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Dental Implant FAQs

  • Created in Implant Dentistry

What are dental implants?

dental implant faqsA dental implant is a small post that serves as a replacement for a tooth root. An abutment, also known as a connector, is built and placed on the top of the implant, connecting to the replacement tooth. The replacement tooth is a crown that is created to uniquely match your natural teeth.

Dental implants can be made from different materials, due to the advancement of technology and research. However, the most commonly used materials are titanium and zirconia. Titanium is able to create a permanent fixture with bone. It is one of the most sought after metals for dental implants because of its durability and long lasting replacement solution at a reasonable price. Zirconia, a type of ceramic, has emerged as an alternative to titanium. It might be the preferable material for those who have metal allergies.

Why do I need dental implants?

There are a variety of reasons why people might need dental implants. Gum disease, tooth decay, or physical trauma all have the potential to cause teeth to fall out. The only treatment options available to these patients used to be prosthetics like dentures and bridges. Today, dental implants have become a popular option for patients seeking to replace missing teeth. Dental implants replace the tooth root, creating a strong foundation for prosthetic teeth to be built upon.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

Dental implants are proven to be successful and able to last a lifetime. Advantages include improved oral health, comfort, appearance, speech, eating, and confidence. Dental implants also provide better durability and convenience. Unlike dentures where you have to remove them from time to time, dental implants eliminate this step altogether. Once they’re in your mouth, they act as a natural part of your mouth.

How many dental implants can I have?

You can have a single implant or multiple, depending on how many teeth you’re missing. You also don’t need an implant for every tooth that you are missing. One implant can replace a single tooth or support a bridge, but you need at least four to replace a full row of teeth.

Is the procedure painful?

Typically, patients find dental implant surgery quite easy to go through. Any pain after surgery can be managed with over the counter anti-inflammatory medication or icing the area.

How do I take care of my dental implants?

Just like natural teeth, you need to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day every day, as well as seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, will keep you on the right track.

Is the procedure expensive?

Dental implants can cost a bit more than other tooth replacement options such as dentures, but they are proven to last a much longer time. They should never require replacement if you keep a good oral hygiene routine.

What if my body rejects my new dental implant?

It is very rare that your body will reject your new dental implant, since the implant has no living cells in it. Allergic reactions to the titanium in the implant are also very rare. However, an implant can fail to adapt to your jawbone, in which case an infection would develop. You can prevent this from happening by maintaining good oral hygiene, seeing your dentist regularly, and not using a strong biting force soon after surgery.

Are there certain requirements to get dental implants?

You will first need to meet with your dentist to complete a total examination on your mouth, including X-rays of your jaw. This will ensure that there are no underlying problems and that you are indeed a candidate for dental implants. If your dentist believes that you do not have enough bone density for a dental implant, you may be able to get a dental bone graft to prepare for dental implants. A dental bone graft adds volume and density to your jaw in areas where bone loss has occurred. It’s important that you have enough bone density so that the foundation of your tooth is strong enough to withstand a dental implant.

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Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

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Meet the Doctors
  • Dr.
    Jordan Masson

    I am originally from the east side of Michigan and grew up about 40 minutes north of Detroit.  I attended Western Michigan University and received a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science. Following WMU, I set my sites on Dental School and earned my DDS from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2008.

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  • Dr.
    Andrew Knowlton

    I decided to become a dentist following a skiing accident in high school resulting in a broken jaw and a few missing teeth. My dentist made me feel great during a time that I thought my social life was over. I knew I wanted to give people the same feeling I experienced.

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History of Our Practice

History of Our Practice

Dr. Gary Cook started our practice in 1975. Dr. Cook grew up in Kent City and attended the University of Michigan Dental School. After 4 years of general practice, he sold his practice to Dr. Lee McFall in 1979, and went back to U of M to specialize in Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Cook later returned to Grand Rapids to practice in Pediatrics.

Dr. McFall graduated from Sparta High School in 1970, Albion College in 1974 and the University of Michigan in 1978. He practiced in Sheridan, Michigan for one year as an associate before buying Dr. Cook’s practice at 9161 Sparta Avenue. In the beginning, he practiced with one chair for himself and one for a hygienist. He had 3 employees: a hygienist, an assistant and a receptionist. In 1981 Dr. McFall bought his first computer system to be used to print and track insurance claims. The practice grew and a second chair for the doctor’s patients was added. In 1985 a second computer system was installed and was still used mainly for printing insurance forms at the reception desk. The practice continued to grow and a 4th chair was added for a second hygienist. By this time there were 10 employees.

In 1995 a networked computer system was installed with a dedicated file server, and with software that could be used in the treatment rooms as well as the front desk. This computer and software system was the beginning of a long-range technology plan to completely change how the practice would deliver dental care. We began using this system at the front desk to send insurance claims electronically. At that time we were one of the first offices in West Michigan using electronic submission of insurance claims for our patients. In January of 1997 a complete remodeling of the office was done and an intraoral camera system was installed to use for patient education and for photos to send to insurance companies for our patients.

In July of 1999 Dr. Andrew Knowlton joined our practice. Dr. Knowlton graduated from Belding High School in 1991, Andrews University in 1995, and University of Michigan Dental School in 1999. In the year 2000 we placed computers in the treatment rooms to more accurately and efficiently record treatment. We were also able to schedule appointments in the treatment rooms. This shortened the amount of time it took for our patients to “check out” after treatment. At this time we had 14 employees.

The practice grew steadily between 2000 & 2004 and in October of 2004, Dr. Knowlton & Dr. McFall became equal partners. The name of the practice changed from C. Lee McFall DDS PC to Knowlton & McFall Dentistry, PLLC. In 2005 we added a 5th treatment room but by that time we actually needed even more space than the rented building had room for. In 2006 we purchased land at 9654 Sparta Ave. and began plans for a new office. The office was completed in late 2008 and is one of the most technologically advanced general practices in West Michigan. Digital records, digital x-rays, and digital photographs are all utilized in the new facility. We believe it is a beautiful and comfortable place for patients to come for their oral health care.

In 2013, Dr. McFall was searching for a dentist to replace him as he was nearing retirement.   Dr. Jordan Masson fit the bill.  Dr. Masson graduated from Lake Orion High School in 2000, Western Michigan University in 2004, and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2008.  He was first hired as an associate dentist, but in July of 2014, Dr. Masson purchased Dr. McFall’s portion of the practice and officially became equal partners with Dr. Knowlton.  The name of the practice was changed from Knowlton & McFall Dentistry, PLLC to Knowlton & Masson Dentistry, PLLC.

Though our practice has evolved over the years, we remain committed to providing the best, individualized, and comprehensive care that we can for our valued patients.