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Are you living with the embarrassment or discomfort of missing teeth? It’s time for a change! At VanderLaan Family Dentistry in Byron Center, Michigan, we offer numerous dental options for missing teeth, including dental implants. Dental implants are an excellent option for replacing one, several, or all of your teeth, if necessary. Finding a good implant dentist is the first step to restoring your grin! When it comes to experience and expertise, you can’t do better than Dr. Matthew VanderLaan and our dental implant team.
If you’re hesitant about getting implants because they require surgery, let us ease your fears. Implant surgery isn’t as complex as it may seem. Implants are, in essence, titanium screws used to replace missing tooth roots. These are inserted into your jawbone through oral surgery.
Single implants can be used to replace one or more teeth individually. If you’re replacing several teeth in a row, we can fashion an implant bridge supported by implants on either end of the bridge. Four to six implants placed in strategic spots in your jaw will support fixed dentures to replace an upper or lower arch of teeth. We offer comprehensive implant solutions if you need to replace one or multiple teeth.
Here are the key steps to implant surgery:
Dr. VanderLaan and our team will thoroughly evaluate your teeth and gums to determine whether you’re a good implant candidate. We’ll take x-rays and additional 3D imaging, review your medical history, assess your bone health, discuss your implant options, and plan your treatment. We’ll explain the entire process to you and answer any questions you may have about the procedure.
Once everyone is on board with this treatment, we can move to the next step of your procedure, which is implant surgery. Using 3D imaging, we’ll choose the best location for your implants to provide optimal support for your new tooth or teeth. Dr. VanderLaan will then use a custom surgical guide to precisely place the implant in your jaw. Then, we’ll suture your gum so it can heal around the implant. Most of the time, sutures are not even necessary because of the custom guided system Dr. VanderLaan uses!
Over the next three to six months, your biocompatible implants will fuse with your jawbone through the process of osseointegration. This process is essential to the success of your treatment. The implants will become a permanent part of your jaw and function like tooth roots to hold your crown, bridge, or dentures in place. Implants provide your new teeth with the natural feel and function required for biting and chewing.
When the process of osseointegration is complete, we’ll top the implants with abutments (connectors) and your replacement teeth to make your smile whole again. From this treatment, a beautiful, fully functional smile will emerge!
Make your smile all it can be with dental implants! Schedule a consultation today by contacting Dr. Matthew VanderLaan from VanderLaan Family Dentistry in Byron Center, MI, at (616) 288-2554.
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 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.