a way to smile again with confidence, but we also offer the means to do so. When you see us twice a year for routine exams and cleanings, we can monitor your oral health and prevent conditions like gum disease from compromising your implant.
If you would like to learn more about dental implants in Nashville, TN and how they would benefit you, please call our office to arrange a commitment-free consultation with Dr. Rick or Dr. Sully to discuss your needs.
In a perfect world, everyone would keep their natural teeth for a lifetime; however, millions of Americans have one or more missing teeth. Gaps in your smile can cause you to cover your mouth when you talk or avoid social gatherings, and your self-confidence can suffer.
That’s why dental implants are ...
As a leading dental practice in Nashville, Sullivan Dental Partners is committed to educating patients on the best practices for maintaining their dental implants, ensuring long-term success and optimal oral health.
Dental implants are titanium tooth roots surgically inserted into the jawbone. Over time, they fuse with ...
