Roughly 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and approximately 40 million have lost all of their natural teeth, according to the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP). Tennessee faces a particularly acute version of this challenge because the state ranks among the lowest nationally in dentists per capita (WalletHub, 2024), creating longer wait times and fewer options for residents who need advanced restorative care. A periodontist who places dental implants fills a critical gap in this landscape, combining specialized training in gum and bone health with the surgical expertise required to anchor titanium posts into the jawbone.
Periodontists complete three additional years of residency training beyond dental school, focusing on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease as well as the placement of dental implants. The Tennessee Board of Dentistry, established in 1957 under TCA Title 63 Chapter 5, licenses all dental professionals in the state and requires periodontists to hold an active dental license, complete an accredited specialty program, and pass both the National Board Dental Examination and a regional clinical examination. Continuing education requirements include 24 hours every two years, with at least 2 hours devoted to chemical dependency training. The Board implemented a fee increase effective January 13, 2026, reinforcing the state’s ongoing investment in regulatory oversight.
Dental implant success rates hover around 98 percent over a 10-year period, according to the Journal of Oral Implantology, a figure that makes implants one of the most reliable tooth replacement options available. The procedure involves surgically inserting a biocompatible titanium post into the jawbone, where it fuses with surrounding bone tissue through a process called osseointegration. Once integration is complete, a custom crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthesis is attached. Advances such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for three-dimensional imaging, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) to accelerate healing, and laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP) for treating gum disease prior to implant placement have expanded the pool of candidates who can benefit from this technology.
Tennessee does not cover adult dental services under its Medicaid program, one of only three states with this limitation (BRFSS). This gap means that lower-income residents often delay treatment until tooth loss becomes unavoidable, increasing eventual demand for implants and periodontal surgery. Many periodontist offices in the state accept CareCredit or offer in-house financing to bridge the affordability gap. Patients considering implants should ask about sedation options, including IV sedation for complex procedures, and confirm whether the practice uses digital surgical guides that improve placement accuracy.
When selecting a periodontist for dental implant treatment in Tennessee, verify that the provider holds an active specialty license through the Tennessee Board of Dentistry’s online verification system. Ask about the periodontist’s implant case volume, the imaging technology available in the office, and the protocol for managing complications such as peri-implantitis. Patients should also confirm whether the practice handles both the surgical placement and the prosthetic restoration or coordinates with a separate restorative dentist.
Top Dental Implants Periodontist Providers in Tennessee
1. Periodontal and Implant Associates of Middle Tennessee
- Address: 4205 Hillsboro Pike #101, Nashville, TN 37215
- Phone: (615) 297-8973
- Website: https://tnperio.com
- Rating: 4.9/5 (455 reviews)
- Services: dental implants, gum disease treatment, LANAP laser therapy, bone grafting, crown lengthening, gum grafting, sedation dentistry
- Description: Periodontal and Implant Associates of Middle Tennessee has served the Nashville area since 1997, staffing multiple board-certified periodontists across offices in Nashville, Brentwood, and Hendersonville. The practice uses digital 3D imaging and offers IV sedation for complex implant and periodontal procedures.
2. Nashville Dental Implants
- Address: 5651 Frist Blvd Suite 314, Hermitage, TN 37076
- Phone: (615) 316-9872
- Website: https://nashvilledentalimplants.com
- Rating: 4.9/5 (338 reviews)
- Services: dental implants, All-on-4 hybrid dentures, LANAP laser treatment, platelet-rich fibrin therapy, gum grafting, periodontal maintenance
- Description: Nashville Dental Implants specializes in implant placement and full-arch restoration under the direction of Dr. Elliott DeWeese, a periodontist who completed his specialty training and Master of Dental Science degree at the University of Louisville. The Hermitage office uses a fully digital surgical workflow and offers both local anesthesia and deeper sedation options.
3. East Tennessee Periodontics
- Address: 2040 Castaic Ln, Knoxville, TN 37932
- Phone: (865) 276-7173
- Website: https://easttnperio.com
- Rating: 4.9/5 (695 reviews)
- Services: dental implants, All-on-4 restoration, periodontal surgery, laser gum treatment, Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation, bone grafting, IV sedation, frenectomy
- Description: East Tennessee Periodontics has operated in the Knoxville area since 1997 under the direction of Dr. Robert Cain, a former president of the Tennessee Society of Periodontists. The practice is one of the few in the region certified to provide IV sedation and uses digital 3D diagnostics for implant planning and guided surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants Periodontist in Tennessee
Q: What is the difference between a general dentist and a periodontist for dental implant placement?
A periodontist completes three years of additional residency training beyond dental school, concentrating on the structures that support teeth, including gums and bone. This specialized training includes focused coursework and clinical practice in surgical implant placement, bone grafting, and management of complications. While approximately one-third of dental implants nationally are placed by general dentists, research suggests that implant success rates tend to be higher when placed by specialists with greater case volume.
Q: Does Tennessee require a separate license for periodontists?
Tennessee does not issue a separate “periodontist license.” Instead, the Tennessee Board of Dentistry licenses all dentists under a single dental license. A periodontist must complete an ADA-accredited specialty residency program and may register their specialty status with the Board. The Board’s online verification tool at tn.gov allows patients to confirm a provider’s license status and any disciplinary history.
Q: How much do dental implants cost in Tennessee?
A single dental implant in the United States typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,500, depending on the complexity of the case, the need for bone grafting, and the type of restoration placed on top. Full-arch restorations such as All-on-4 procedures carry significantly higher costs. Tennessee does not cover adult dental care under Medicaid, so patients without private dental insurance often rely on financing through programs like CareCredit or payment plans offered directly by the periodontist’s office.
Q: What should a patient ask during an implant consultation?
Key questions include how many implant cases the periodontist has completed, what imaging technology the office uses for surgical planning, whether the practice handles both the surgical and prosthetic phases in-house, what sedation options are available, and what the protocol is for post-operative monitoring. Patients should also ask about the expected timeline from initial placement to final restoration, which typically spans three to six months.
Q: Are dental implants covered by insurance in Tennessee?
Coverage differs significantly among insurance plans. Many dental insurance policies classify implants as a cosmetic procedure and provide limited or no coverage. However, some plans cover portions of the process, such as the extraction or the crown. Medical insurance may offer coverage when tooth loss results from an accident or medical condition. Patients should contact their insurance provider before scheduling surgery to understand what benefits apply.
Q: What is LANAP, and how does it relate to dental implants?
LANAP stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, a minimally invasive laser protocol used to treat periodontal disease. Because healthy gum and bone tissue are prerequisites for successful implant placement, periodontists often use LANAP to stabilize periodontal conditions before proceeding with implant surgery. The laser selectively removes diseased tissue while preserving healthy attachment, reducing recovery time compared to traditional gum surgery.