Convenient Access from Donelson
Plan on about 16 minutes for the 10-mile drive east to Providence Dental Care, a family practice in Mt. Juliet that many people searching for a dentist near Donelson have added to their short list. We are at 684 N Mt Juliet Rd, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122, on the stretch of N Mt Juliet Rd between I-40 and US 70, with two dentists caring for patients of every age.
A good starting point is the new Donelson Branch Library in Donelson Plaza. From the library, turn onto Lebanon Pike (US 70) heading east, then turn right on Stewarts Ferry Pike and follow it for nearly two miles to the I-40 East ramp. The interstate carries you about six miles to exit 226. From there, turn left onto Mt. Juliet Rd and drive north for less than a mile to reach the office.
The Donelson Branch Library opened its two-story building in the mid-century shopping center in 2024, replacing the branch that had served the area since 1966. On the way out of the neighborhood you cross the Stones River lowlands at Clover Bottom, and Percy Priest Lake sits just to the south. Save our office on Google Maps for turn-by-turn help, and note that neighbors in Hermitage and Lakewood make a similar trip.
A Steady Dental Home for Donelson Neighbors
Donelson is one of the older suburban corners of Metro Nashville in Davidson County. It takes its name from John Donelson, a co-founder of Nashville, and most of its streets filled in after World War II with red brick, ranch-style houses. Bluefields, begun in 1929, is its oldest neighborhood and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
That history shows in the people we meet. Many households have lived in the same house for a long time, and a good number of grown children have bought homes nearby. A practice that can care for grandparents, parents and grandkids under one roof fits that pattern well, and building a dental home for generations is one of the values our team works by.
We also believe in showing rather than telling. Our doctors pull up photos, imaging and x-rays on the screen so you can see what they see, and they explain your options without pressure or judgment. Saving natural teeth comes first whenever it is a realistic choice.
Comfort is built into the visit as well. Patients can watch Hulu on TVs mounted on the ceilings, settle in with a warm blanket and neck pillow, and grab a drink at the beverage station. If dental visits have been stressful in the past, tell us, and the team will take things at a slower pace.
What Longtime Donelson Residents Should Know About Dental Care
Teeth that have served a person for many years tend to carry a history of their own. Older silver or tooth-colored fillings wear at the edges, crowns placed long ago can loosen, and decay sometimes hides beneath that earlier work where it is hard to feel. Regular exams with digital x-rays catch these small changes while they are still simple to fix.
Gum health deserves equal attention. Gum disease often develops quietly, and the first signs may be nothing more than a little bleeding when you floss or gums that look puffy. Left untreated, it can loosen teeth over time, so periodontal checks are part of every adult exam we do.
When a tooth is already missing, there are several ways to fill the gap. A bridge, a partial denture or a single implant can each make sense, and the right one depends on bone, gum health and your own priorities. Our team uses CBCT 3D imaging to plan implant care carefully before any decision is made.
Technology helps with the detective work. AI-assisted software highlights areas of concern on x-rays for our doctors to review, and the doctor always makes the final call. A handheld 3D scanner replaces messy impression material in many cases, which is welcome news for anyone with a strong gag reflex.
Working-age residents have their own needs too. The neighborhood borders Nashville International Airport, hosts dozens of hotels and has a stop on the WeGo Star commuter rail, so many people here work shifts or early schedules. Our 7 AM starts Monday through Thursday are often the easiest fit.
Services for Patients Seeking a Dentist Near Donelson
These services come up most often in conversations with patients from this side of Nashville, from keeping teeth healthy to replacing ones that are gone.
Fixing Aging Fillings and Crowns
Restorative Dentistry rebuilds worn, cracked or decayed teeth. With CEREC, our Same-Day Crowns let many patients leave with a finished crown in one appointment, in situations where the tooth allows it.
Replacing Missing Teeth
Our Dental Implants service covers single-tooth replacements and All-On-X full-arch restorations. The team plans each case with 3D imaging and guided planning, coordinates your care and designs the final restoration.
Full and Partial Dentures
Modern Dentures can be designed digitally and 3D printed for a precise fit. For patients who want more stability while eating, implant-retained snap-on dentures are another option worth discussing.
Treating Gum Disease
Periodontal Care ranges from deep cleanings to laser gum therapy and regular maintenance visits, all aimed at calming inflammation and protecting the bone that holds teeth in place.
Extractions When They Are Needed
Sometimes a tooth cannot be saved. Through Oral Surgery, our doctors handle extractions, including wisdom teeth, using local anesthesia, with nitrous oxide available for patients who feel anxious.
Cleanings That Keep Work Lasting
Preventive Dentistry visits help crowns, bridges and implants last longer. Exams, cleanings and screenings, plus nightguards for people who grind, protect both natural teeth and restorations.
Meet Your Donelson Dental Team
Patients are cared for by Dr. Josh Gunnels and Dr. Spencer Bierlein. Dr. Gunnels was raised in Mount Juliet, earned his dental degree from the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry in Memphis and belongs to the ADA, the Tennessee Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Bierlein, a graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, has volunteered with Remote Area Medical and Habitat for Humanity.
Insurance, Membership & Financing
Our office is in-network with many popular plans and works with most major carriers, Delta Dental, Cigna and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee among them. Established patients who do not have insurance can choose a membership plan that includes routine x-rays and 20% off procedures, with a Perio plan for ongoing gum care.
Patients who prefer to spread out a larger cost can apply through CareCredit or Cherry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Providence Dental Care from Donelson, and how do I get there?
From the Donelson Branch Library, Providence Dental Care is roughly 10 miles away, or about 16 minutes by car. The usual route runs along Lebanon Pike and Stewarts Ferry Pike to I-40 East, then exit 226 and north on Mt. Juliet Rd. It is a simple drive for anyone wanting a dentist near Donelson.
Why would I need a filling if my tooth does not hurt?
Because cavities often cause no pain until they are fairly large, and they only get worse when left alone. Treating a small one early usually means a simple tooth-colored filling, done in about an hour with local anesthesia. Waiting can turn the same spot into a much bigger repair, such as a crown or root canal.
Are snap-on dentures more secure than a regular denture?
Usually, yes. Implant-retained dentures click onto a small number of implants, which helps keep them from slipping while you chew or talk. Many people who struggle with a loose full denture find them easier to live with. Our team plans the implants with 3D imaging and designs the denture to fit around them.
Can a nightguard protect my crowns and implants from grinding?
Yes. Grinding and clenching usually happen during sleep, and the force can wear down natural teeth, crack crowns and stress implant restorations. A custom nightguard creates a barrier between upper and lower teeth to absorb that pressure. Guards come in several materials with different degrees of softness, chosen to match how severe your grinding is.
Can I use nitrous oxide if I am nervous about having a tooth pulled?
Yes. Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is available for extractions and other procedures, and it is the only sedation option our office provides. It helps you relax while staying awake, and it wears off quickly. Local anesthesia numbs the tooth itself, and our team checks in with you throughout.
Schedule Your Visit from Donelson
Anyone looking for a dentist near Donelson is welcome to call (615) 716-0058 and talk with our front desk about a first appointment. Our Areas We Serve page lists every community we see patients from, and our Mt. Juliet dentist homepage tells you more about the practice.