Patient Education & Blog | Mission Dental

Do Dental Implants Hurt? Tips Before and After a Dental Implant in Nashville, TN

Do Dental Implants Hurt? Tips Before and After a Dental Implant Thinking about getting a dental implant but worried about the pain? You’re not alone. At Mission Dental: Makeya Jenkins, DDS, we understand that any dental procedure can cause anxiety, especially if you’re unsure what to expect. The good news is—dental implants are more comfortable than most people think. And with the right care and information, the process can be smooth, safe, and virtually painless.Let’s explore what getting a dental implant is really like, share helpful tips for before and after the procedure, and give you honest answers to the most common questions we hear from patients in Antioch, Brentwood, La Vergne, Oak Hill, Berry Hill, Forest Hills, and Donelson. What is a dental implant? A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. Once it’s securely placed in your jawbone, it supports a custom-made crown that looks, feels, and functions just like a natural tooth. Implants are one of the best solutions for restoring your smile, your bite, and your confidence. Do dental implants hurt? This is probably the most common question we hear. The truth is: the procedure itself is not painful. During the implant placement, local anesthesia is used to completely numb the area, so you won’t feel pain—just a little pressure, similar to other routine dental procedures.After the surgery, you might feel mild discomfort, swelling, or sensitivity for a few days. But don’t worry—this is totally normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication or a prescription from your dentist. Many patients say the experience is much easier than they expected.At Mission Dental, Dr. Makeya Jenkins and her team are committed to making your implant journey as stress-free and comfortable as possible. Tips Before Your Dental Implant Procedure Being well-prepared can help you feel more confident and relaxed. Here are some tips to consider before your implant appointment: Schedule a consultation: Your first step is to come in for a complete evaluation. Dr. Jenkins will assess your oral health, jawbone condition, and discuss the best treatment plan for you. Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to speak up! Understanding the process helps reduce anxiety. Follow pre-surgery instructions: You might be asked to avoid eating for a few hours or stop taking certain medications temporarily—be sure to follow the guidelines provided by our team. Practice good oral hygiene: A clean, healthy mouth reduces the risk of infection and helps ensure the implant heals properly. Aftercare: Tips for a Smooth Recovery Your body needs time to heal and allow the implant to integrate with your jawbone. Here’s how to take care of yourself post-surgery: Take it easy: Rest for the first 24–48 hours. Avoid strenuous activity and give your body time to recover. Stick to soft foods: Smoothies, soups, mashed potatoes, and yogurt are great options during the first few days. Keep it clean: Gently brush your teeth and follow any mouthwash or rinse instructions from Dr. Jenkins. Avoid smoking: Smoking slows down healing and increases the risk of implant failure. Attend follow-up visits: Your recovery will be monitored closely to make sure everything is healing just right. Compassionate Care, Right Here in Nashville At Mission Dental, we treat every patient like family. Whether you’re coming from Antioch, Brentwood, La Vergne, Oak Hill, Berry Hill, Forest Hills, or Donelson, our mission is to give you the best care possible in a welcoming and supportive environment.Dr. Makeya Jenkins is passionate about restoring smiles and helping patients feel confident about their dental health. If you’re considering a dental implant, we’ll guide you every step of the way—with expertise, kindness, and care.Ready to take the next step?Call us today at (615) 366-4141 to schedule your consultation and learn if a dental implant is right for you. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. Am I a candidate for dental implants if I lost a tooth a long time ago?Yes, you may still be a candidate. Even if your tooth has been missing for years, implants are often possible. Dr. Jenkins will evaluate whether your jawbone is strong enough or if you may need a bone graft.2. How long does a dental implant last?With proper care, a dental implant can last 20 years or more—often a lifetime. Just like natural teeth, implants need good brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups.3. How long is the recovery time after getting an implant?Most people feel back to normal within a few days. Full healing, when the implant fuses with the bone, can take 3 to 6 months.4. What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth?Leaving a gap can cause nearby teeth to shift, affect your bite, and even lead to jawbone loss. A dental implant helps prevent these problems.5. How much does a dental implant cost?Costs can vary, but we offer 0% financing to make treatment more affordable. During your consultation, we’ll provide a clear breakdown of pricing and options. If you’re ready to restore your smile with a strong, natural-looking dental implant, we’re here to help.Call Mission Dental at (615) 366-4141 to book your appointment with Dr. Makeya Jenkins today. Your comfort and confidence are our top priorities.

Our Dental Services in Nashville, TN

At Mission Dental, we are committed to providing high-quality dental care to families and individuals in Nashville, TN, and surrounding areas, including Antioch, Brentwood, La Vergne, Oak Hill, Berry Hill, Forest Hills, and Donelson. Led by Dr. Makeya Jenkins, our team offers a full range of dental services, from preventive care to advanced restorative treatments. We believe that everyone deserves a healthy and beautiful smile, which is why we offer 0% financing to make dental care more accessible. General and Family Dentistry for Lifelong Oral Health Regular checkups and cleanings are the foundation of good oral health. At Mission Dental, we provide comprehensive general and family dentistry services, including professional cleanings, exams, and preventive treatments like fluoride and sealants. Whether you need a routine visit or care for the entire family, our team ensures a comfortable and stress-free experience for patients of all ages. Periodontal Therapy to Protect Your Gums Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss, and it can also affect your overall health. Our periodontal therapy services help prevent, diagnose, and treat gum disease through deep cleanings, scaling and root planing, and personalized treatment plans. If you experience bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession, seeking treatment early can help prevent serious complications. Clear Braces for a Straighter Smile If you want to straighten your teeth without traditional metal braces, we offer clear aligners that are nearly invisible, comfortable, and easy to maintain. These braces gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment, making them a great choice for both teens and adults looking to enhance their smile discreetly. Expert Oral Surgery and Dental Extractions Whether you need wisdom teeth removal, complex extractions, or other oral surgical procedures, our skilled team ensures a safe and efficient treatment process. We use advanced technology and sedation options to minimize discomfort and help patients feel at ease during their procedure. Sedation Dentistry for Anxiety-Free Visits We understand that visiting the dentist can be stressful for some patients. That’s why we offer sedation dentistry options to help you relax during your treatment. From mild sedation for general procedures to deeper sedation for complex treatments, we tailor our approach to your needs, ensuring a calm and comfortable experience. Root Canal Therapy to Save Your Teeth If you have a severely decayed or infected tooth, a root canal can save it from extraction. Our root canal therapy removes infected pulp, relieves pain, and restores the natural structure of your tooth. With modern techniques and sedation options, the procedure is comfortable and highly effective. Emergency Dentistry When You Need It Most Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and we’re here to help. Whether you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, or a dental infection, our emergency dentistry services provide fast relief and expert care. Call us at (615) 366-4141 for urgent dental treatment. Cosmetic Dentistry for a Stunning Smile If you want to improve the appearance of your smile, our cosmetic dentistry services include teeth whitening, veneers, and smile makeovers. We customize treatments to enhance your confidence and give you the smile you’ve always wanted. Restorative Dentistry to Rebuild Your Smile Missing or damaged teeth can affect your daily life, from eating to speaking confidently. Our restorative dentistry services include dental implants, crowns, bridges, and dentures to restore function and beauty to your smile. Frequently Asked Questions 1. How often should I visit the dentist? We recommend a checkup every six months for preventive care and early detection of dental issues. 2. Does Mission Dental accept insurance? Yes! We accept most major dental insurance plans and also offer 0% financing for affordable care. 3. Is clear aligner treatment better than traditional braces? Clear aligners are a great discreet alternative to braces, but the best option depends on your unique dental needs. 4. Do dental extractions hurt? With modern anesthesia and sedation, dental extractions are generally pain-free with minimal discomfort. 5. What should I do if I have a dental emergency? Call us immediately at (615) 366-4141, and we will schedule you for urgent care as soon as possible. At Mission Dental, we are dedicated to providing top-quality dental care to the Nashville community and surrounding areas. Whether you need preventive, cosmetic, or restorative treatments, Dr. Makeya Jenkins and our team are here to help you achieve a healthy and radiant smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

nashville dental implants Dr. Makeya Jenkins, DDS. Mission Dental. General, Family, Cosmetic, Restorative, Preventative, Emergency Dentistry. Dentist in Nashville, TN 37217

Everything You Need to Know About Dental Implants

Every patient deserves a beautiful, healthy smile that boosts their confidence. At Mission Dental, we offer restorative dentistry services to bring back your smile and make it even better than before! We can help in Nashville to fix anything from chipped or cracked teeth to problems like missing teeth or discoloration with options such as dental implants. We provide various treatments, and our friendly staff is here to listen and create a personalized plan for you. So don’t delay bringing back your beautiful smile – see us today! Dental implants are a necessary dental procedure that can help restore teeth and enhance oral health. If you are considering getting dental implants, you may have many questions. Fortunately, we are here to help. As your friendly dental providers at Mission Dental, we have outlined everything you need to know about dental implants. What Are Dental Implants? Dental implants are an excellent option for people who have lost one or more teeth due to injury, decay, or periodontal disease. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are made from titanium. These roots are placed into your jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. How Do Dental Implants Work? Dental implants work by fusing to your jawbone over time, which creates a strong and sturdy base for your replacement tooth. Once the implant has appropriately fused, Dr. Makeya Jenkins will attach a replacement tooth or bridge. The process usually takes several months to complete as you must allow the dental implant to osseointegrate with the jawbone. Are Dental Implants Safe? Yes, dental implants are safe and are considered one of the most successful dental procedures, with a success rate of up to 98 percent. They are a safe and durable option for people who want to restore their teeth and improve their overall oral health. What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants? Dental implants offer many benefits, including improved oral health, comfort, and aesthetics. They feel and function like natural teeth, which makes it easier for people to eat, speak, and smile confidently. Additionally, dental implants support your jawbone and prevent it from degenerating, keeping your face youthful and healthy. What is the Procedure for Getting Dental Implants? The procedure for getting dental implants usually involves several steps, including consultation, implant placement surgery, and attachment of the replacement tooth or bridge. Dr. Jenkins will assess your oral health during your consultation and discuss your options. Implant placement surgery involves the placement of the titanium implant into your jawbone, which usually takes one to two hours. We may place a temporary crown to protect the new dental implant until the permanent crown is ready. This temporary crown is vital in ensuring that the implant heals properly. We will check up on the temporary crown regularly, and it should last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on how long it takes for the new implant to complete its integration process with the jawbone. Once this process is complete and healing has taken place, and the implant has sufficiently fused with the jawbone, we can place the permanent crown. You can count on me to provide you with optimal care and monitor your progress every step of the way! Quality Dental Implants in Nashville, TN We hope that this guide has helped you understand what dental implants are and why they may be a good option for you. At Mission Dental, we are committed to providing the best possible care for our patients, and we offer a range of dental implant services to help you restore your teeth and improve your overall oral health. If you have any questions or would like to set up a consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

nashville tooth extractions Dr. Makeya Jenkins, DDS. Mission Dental. General, Family, Cosmetic, Restorative, Preventative, Emergency Dentistry. Dentist in Nashville, TN 37217

What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction Procedure

Sick of dealing with your dental health issues all by yourself? Mission Dental provides comprehensive dentistry that focuses entirely on you and the best possible care for your health. Our mission in Nashville is to ensure you have a healthy smile that will last for years to come, no matter what kind of dental situation you are in, whether it be tooth extractions, root canal therapy, or dental fillings. We strive to provide friendly customer service so you feel comfortable and confident as we guide you through our services. If you need a tooth extraction, call us to schedule a consultation today! Tooth extractions are a standard dental procedure that most people go through at least once in their lifetime. Whether you need to have a tooth pulled due to decay, damage, or overcrowding, Mission Dental makes the process easy and painless. In this blog post, we will discuss what to expect during a tooth extraction procedure, so you can feel more comfortable and confident when visiting our dental office. There are quite a few options for avoiding an extraction. Before recommending a tooth extraction, we will do what we can to save your natural tooth. We can fill caries cavities or treat fractured teeth with crowns, or you can opt for a root canal to repair the inner part of the tooth suffering from an infection. Additionally, many times a filling will suffice. Whatever your needs, we’ll use our years of experience and expertise to assess the best treatment option and get you back smiling with as little effort as possible. But sometimes, an extraction is the best option. The first step in a tooth extraction procedure is numbing the area where the tooth will be removed. Dr. Makeya Jenkins will give you a local anesthetic that will dull the pain and make you feel more comfortable during the extraction process. You can expect to feel pressure and pushing as we remove the tooth, but you should not feel any pain. If you are particularly anxious or nervous about the procedure, you may request a sedative to help you relax. Once we remove the tooth, Dr. Jenkins will place gauze on the socket to stop bleeding and help with clotting. We will give you post-extraction instructions, including steps for keeping the area clean and minimizing the risk of infection. You may experience some swelling and pain for a few days, so avoid strenuous activities and eat soft foods until the extraction site has fully healed. If a tooth is impacted or requires more advanced extraction, we may recommend a more complex procedure. For example, a surgical extraction may be necessary if the tooth is situated deep within the gum tissue or is broken and cannot be easily pulled. Dr. Jenkins will make a small incision in the gum tissue during a surgical extraction to remove the tooth. The recovery time for a surgical extraction may be longer than a simple extraction, but we will provide you with detailed instructions on caring for the extraction site. Tooth Extractions in Nashville, TN At Mission Dental, we understand tooth extractions can be intimidating, but we are here to make the process as easy and painless as possible. Whether you need a simple extraction or a more complex procedure, our team will work with you to ensure you feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. We offer emergency dentistry services to help you relieve pain and save your teeth. From general cleanings and check-ups to mouthguards, whitening treatments, and everything in between, our team of experts is here to help keep your teeth looking their most beautiful while protecting them from damage. Plus, if there’s ever an emergency – no problem! Stop waiting around for better dental care – book an appointment at Mission Dental today!

nashville dental crowns Dr. Makeya Jenkins, DDS. Mission Dental. General, Family, Cosmetic, Restorative, Preventative, Emergency Dentistry. Dentist in Nashville, TN 37217

All You Need to Know About Dental Crowns

At Mission Dental, restorative dentistry is one of our specialties! We are dedicated to helping our patients get their smiles back. Whether it’s through dental crowns, bonding, or implants, we’ll be sure to provide the most effective treatments and restore your smile to its full beauty in Nashville, Tn. Dr. Makeya Jenkins is always ready to assist and answer any questions about these fantastic restorative procedures. Visit us today, and we’ll do everything we can to help give you a beautiful, confident smile. We are here to guide you through everything you need to know about dental crowns. Have you been suffering from dental problems such as weak, broken, or discolored teeth? Worry no more because dental crowns have got you covered. They are an excellent option for many dental issues and are available in various materials such as porcelain, metal, or resin. What are Dental Crowns? Dental crowns are customized caps placed on top of teeth to protect and restore their appearance. The crown fits over the tooth to the gum line and is used to fix broken teeth, protect weak teeth, or improve the appearance of a discolored tooth. They also anchor bridges, cover implants, and protect teeth after a root canal treatment. Different Types of Dental Crowns There are different types of dental crowns, and Dr. Jenkins will recommend the best option for your specific needs. The most common crown materials include porcelain, metal, porcelain fused to metal, and resin. Porcelain crowns are popular because they match the color of natural teeth, making them appear more natural. Metal crowns are the most durable and are often used for back teeth. Porcelain fused to metal combines the strength of metal with the appearance of porcelain, making them popular for front and rear teeth. Resin crowns are less expensive and aren’t as long-lasting as other materials. The Dental Crown Process The process of getting a dental crown involves two appointments. During the first appointment, tooth prep includes reducing the area of your tooth so that the crown will fit properly while preserving as much healthy enamel as possible. We use advanced techniques to ensure accuracy and precision with tooth prepping. Temporary crowns are placed on the tooth until the permanent crown is ready. During the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed. Once we place the permanent crown, and if any adjustments are necessary, Dr. Jenkins will make them before bonding it in place. Rest assured that your teeth are in great hands when you come to see us! Our team will then take an impression of the tooth and send it to a lab to create a custom crown. Maintaining Your Dental Crowns Dental crowns can last for five to fifteen years with proper care. Maintaining crowns is similar to caring for natural teeth, and it involves brushing twice daily, flossing once a day, and visiting the dentist regularly. It’s essential to avoid eating hard foods, grinding teeth, and using mouthguards if you participate in sports. What’s critical is to take care of our dental crowns by ensuring we engage in regular checkups and care for our teeth. Nashville Dental Crowns Dental crowns are an excellent option for restoring your teeth, and it’s a more straightforward process than you might think. They offer a long-lasting solution to many dental issues and can improve the appearance of your smile. Remember that the dental crown process requires an experienced dentist, and at Mission Dental, we are here to offer you the best services that meet your dental needs. Contact us today to learn more about dental crowns or schedule an appointment.

Important Things To Know Before Getting A Root Canal

Root canal is one of those dental procedures that makes folks feel a little nervous, but it needn’t be that way! To put your mind at ease, here’s all that you need to know about the root canal treatment. What is a root canal treatment? The purpose of a root canal treatment is to remove bacteria from an infected root canal; the idea is to preserve the natural tooth and stop the tooth from becoming infected again. During a root canal treatment, a dentist will remove the infected pulp, clean the inside of the tooth, and then fill it and seal it. What are the signs that you need a root canal? There are several signs which indicate that you may need root canal therapy. Firstly, you may experience a severe toothache or pain from simple activities like chewing. You might also notice that your tooth is oversensitive to cold or hot temperatures. Other signs include swollen gums or a tooth that’s become discolored. What to expect when having a root canal treatment? First, your dentist will take an X-ray to check for an infection. Your dentist will then apply an anesthetic on the treatment area. Next, your dentist will remove bacteria, infected pulp, or any decayed nerve tissue. After this, your dentist will drain the infection, and scrape the root canal at each side. Your dentist will use a ‘gutta-percha’ to fill the open canal space. Finally, the tooth is sealed. For a root canal treatment in Nashville, TN, contact us at Mission Dental. Will my root canal need a crown? Yes, sometimes a crown is added to the tooth, a crown can prevent your tooth from becoming damaged. A crown can also help to keep the natural look of your tooth. Your dentist might apply a crow right away, or they might do this at a later date. For example, if you have an infection, the dentist will give the infection time to heal first. What can I do to ease the pain of a root canal procedure? Your dentist will use an anesthetic to reduce pain and discomfort during the root canal therapy procedure. If you experience pain afterward, you can try over the counter medications such as Tylenol or ibuprofen. Your infected root canal has likely caused you significant pain, and so after the procedure, you should start to feel better. What to expect after a root canal procedure? Once you’ve had a root canal procedure, it’s important to keep taking good care of your teeth. Ensure that you visit the dentist for regular check-ups, use fluoride toothpaste, and don’t forget to floss. Many people fear a root canal procedure, but there’s nothing to worry about. It’s a very common procedure, and you’ll be able to resume your normal activities right away! Root Canal in Nashville For root canal therapy in Nashville, TN, contact us at Mission Dental. With our years of experience and high-end equipment, we can provide you with an excellent dentistry service. Many patients feel anxious before a root canal; let us put you at ease by answering all of your questions! As well as root canal services, we also offer other dental procedures, including Dentures, Teeth Whitening, Clear Braces, and Oral Surgery.