Replacing Missing Teeth
Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants – Grand Rapids & Rockford MI
Missing Teeth And Your Health
Your teeth affect your whole body. When they’re healthy, you’re healthier too. A missing tooth can affect your bite, speech, and eating choices. As you rely more on your remaining teeth, you increase the chance they will wear out prematurely, be damaged, or lost. You may also experience headaches and/or jaw pain.
Who would want their appearance and health to deteriorate? That’s the natural consequence of missing teeth — the jaw literally melts away. Generally, people will lose 25% of their supporting jawbone structure within the first year after tooth loss. Dental implants are more easily placed when teeth are first extracted because bone replacement becomes more complex as time passes. The great news? Implants act just like your natural teeth. They safeguard and preserve your bone structure, oral health and appearance. Your dentist and the implant surgeon will provide you with options so that you can make the most informed decision concerning tooth replacement.
For a quick overview of dental implants, read an expert Q&A with Dr. Roseanna Noordhoek, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at The Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants. To learn about tooth replacement options in more detail, continue reading below.
Tooth Replacement Options
You can select from a number of different options to replace your missing teeth – from temporary to long-lasting solutions.
A good candidate is anyone missing one or more teeth, or who is unhappy with their dentures. Age is not a factor. However, smoking, diseases such as diabetes, and radiation therapy to the area, have been shown to lower the success rate of implant placement. X-rays of your jaw will be taken to evaluate whether they will accommodate implants. Detailed x-rays may also be required to determine if other tests or procedures are needed to place implants properly.
Fixed Bridge
A fixed bridge is a connected set of replacement teeth. For support, it is cemented into position on top of the teeth adjacent to the empty space. The protective outer layer of these teeth is usually removed or ground down prior to attaching the bridge.
Flipper
A fragile, temporary and inexpensive solution is a removable plastic tooth with a plastic retainer, often called a “flipper”.
Denture
The most common solution, for people missing all teeth in one or both jaws are complete dentures. Some people adapt well to dentures. Others find them uncomfortable, even intolerable, because of differences in jaw size and shape.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most comfortable and permanent solution. They form a strong foundation for teeth and keep the jaw healthy and strong. Implants support individual replacement teeth or secure specialized dentures in place. Unlike bridges, no healthy teeth are damaged. Unlike most bridges, implants can last a lifetime. Implant-supported replacement teeth can be attractive, stable, and comfortable for almost any patient.
Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?
There are several reasons: A dental bridge can sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge the space of the missing tooth/teeth. In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.
What Are Dental Implants?
A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw. The difference is that the implant is made of titanium — the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.
Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the dental implant. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. A support post (abutment) is then placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment. In many cases a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed. If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.
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“Don’t Be Afraid to Smile.”
For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.
Surgical Advances
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Van Heukelom, Dr. Noordhoek, Dr. Feigenbaum and Dr. Bulcher are able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures.
Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Drs. Van Heukelom, Noordhoek, Feigenbaum or Bulcher performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary. The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
Read Our Patient Testimonials
Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants
Patient Review By Cami Z
First (and hopefully only) dental implant - Dr and her Assistant explained every step in the process and how to care for the area after the initial surgery. Plus all information was provided in writing. They both patiently answered my questions and continued to explain what was happening throughout. No pain and totally felt comfortable and that I was in "good hands". Thank you!
- Cami Z
Patient Review By Darin S
This was my last procedure for my implant of installing the post. Mark Grinzinger DDS,MD performed the surgery and was exceptional at his job. Asking me through out process if I was okey or uncomfortable. Went above and beyond from other places I’ve had work at. His assistants were stellar also in making me as comfortable as possible and even bringing in a fan for me or asking if I’d like window open. If you need any oral surgery I highly recommend this place and Dr Grinzinger. AAA+++ By the way. Grinzinger isn’t in drop down so we chose Emily at random
- Darin S
Patient Review By Harold R
The doctor and staff have excellent "bed side manner". They were very good at helping me be comfortable and helping me feel that I was in good hands. At this point, I have had a double extraction (including one wisdom tooth) in December of 2021 and an implant in March of 2022. All has went as prescribed and I am very satisfied.
- Harold R
Patient Review By Marilyn J
Dr. Emily and her staff are great!!!! They tell you everything that is going on, and every step that is being done. They make you feel comfortable right from the beginning. I would definitely recommend to anybody.
- Marilyn J
Patient Review By Richard B
Dr. Pisano was very good at explaining everything he was doing, and was very friendly. I felt like I was in really good hands during the extraction and then the implant placement. The assistants were also very friendly. I highly recommend the Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants for anything that requires an oral surgeon.
- Richard B
Patient Review By Chuck N
Dr. Emily VanHeukelom and her staff have done a wonderful job with my three implants. They have been patient, answered every question that I have had, and even made me smile. I am very please their professional work and kindness.
- Chuck N
Patient Review By Diana B
Dr. Panek is definitely a man doing what God created him to be. His knowledge in oral and maxillofacial surgery is exceptional; in addition, very rare in Michigan. By the time I heard of Dr. Panek, I had already exhausted many specialists. A sinus lift with 4 implants already failed from another dentist. I had no bone in my mouth and my arch of my mouth was little to none. No matter how my dentures fit, I could not keep them from falling out. I was without teeth for a year before I was informed of Dr. Panek. He was very patient, compassionate, and understanding. He listened to my story and then tried to explain my predicament. I did not know anything at the time of zygoma implants, however he stated that it would be the best way and actually the only way of guaranteeing me to have teeth. He would do 4 zygoma implants. All the way through surgery, as well as the six months of healing, Dr. Panek and his assistants were nothing short of courteous, considerate and caring, going above and beyond the call of duty. It was as if they were traveling with me on this new journey. Dr. Panek is truly gifted. I can honestly say that a day doesn’t go by without my utmost gratitude for Dr. Panek and his assistants. I would still be toothless today if he would’ve been like all the rest stating, ‘There is nothing more we can do for you.’ But instead, he did an extremely difficult surgery, flawless and with brilliance. Dr. Panek, without a doubt, is # 1 in my book!
- Diana B
Patient Review By Diana B
Dr. Panek is definitely a man doing what God created him to be. His knowledge in oral and maxillofacial surgery is exceptional; in addition, very rare in Michigan. By the time I heard of Dr. Panek, I had already exhausted many specialists. A sinus lift with 4 implants already failed from another dentist. I had no bone in my mouth and my arch of my mouth was little to none. No matter how my dentures fit, I could not keep them from falling out. I was without teeth for a year before I was informed of Dr. Panek. He was very patient, compassionate, and understanding. He listened to my story and then tried to explain my predicament. I did not know anything at the time of zygoma implants, however he stated that it would be the best way and actually the only way of guaranteeing me to have teeth. He would do 4 zygoma implants. All the way through surgery, as well as the six months of healing, Dr. Panek and his assistants were nothing short of courteous, considerate and caring, going above and beyond the call of duty. It was as if they were traveling with me on this new journey. Dr. Panek is truly gifted. I can honestly say that a day doesn’t go by without my utmost gratitude for Dr. Panek and his assistants. I would still be toothless today if he would’ve been like all the rest stating, ‘There is nothing more we can do for you.’ But instead, he did an extremely difficult surgery, flawless and with brilliance. Dr. Panek, without a doubt, is # 1 in my book!
- Diana B
Patient Review By Chadwick B
This is my second extraction and implant with Dr. Panek. Both procedures were quick and pain-free. Dr. Panek has had a lot of experience with these procedures, and it shows! I highly recommend him and his courteous staff.
- Chadwick B
Patient Review By Cheryl C
Special thanks to Daina for her support and Dr. Panic for the comfort and ease of my dental procedures. The entire staff was friendly and highly professional and I would recommend this office for everyone in need of these dental services.
- Cheryl C
Patient Review By Donna H
Dr Roseanne is the best oral surgeon that I have ever been to. She was so kind and very professional and worked fast but carefully.She is the best!
- Donna H
Patient Review By Ruth J
There is a lot of contact with staff and the physician. You are well taken care of before, during, and after the surgery. Before the surgery, there is a complete explanation of the procedure that is so reassuring. During surgery there is on-going communication with the patient about what is being done as well as how much time is left to complete the procedure. After surgery care is well-explained and you are encouraged to call their office with any questions or even if you need reassurance that any discomfort you may be feeling is normal or needs a follow-up. A letter is then received from the office two days after the surgery letting you know that your recovery is important to them along with numbers to call with any questions or concerns. I have never felt more taken care of. I highly recommend this office for any oral surgery needs. I've had two extractions and one implant at this office, and it's always as I've described. They care, and this is the only place I will go to have dental surgery.
- Ruth J
Patient Review By Jeana H
Very friendly and professional team
- Jeana H
Patient Review By Theresa T
The Rockford location staff were kind and courteous. Everyone I encounters were knowledgeable about the procedure and after care. The office was clean and tidy.
- Theresa T
Patient Review By Jill H
I have had numerous procedures done by the surgeons here and every experience has been exceptional. Highly recommend them!!
- Jill H
Patient Review By andre C
Very pleasnant easy experience considering the procedure . I was expecting a lot more pain and discomfort . Pleasantly surprised of how smootheverything went
- andre C