Frequently Asked Questions at Smilodon Dental Nashville
Your Dental Health Questions, Answered!
At Smilodon Dental, informed patients make the best decisions about their oral health. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of frequently asked questions to help you understand our services, your treatment options, and what to expect from your dental care. We are committed to providing personalized, high-quality care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Please get in touch with us if you have further questions or would like to schedule a consultation. Your smile is our priority!
General Dental FAQs
How do I make an appointment?
Do You Take All Insurances?
Will I Always Have the Same Dentist?
Yes! We are proudly locally owned and operated by Dr. Efren Ormaza— a resident of the local Nashville area. You can rest assured that you will see the same dentist and receive the same high-quality service you deserve every visit.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe and Necessary?
Medical and dental professionals have extensively researched X-rays and established safety guidelines. Dr. Ormaza uses the fewest X-rays possible and will only recommend them when necessary to diagnose a specific issue. With advancements in technology, digital X-rays used today emit significantly less radiation and are much safer than traditional X-rays used in the past.
During your initial dental exam after a prolonged absence, X-rays may be necessary to assess the health of your teeth and gums. If you have gum disease, Dr. Ormaza may recommend X-rays every six months to monitor your progress. For regular checkups, X-rays are typically taken every two years. Our team is committed to providing you and your family with safe and comprehensive dental care. We utilize state-of-the-art technology to ensure our X-rays are as secure and efficient as possible.
Does Your Office Offer Spanish-Language Services?
Yes, Doctor Ormaza is fluent in both Spanish and English! We regularly service clients throughout Smyrna, Murfreesboro, Clarksville, Antioch, and more
Dental Implant FAQs
What Is a Dental Implant?
What Types of Dental Implants Does Smilodon Dental Nashville Offer?
At Smilodon Dental, we offer many types of implants. The most popular include:
Single-tooth dental implants
Multiple teeth dental implants
Full-arch dental implants can replace all teeth in an arch, usually with four to six posts
Implant-supported bridges can replace several missing teeth in the same area
How Long Do Dental Implant Treatments Take?
The duration of a dental implant procedure can vary depending on several factors, including oral health, the number of implants, and the complexity. Generally, the process involves several stages, including the initial consultation and evaluation, the surgical placement of the dental implant, a healing period of several months, and a prosthetic tooth or teeth on top of the implant.
On average, the entire process can take several months to a year or more to complete. However, some cases can be completed in a shorter timeframe, such as same-day implant placement with immediate loading of the prosthetic tooth. Dr. Ormaza can provide a more accurate estimate of the expected timeline for your specific case during your consultation.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
How Do I Care for My Dental Implant?
Caring for dental implants is very similar to caring for natural teeth. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash are necessary for maintaining proper oral hygiene with implants. Regular checkups and teeth cleanings are essential for caring for your implants. At night, remove implant-supported dentures and soak them in a denture solution. Patients can also use an oral irrigator to help clean below and around the dental implants.
What Should I Expect After Dental Implants?
Following the procedure, swelling and discomfort around the implantation site are common. Some patients may experience minor bleeding and bruising of the skin and gums in the treatment area. These side effects can be managed with pain medication and antibiotics if necessary. Patients can expect such side effects to subside after a few days.
After receiving dental implants, eating soft foods while healing is best. Most dental implant procedures use dissolvable stitches, so patients will not have to come back to get them removed. Following the aftercare instructions and advice will help the healing process.
Is the Dental Implant Procedure Painful?
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
How Do I Get Started with Dental Implants
A personalized consultation with Dr. Ormaza in our Nashville, TN, office is the best way to begin! He’ll listen to your concerns and preferences, thoroughly evaluate, and recommend the best implant option.