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

  • You can make an appointment online by visiting us here. You can also call 615-499-5868

  • Smilodon Dental Nashville works with most PPO insurance providers. For more information, please call 615-499-5868.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Yes, Doctor Ormaza is fluent in both Spanish and English! We regularly service clients throughout Smyrna, Murfreesboro, Clarksville, Antioch, and more

Dental Implant FAQs

  • Dental implants are titanium posts implanted in the jawbone, acting as artificial tooth roots. Over time, they fuse with your bone and are anchors for permanent replacement teeth. Once the implant has healed, we will place a prosthetic tooth on top to mimic the look and feel of your natural teeth.

  • At Smilodon Dental, we offer many types of implants. The most popular include:

    1. Single-tooth dental implants 

    2. Multiple teeth dental implants

    3. 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

  • 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.

  • Dental implants are a long-term tooth replacement option, with studies reporting an 80 to 90 percent success rate for arch dental implants over 30 years. Recent studies show a success rate greater than 95 percent for patients missing one or several teeth. While dental implants can occasionally fail for various reasons, we can reassess the situation after a period of healing and evaluation to explore other options. As with regular dentures and other tooth replacements, dental implants and their associated components are used daily and may need modifications. We will check your implants during regular hygiene visits and make adjustments as necessary, ensuring the long-term success of your dental implants.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Our process is designed to ensure the precise placement of your dental implants, tailored to the specifications of your mouth for a perfect, comfortable fit. Advanced technology allows us to thoroughly pre-plan your procedure, making it quicker and smoother, with less chance of complications. We always provide anesthetics during placement to keep you comfortable and relaxed, ensuring a safe and efficient experience.

  • Though it's hard to price the value dental implants can provide, several factors figure into the cost, including bone grafting, tooth extractions, and the number of dental implants you need. Dr. Ormaza can help you determine your actual cost during a consultation in our Nashville, TN, office. Schedule your visit soon!

  • 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.

Schedule a Consultation with Smilodon Dental in Nashville, TN

If you have any other questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact our friendly team. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile!

Schedule your consultation today at Smilodon Dental Nashville.