Dental Implants in Shelby Township, MI

At The Gentle Dentist, we believe in restoring more than just teeth — we restore confidence, comfort, and joy. If you’re missing one or more teeth, dental implants offer the next best thing to your natural smile. They look, feel, and function just like healthy teeth, giving you back the freedom to eat, speak, and live fully.

We approach every treatment with compassionate care rooted in Christian values. Our mission is to serve with integrity and excellence — helping you heal with dignity, hope, and grace.

A dental implant is a small titanium post that’s surgically placed into the jawbone, replacing the root of a missing tooth. Once the implant integrates with your bone through a process called osseointegration, it forms a solid foundation for a porcelain crown that matches your natural teeth.

Each implant has three parts:

• The implant (titanium root)

• The abutment (connector)

• The crown (visible tooth replacement)

When a tooth is lost, nearby teeth shift, and the bite can collapse. This movement increases the risk of additional tooth loss, jaw joint pain, and bone shrinkage. Over time, chewing becomes more difficult, and cleaning shifted teeth grows harder — leading to plaque buildup, decay, and gum disease.

Dental implants:

• Restore biting strength

• Prevent teeth from shifting

• Support your jaw joint alignment

• Help protect remaining teeth

• Preserve the bone that supports your facial structure

Dental implants behave like natural teeth — and they’re easier to clean. Bridges require reshaping nearby healthy teeth and often leave small gaps beneath the prosthetic that can trap bacteria and food. These spaces are difficult to clean, increasing the risk of decay and future tooth loss.

In contrast, implants:

• Do not require alteration of adjacent teeth

• Allow flossing and brushing like normal

• Help maintain the strength of surrounding teeth

• Single Tooth Implants – Restore a single missing tooth with a permanent crown
• Multiple Teeth – Implant Bridges – Replace several adjacent teeth using two or more implants
• All-On-4 Implants – Full-arch teeth on four to six implants
• Implant-Retained Dentures or Fixed Hybrid Dentures – Snap-in dentures secured by implants for better fit and function

If you wear dentures, you may already know the frustration of loose, uncomfortable plates — especially on the lower jaw. As the jawbone resorbs over time, traditional dentures become unstable. This can lead to painful pressure points and difficulty chewing.

By placing 2–4 implants, we can secure your denture and relieve that pressure. The implants prevent bone loss, eliminate wobble, and make it easier to talk, laugh, and eat again.

One solution involves connecting the implants with a bar, onto which your denture can clip for stability. You can still remove the denture for cleaning, but it stays secure during the day.

Some patients desire a permanent, non-removable solution. Fixed hybrid dentures are screwed into implants and stay in place like real teeth. These restorations are beautifully crafted to look natural, and they leave the roof of your mouth uncovered — enhancing taste and comfort.

This option is perfect for patients ready for a fresh start and tired of the limitations of traditional dentures.

Fear shouldn’t keep you from the smile you deserve. Many of our patients once felt afraid — until they discovered our gentle, understanding approach. We offer sedation options, honest communication, and a calming environment where you’ll feel safe and supported.

Certain health conditions may impact healing:

• Uncontrolled diabetes may slow recovery

• Smoking increases the risk of implant failure

• Active gum disease or significant bone loss may require additional treatment

However, we offer bone grafting and other techniques to expand your options. Let’s explore your possibilities together.

How long does it take?
Most cases take 3–6 months, including healing time.

Is it painful?
Most patients report minimal discomfort — often less than an extraction.

Do I have to take extra care of implants?
Just brush, floss, and visit us for regular checkups.

What if I’ve been told I don’t have enough bone?
We can often use grafting or shorter implants to help you qualify.