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The dental implants journey: 5 steps to your healthiest mouth, most beautiful smile
VanderLaan Family Dentistry gets great satisfaction from treating patients of all ages from our well-appointed office in Byron Center, Michigan. Our “family” has myriad onsite technologies and capabilities to support all of the services you’ll likely ever need as you age, and those needs could change. Dr. Matthew VanderLaan rarely has to refer his patients to other offices or specialty centers for dental implants. We have made getting dental implants a hassle-free and straightforward process and are pleased to acquaint you with five steps to a complete, healthy, and attractive smile with these “artificial tooth roots.”
No. 1: The initial consultation
No treatment would be complete without a consultation. We cannot make the best treatment recommendations until we understand your needs. Dr. VanderLaan will examine your mouth and use diagnostic technologies to see what can’t be visualized with the eyes or visual inspection alone. Of course, he’ll also discuss your preferences and goals before offering treatment recommendations, such as dental bridges, conventional partial and full dentures, or crowns, bridges, and dentures supported by dental implants.
No. 2: Preparatory procedures
If you decide to proceed with implants, performing some procedures to “prepare” your mouth before placing the implant(s) in the jawbone may be necessary. These procedures include extractions, as you may be holding on to teeth that cannot be “saved” with root canal therapy. Additionally, depending on how long you have been without teeth, it may be necessary to “build up” bone in the jaw. It is essential to have adequate bone structure; otherwise, the implant will fail to heal in the jaw properly. Techniques to address destructive bone loss include grafting.
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No. 3: Surgical placement
Positioning implants is far less intensive and far more tolerable than you may assume! It can be performed relatively quickly in the office. The process begins with numbing your mouth. If you feel nervous about the treatment, we can discuss ways to ensure you remain relaxed and comfortable. Once the area is fully numbed, Dr. VanderLaan makes an incision in the gums to reach the underlying tissue. The implant is then carefully placed into the jaw, and the incisions are closed. In some cases, as few as four implants may be used to support a full upper or lower denture.
No. 4: The waiting game
The implant, a small cylindrical post, is made from a material designed to grow naturally with the surrounding bone. This process of osseointegration can take several months but is essential to providing a strong foundation for both the implant and the restoration that will later be attached to it once healing is completed.
No. 5: Restoring the implant
Once the implant has effectively become a part of the jawbone, we can attach or secure a dental crown to restore the tooth’s appearance and function. Bridges may also be attached to a few implants, and dentures may be connected to as few as four to six implants.
VanderLaan Family Dentistry also works with you to ensure your implant-supported restorations look, feel, and function great. You can enjoy your new teeth for a lifetime with good oral care at home and visits to our office in Byron Center, MI. Call (616) 288-2554 to take the first step today!
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Dr. Matthew VanderLaan
Dr. Matthew VanderLaan is a highly skilled dentist with over 15 years of experience dedicated to personalized, patient-centered care. An alumnus of East Kentwood High School and the University of Michigan, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Having spent three years as a public health dentist, he established VanderLaan Family Dentistry in 2012.
Dr. VanderLaan has pursued advanced training at the Pankey Institute, Kois Center, Dawson Academy, American Academy of Facial Esthetics, The Schuster Center, and is a Fellow of Implant Pathways. He is also trained in TMJ and pain management. As a member of the American and Michigan Dental Associations and West Michigan District Dental Society, he is committed to excellence and trustworthiness in dentistry.
Within his family practice, Dr. VanderLaan has been a civilian provider for disabled veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Since 2014, He has partnered with the local VA and has had the pleasure of caring for individuals who have sacrificed their personal well-being for our Nation’s safety. He considers it one of his greatest honors of being a dentist.
Outside of his dental practice, Dr. VanderLaan is an avid family man. He enjoys his time with his wife of 17 years, Dana, as well as his four children (Brooke, 16, Jenna 15, AJ 11, and Nora 11). As a family they enjoy the kid’s sports, music, involvement in their Church and Christian Faith community, and Michigan Football. They also enjoy traveling and exploring the world together.
Dana VanderLaan
Dana VanderLaan founded VanderLaan Family Dentistry with her husband, Dr. VanderLaan, in April of 2012. She is versed in all administrative tasks and acts as the office manager. Before her over 12 years of experience in the dental field, Dana graduated with a BSW from Saginaw Valley State University and an MSW from the University of Michigan, School of Social Work. Dana is a self starter, and was trained in dentistry completely on the job, and continues to learn new things about running an efficient, patient-centered dental office.
Along with her work at VFD, she is mom to her children (Brooke 16, Jenna 15, AJ 11 and Nora 11), and works tirelessly to make sure all of their needs are met, and devotes her time to being their #1 supporter. She enjoys her family time, rooting on her kid’s at their various athletic events, school and church activities, traveling, walking and working out, gardening, and spending time at home.