At Schaefer Dental Group we care about you, and we’re here to help you achieve your healthiest, brightest smile.
We understand that choosing a dentist is an important decision. After all, your smile is your greatest asset and says a lot about your overall health. From the moment you walk in the door you will be welcomed by a caring staff in a relaxed, stress-free environment where the whole family can feel at ease.
We utilize the latest in dental technology and techniques in order to offer you the best dental implants available.
We specialize in improving smiles, and look forward to working with you today!
Common Questions About Dental Implants
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that replace the roots of missing teeth. They are inserted into your jawbone during a minor surgical procedure that takes place at Schaefer Dental Group. After the implant has been placed in your jawbone, a completely lifelike porcelain tooth crown is attached. In some cases, the implant needs to fuse with the bone for several months before it is permanently crowned; in other cases, you can have new (but temporary) teeth the same day your implants are placed.
How many teeth can be replaced with dental implants?
You can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or all your teeth with implants. You don’t even need one implant for every missing tooth. As few as two Implants can support a removable lower denture, while as few as four implants can provide a full, permanent set of top or bottom teeth.
Is dental implant surgery painful?
Most people find dental implant surgery very easy to tolerate. Any post-operative discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or OTC pain-relievers. Ice can also be helpful.
Are dental implants expensive?
At the outset, implants are more expensive than other tooth-replacement methods such as dentures or bridgework. But they also last many years longer and in fact should never need replacement. So they offer the best, most cost-effective option when viewed as a long-term investment in your health, comfort and well-being.
How do you care for dental implants?
They require exactly the same care as natural teeth: daily brushing and flossing, along with regular dental checkups and professional cleanings. Although implant teeth will never decay, the gum tissues around them can become inflamed or infected in the absence of good oral hygiene. Properly cared-for dental implants should last a lifetime.
Can my body reject a dental implant?
Strictly speaking, implants can’t be rejected because they contain no living cells or genetically coded material. The titanium of which they are made is completely biocompatible, and allergies are extremely rare. But an implant can fail to integrate with the jawbone if an infection develops in the absence of good oral hygiene, or if it is subjected to biting forces too soon. However, this is rare; implants regularly achieve success rates in excess of 95%.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
There’s a good chance that you are, but this can only be determined after a complete oral examination that includes x-rays of your jaws. Please schedule a consultation to begin the exciting process of restoring your smile and bite.
Dr. B. Patrick Schaefer | Lansing, Okemos and Howell Locations
Dr. B. Patrick Schaefer graduated from the Marquette University School of Dentistry in 1988 and has received advanced training in orthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, implantology, and CAD/CAM dentistry. Dr Schaefer utilizes his multidisciplinary training in providing a comprehensive approach to a wide variety of restorative cases. Over the last 30 years, he has developed a large group practice in Lansing, MI, and recently expanded to 2 locations the Okemos and Howell area of Michigan. He mentors young dentists and focuses his services on endodontics, oral surgery, implant dentistry, and restorative procedures. Schaefer Dental Group also hosts “implant days”, which provide dentists from around the country opportunities to view and learn implant placement and grafting techniques. He also hosts continuing education classes in his training center for his staff, dentists from around the world, and dental members in the local community.
Dr. S. Kyle Polasek | Okemos, Howell and DeWitt Locations
Dr. S. Kyle Polasek was born and raised in Rochester Hills, Michigan. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan in 2006. Dr. Polasek continued his education at Wayne State University School of Medicine from 2010-2011 and obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2015. Dr. Polasek first practiced general dentistry for 3 years in the Charlotte, Michigan area. He joined the Schaefer Dental Group in November of 2017 where he provides most dental services. Dr. Polasek lives with his wife, daughter and three dogs in Okemos. In his spare time he likes to hike with and train his dogs, boat, and workout.