Dental Implants 

Dental Implant Specialists serving Virginia’s New River Valley & it’s communities

What Are Dental Implants?

A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw.

The difference is that the dental implant is made of titanium — the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints.

When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.


Replacement Tooth | Dental Implant Surgical Advances | Patient Reviews


Replacement Tooth Attached

Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the dental implant. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. A support post (abutment) is then placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment. In many cases a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed. If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.

a relaxed, smiling elderly man

Don’t be afraid to Smile!

For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.

Surgical Advances

Dental Implants Presentation

To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.

Dental Implants Presentation

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Boyle and Dr. VanGilder are able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction — further minimizing your number of surgical procedures.

Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Dr. Boyle or Dr. VanGilder performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary.  The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

Are You Ready to Upgrade Your Smile?

Contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment to reclaim your smile today!


Dental Implant Patient Reviews

Please read testimonials from our patients, below. If you wish to rate your experience with NRV Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Ltd., we invite you to fill out a Patient Review to leave a review about your dental implant experience with this practice. Call our office if you would like more information: Blacksburg Office Phone Number 540-951-8777 (Blacksburg) or Radford Office Phone Number 540-633-5700 (Radford).

NRV Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Ltd.

5 out of 5 stars based on 8 Dental Implants reviews.

Patient Review by Brenda T

I’ll be 60 this year and have had issues with my teeth all my life. Been to dentists, endodontists, and oral surgeons more time than I could count since grade school. This last visit was the most extensive work I needed at one time out of all the priors. A lower molar extraction, and double implants due to the fact the bad molar was part of an existing bridge. (Bridge was sectioned day before by my dentist.) Although I was quite nervous, which is unusual for me before dental work, the doctor and his assistants worked together very professionally which gave me comfort. They explained beforehand exactly what was going to be done, and took time to discuss in detail the post-op care and pain management I needed to follow as well as what NOT to do. Getting implants are not fun, but I would have Dr. Boyle perform another should I ever need one. I am confident I’d not have found another facility to have this procedure done that would have performed any better or more professionally. Thank you NRV Oral & Maxillofacial surgery!

- Brenda T

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Glen H

Dr. Boyle and all his staff were very friendly and helpful and competent.

- Glen H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Elaine A

I was very pleased with the professionalism of the entire staff and really appreciated Dr. VanGilder’s phone call to me the following day to check and see how I was feeling. This is an excellent office.

- Elaine A

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Phyllis R

Dr Van Gilder and his staff are like a well oiled machine- no wasted time or motion.Pleasant and thorough.I was told what the process was and it went well. I had some pain as the numbing work off and minimal bleeding.Dr Van Gilder called to check on me the next morning! This office works to set you at ease,take care with the work,and I will not hesitate to see them again if I need oral surgery of any kind- and I will recommend them to my friends.

- Phyllis R

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Herb G

Dr Howard and the entire staff are exceptional! Always attentive and responsive, offering great care! Highly recommend for any oral surgery needs!

- Herb G

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Kathleen L

Everyone was so kind and professional during my entire implant surgery process, from the moment I walked through the door. I was nervous but they all put me at ease and made me very comfortable. My oral surgeon James VanGilder and his staff of professional nurses explained each step of the process. And it all went beautifully. I can’t thank them enough for guiding me through this experience with such grace. I will definitely go back to them if I ever need to. And I will recommend them to all 🙂

- Kathleen L

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by John T

Amazing practice, totally left me at ease. Would recommend.

- John T

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Kelly S

What a great place! Highly recommend!

- Kelly S

5 out of 5 stars on