Dental Implants

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.

Man with a great smile

“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 in Dental Implants

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Sheppard is 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. Dr. Sheppard 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.

After Dental Implant Surgery

Dental Implants FAQs

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.

When Are Dental Implants Placed?

Implants are often placed several months after extraction. At times, an implant may be placed immediately after the extraction of a tooth. This may involve a little more risk, but it simplifies the process and you won’t have to wait for another appointment to place the implant. When infection or other problems with the bone are present, immediate implant placement is not the best treatment.

How Many Dental Implants Do I Need?

Most frequently, one implant per missing tooth is placed. Because many of the larger teeth in the back of your jaws have two or three roots, the most common approach is to replace missing back teeth with larger implants.

Are You Ready to Upgrade Your Smile?

Contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment to reclaim your smile today!

Call us: 817-477-0922

Patient Reviews: Dental Implants

This portion is in progress. Please visit the Patient Review Form page to leave a review about your dental implant experience with this practice. Call our office if you would like more information: Center For Oral & Dental Implant Surgery Phone Number 817-477-0922.

Center for Oral & Dental Implant Surgery

5 out of 5 stars based on 10 Dental Implants reviews.

Patient Review by Raymond W

Dr. Sheppard and his staff are the best! I had a fixed bridge removed, a surgical extraction of one tooth, bone graft and a dental implant all on the same day. From Christina on the scheduling desk to Rosa on the insurance desk, things started the right way. Rachel is a fantastic Surgical Assistant. She is a major component in making this as pleasant of an experience as possible. Dr. Sheppard was the best Oral Surgeon I have had in almost 64 years. Everyone I interacted with in Dr. Sheppard's office was a true professional. I was quoted a price during my first consultation and that price stayed, no hidden costs. I was told exactly what to expect during the procedures and during the follow up and that is how things happened. I had zero surprises throughout this entire process. Dr. Sheppard is not a $99.00, 8-hour miracle mouth makeover office. If that is what you want, he is not your man. He is worth what he charges and does what he says he will do. I had a bad experience with another Oral Surgeon right around the corner from my dentist a few years ago. When told I needed surgery again, I refused to return to that surgeon. My Dentist then referred me to Dr. Sheppard, about 9 miles away. That was the best possible thing that could have happened. I was a little apprehensive until I met the staff that would be taking care of me. They put me at ease immediately. I hope I don't need an Oral Surgeon again but if I do I will be calling Dr. Sheppard's team. GREAT TEAM! THANK YOU!

- Raymond W

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Marita P

Most people have to work to pay bills however their are very few people who love there jobs and do them well, Dr. Michael Sheppard and his staff are those people. You can tell Dr. Sheppard is a good boss his staff members are always happy.

- Marita P

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Robert H

I have always felt at ease during procedures. The care and concern Dr. Shepard has shown me during several procedures makes it easy to recommend him to my friends and family.

- Robert H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Moreno A

A physicians bio may sometimes be grander than the actual health care provided. With Dr. Sheppard the "audio is supplanted by the video". I have had two surgical procedures performed by Dr. Sheppard - a tooth extraction and two implants. For both procedures the pre-surgery, surgery, and post surgery procedures were executed precisely as Dr. Sheppard detailed during my pre procedure counseling. The added bonus was minimal pain and rapid recovery from both procedures. Clearly the experience and credentials listed in his bio were not only demonstrated and validated during all phases of my oral surgery experiences, but built on and exceeded. Further, he has two fantastic surgical assistants that truly reflect the culture of excellence of his practice - Bri and Rachel. For my experiences, Rachel is the standout. Thank you Dr. Rudd (my Family Dentist) for referring me to Dr. Sheppard, and finally, Thank you Dr. Sheppard for providing the world class health care most patients long for. You are par excellence. Moreno

- Moreno A

4 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Virginia S

They take great care of their patients.

- Virginia S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by William T

Had an implant 8 years ago and remembered the excellent doctor, staff and service. Seems they haven't lost a beat. Looking forward to this experience.

- William T

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Aalim B

Great experience, made me feel at ease being in the Dentist chair.

- Aalim B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Tenisha W

As a healthcare professional I generally hold other practitioners to a high standard of care. The care I am receiving from Dr. Sheppard is top notch. He is knowledgeable in his field and provides compassionate care.

- Tenisha W

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Christina J

I have been to Dr. Sheppard multiple times for several Dental Implants and my Wisdom Teeth. Not only is he a phenomenal surgeon. He cares for his patients. He is intentional and personal. He even sent flowers to my home after my surgery. I would recommend him to anyone. He is a high quality surgeon and a high quality guy.

- Christina J

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Melissa B

Dr. Sheppard and his team make going to an oral surgeon a fun experience! Everyone is incredibly friendly. The professionalism Dr. Sheppard exhibits is stellar, but he also has a fun side. I trust him completely. If you are looking for a dedicated, concerned team, the Center for Oral Surgery is for you.

- Melissa B

5 out of 5 stars on