General Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry on the answers you need for a beautiful smile – LIVING WELL Magazine

The Answers You Need for a Beautiful Smile

Courtesy General Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, Texoma LIVING WELL Magazine

Dr. John Shoemaker, a general and implant dentist, has treated the complete dental needs of adults and teenagers for more than 30 years in Sherman, Texas. He has performed implant dentistry in his practice—a special interest—for more than 25 years. In order to achieve the patient’s best health, Dr. Shoemaker performs all implant-related procedures in his office. Special attention is given to the importance of not only a beautiful smile but also to teeth that will last a lifetime.

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Shoemaker graduated from Hillcrest High School and earned a bachelor’s in biology and a minor in mathematics from Southwestern Adventist University. He continued his education at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree with special training in oral surgery. Dr. Shoemaker has restored thousands of patients’ smiles and dental health. He is a member of the Texas Dental Association, a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology, and a fellow of the world-renowned Misch Implant Institute. He also travels throughout the U.S. practicing and perfecting his skill in implant dentistry.

Dr. Shoemaker, why do you have a special interest in dental implants and the complete care of a person’s mouth and dental health? 

Whether the doctor’s specialty involves the mouth, eyes, nose or joints, every doctor wants to make their patient whole again. The doctor’s goal is always to restore the patient to perfect function, comfort and a pleasing appearance. Dental implants allow me to do just that. I am able to give patients with poor dental health great function, comfort and gorgeous teeth.

What is an implant?

An implant is a man-made replacement for natural teeth that allows the person to return to fixed teeth. Unlike a transplant, an implant is not taken from another person. There are several categories of dental implants. My staff and I perform the exam and gather necessary records—based on my patient’s general dental condition—to decide which type of dental implants benefit my patient the most.

Who can benefit from dental implants?

Anyone with missing, loose or un-restorable teeth may benefit from an implant.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

  • Virtually stop the bone resorption process
  • Restore mouth to natural state
  • Improve appearance and confidence
  • Look, feel and function like natural teeth
  • Do not compromise adjacent teeth
  • Increased stability
  • Eliminate pain of dentures and partials
  • Improved ability to bite and chew
  • Improved nutrition

Are you able to put implants anywhere in the mouth?

Yes, implants can be used to replace any missing teeth in the mouth.

How will implants affect my ability to eat and chew?

My patients are able to bite off and chew all types of food. They are able to enjoy the different flavors and tastes of food. If the patient has a denture(s), they no longer need to wear denture adhesive or worry about a loose denture because a denture attached to implants doesn’t move!

Can any dentist do implant dentistry?

Yes, provided they have had extensive training and experience. There are different types of dentists that place implants but very few do all of the different procedures in one office. I have trained with the world-renowned Misch Implant Institute for the past 26 years and continue to attend training conferences and sessions. I also perform surgeries with the institute. My experience enables me to perform all implant-related procedures in my office.

Are implants expensive?

Implant costs vary according to the individual needs and desires of the patient. Every patient we have restored to better dental health states they would spend the money and the time again.

How long do implants last?

The implants I place are expected to last the patient’s lifetime.

Remember these four key points in choosing implant dentistry for future oral health.

  1. The treatment option with best long-term prognosis
  2. The only treatment option that does not compromise the health of adjacent teeth
  3. The only treatment option that preserves bone
  4. The most cost effective treatment

To learn more or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shoemaker to discuss your dental health needs, please call 903- 893-7751, email jshoemakerdds@yahoo.com or visit his website at www.txdentalimplants.com