Dental Implants in Shreveport, Louisiana
Kerst & Caskey Family Dentistry restores dental implants from single missing teeth to full-arch All-on-X restorations at 8789 Line Avenue in Shreveport, Louisiana. A dental implant is a small titanium or zirconia post that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once the implant has healed and integrated with the bone, a custom crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthesis is attached on top to restore function and appearance.
Dr. Jeffrey Kerst, DDS, a Platinum Alumnus and Director of The Pankey Institute and a Director of the Louisiana Dental Association, and Dr. Gary Caskey, DDS handle the restorative side of implant treatment: planning, occlusal analysis, crown and prosthesis design, and long-term maintenance. Surgical placement is coordinated with a trusted oral surgeon or periodontist, allowing each phase of treatment to be performed by the specialist best suited to it.
To schedule an implant consultation, call (318) 865-1600.
AT A GLANCE
Practice: Kerst & Caskey Family Dentistry
Location: 8789 Line Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71106
Phone: (318) 865-1600
Treating Doctors: Dr. Jeffrey Kerst, DDS (LSU School of Dentistry, 2019; Platinum Alumnus and Director of The Pankey Institute; Director of the Louisiana Dental Association) and Dr. Gary Caskey, DDS (LSU School of Dentistry, 1983)
Role: Restorative: Kerst & Caskey handles planning, occlusal analysis, crown and prosthesis design, and long-term maintenance. Surgical placement is coordinated with a trusted oral surgeon or periodontist.
Implant Systems: FDA-cleared dental implants including ZimVie, Straumann, and other major systems
Cases Treated: Single-tooth implants, multi-tooth bridges, and full-arch All-on-X restorations (typically 4 to 6 implants per arch depending on bone and case complexity)
Protocol: Staged approach with healing time between extraction and implant placement (no same-day implants)
Coordinated Care: Bone grafting, sinus lifts, and surgical implant placement performed by referral specialist
Insurance: Out-of-network / fee-for-service. Files all PPO plans on patient's behalf. In-house annual membership plan available.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium or zirconia post, about the size of a tooth root, that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. After the implant has integrated with the surrounding bone (a process called osseointegration that typically takes a few months), an abutment is attached to the implant and a custom-made crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthesis is secured on top. Once complete, an implant looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. Implants do not develop cavities, do not require modifying adjacent teeth the way a traditional bridge does, and help preserve the jawbone that would otherwise shrink after tooth loss.
How does the implant process work at Kerst & Caskey?
Kerst & Caskey handles the restorative side of implant treatment. A typical case begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Kerst that includes photographs, digital scans, and a 3D cone-beam CT scan when indicated to evaluate bone volume, sinus position, and nerve location. From there, a treatment plan is developed in coordination with the patient's referring oral surgeon or periodontist who performs the surgical placement. Once the implant has integrated, the patient returns to Kerst & Caskey for impressions and design of the final crown, bridge, or All-on-X prosthesis. Every implant restoration is planned with the bite (occlusion) balanced to protect both the implant and the natural teeth around it.
Why does Kerst & Caskey coordinate surgical placement with a specialist?
Implant treatment combines two distinct disciplines: surgical placement of the implant and restorative design of the crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthesis. Some practices perform both in-house. Kerst & Caskey has chosen a different model that coordinates surgical placement with a board-certified oral surgeon or periodontist whose practice is dedicated full-time to implant surgery, while Dr. Kerst focuses on the restorative phase where histraining in occlusion and full-mouth rehabilitation at The Pankey Institute is most valuable. This division of labor allows each phase of treatment to be performed by the specialist best suited to it, and gives the patient the benefit of two clinicians thinking carefully about their case.
What types of implant restorations are offered?
Kerst & Caskey restores single-tooth implants, implant-supported bridges spanning multiple missing teeth, and full-arch All-on-X restorations (typically 4 to 6 implants per arch depending on bone quality and case complexity). FDA-cleared implant systems including ZimVie, Straumann, and other major manufacturers are used depending on the case and the surgical specialist's preference. Bone grafting, sinus lifts, and any other pre-surgical procedures are performed by the referral specialist before restorative work begins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most adults with healthy gums and adequate jawbone volume are candidates. A consultation visit at Kerst & Caskey evaluates oral health, bite (occlusion), and 3D imaging to determine candidacy and identify any pre-surgical work that may be needed. Patients with significant bone loss, uncontrolled gum disease, or certain medical conditions may need preparatory treatment first.
What medical conditions could complicate dental implant success?
Conditions such as osteoporosis, diabetes, and a history of tobacco use all decrease the life-expectancy of dental implants. We recommend a medical evaluation and bloodwork prior to any dental implant being placed.
How long does the implant process take from start to finish?
Implant treatment is a staged process. After consultation and any preparatory work, surgical placement is performed by the referral specialist. The implant then heals and integrates with the bone, which typically takes a few months. Once integration is confirmed, the restorative phase at Kerst & Caskey involves impressions, custom prosthesis fabrication, and final placement. Total timeline from initial consultation to final restoration generally spans several months and varies by case.
Does Kerst & Caskey do same-day implants?
No. Kerst & Caskey follows a staged protocol with healing time between extraction and implant placement. While some practices market same-day or immediate-load implants, a staged approach allows for predictable bone integration and bite design, which directly impacts the long-term durability of the restoration.
What implant systems are used?
Kerst & Caskey works with FDA-cleared implant systems including ZimVie, Straumann, and other major manufacturers. System selection is based on case requirements, the surgical specialist's protocols, and what's clinically best for the individual patient. Each of these systems has decades of published clinical data and is supported by parts and components that will remain available for future maintenance.
Does dental insurance cover implants?
Coverage varies widely. Some dental plans cover a portion of the implant crown but not the surgical placement, some cover surgical placement but not the restoration, and some cover neither. Kerst & Caskey is out-of-network and fee-for-service but files claims on the patient's behalf for any portion of treatment that may be a covered benefit. The financial details for both the surgical and restorative phases are reviewed in writing before treatment begins.
If you're missing one or more teeth, schedule an implant consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Kerst or Dr. Gary Caskey at Kerst & Caskey Family Dentistry. The visit includes 3D imaging when indicated, occlusal evaluation, a candid discussion of options including implants, bridges, and partial dentures, and a coordinated treatment plan with the appropriate surgical specialist. Call (318) 865-1600 or use the new-patient form to request an appointment.