Dental Implants
Missing one or more teeth can affect more than just your smile—it can make chewing and speaking more difficult, too. We provide advanced dental implants that offer a long-lasting, natural-looking replacement, helping you regain full function and confidence in your smile.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the most advanced option for replacing missing teeth. These small titanium posts are placed in the jawbone, where they gradually fuse through a process called osseointegration. This creates a strong, secure base for a custom crown, bridge, or denture. The result is a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions just like the real thing.
Reclaim your smile with durable, natural-looking dental implants at River Valley Dentistry. Visit our Chattanooga, Ooltewah, or Signal Mountain locations—and schedule your free consultation today to get started on a more confident smile.
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Why Choose Dental Implants?
- Natural look and feel: Implants blend seamlessly with your natural teeth and function just like them.
- Longevity and durability: With good care, dental implants can serve as a long-term—or even lifetime—solution.
- Bone health: Implants stimulate the jawbone, helping prevent bone loss that can occur with other replacement options.
- Improved oral health: Because implants don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support, they help preserve your natural tooth structure.
- Enhanced comfort: After healing, implants provide a secure, comfortable fit without the irritation that often comes with removable dentures.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Getting dental implants typically takes place in a series of stages:
- Consultation and planning: We begin with a comprehensive exam and advanced imaging to design an accurate, personalized treatment plan.
- Implant placement: The implant post is surgically inserted into the jawbone, usually with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable.
- Healing and osseointegration: Over the next few months, the implant bonds with the bone. In some cases, temporary teeth can be used to maintain your smile during this time.
- Final restoration: After healing, custom crowns or prosthetic teeth are created and firmly attached to the implant for a natural, fully functional result.
Use the links below to schedule your FREE implant consultation.
Schedule Online for Signal Mountain Schedule Online for Ooltewah Schedule Online for Chattanooga
Dental Implant Cost
At River Valley Dentistry, our focus is always on delivering exceptional care tailored to each patient. During your consultation, we’ll work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your individual goals and needs. From there, we’ll provide a personalized cost estimate based on your specific plan. We also accept CareCredit®, making it easier to finance any part of your dental treatment.
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After your implant procedure, it’s normal to experience some common post-surgery symptoms such as mild swelling, discomfort around the implant site, and light bleeding.
- Minor bleeding: You may notice a small amount of blood in your saliva during the first day or two. If bleeding occurs, gently bite on a gauze pad for about 30 minutes. Should bleeding continue beyond a couple of days, please contact our office at 423-875-0600 or 423-803-4500.
- Swelling: To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to the cheek near the surgical area for 10 minutes, then remove it for 20 minutes. Repeat this cycle as needed during the first day.
- Oral hygiene: Taking care of your implants is essential for long-term success. Treat them just like natural teeth—brush and floss twice daily and keep up with your regular dental visits.
- Pain management: We’ll provide pain medication to help you stay comfortable. Most patients take it consistently for the first few days. Any discomfort should gradually lessen over the first week.
To support proper healing, avoid spitting, using straws, or smoking for at least one week, as these actions can dislodge the blood clot and delay recovery. Stay hydrated and choose soft, cool foods, chewing away from the implant site to prevent irritation. Eating may be a bit challenging at first, but proper nourishment will help speed up healing.
Meet Your Dental Implant Doctor
Dr. Willie Hammontree
Dr. Willie Hammontree is our dental implant doctor. Dr. Hammontree has been practicing for 11 years and has over 800 hours of implant-specific education. He enjoys taking part in continuing education opportunities in order to offer his patients the best care possible.
Meet Dr. HammontreeSchedule Your Consultation Today
If you’re ready to rebuild your smile with dental implants, reach out to River Valley Dentistry to schedule your consultation. Our team is happy to answer your questions and support you throughout the entire process. Let us help you regain your smile—and your confidence.
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