Dental Implants

What is a dental implant?

Dental implants, for many patients, are the next best thing to having natural teeth. When you lose your teeth as a result of a traumatic injury, decay, or an illness, it can hurt your self-esteem. Strong, durable, and aesthetically attractive, dental implants help restore the simple confidence that comes with having natural teeth.

A dental implant is a metal post or frame that a dentist surgically attaches to your jawbone, beneath your gums. The metal post becomes a permanent base for a replacement tooth. This screw-like post is like the root of your new tooth.

After the post is implanted and your mouth has healed, Dr. Creese will attach the new replacement tooth, or crown, to the metal post permanently. Since the dental implants fuse directly to your jawbone, they're strong and stable. They won't shift around uncomfortably in your mouth like some dentures.

These metal posts also work to help dentures, crowns, and bridges stay solidly attached to your jaw.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

Beyond looking, feeling, and functioning like your natural teeth, dental implants offer the following advantages:

• Can last a lifetime with good care
• A cost-effective way to replace missing teeth
• Help retain your natural face shape and smile
• Ensure the health of your jawbone
• Help prevent decay of surrounding natural teeth
• Allow you to speak comfortably and naturally
• Don't fall out of your mouth
• Enhance your ability to chew your favorite foods without pain
• Aren't vulnerable to cavities with an implanted crown
• Offer a time-tested, predictable result for tooth repair

Can someone like me get dental implants?

If you're missing teeth, you may be an excellent dental implant candidate. Your gums need to be healthy, and your jaw must be finished growing. Dental implants are an excellent solution for adults, not children. If gum surgery is necessary, it is not done in office, but you are referred by Dr. Creese to other skilled dental surgeons in the area.

You might also be a perfect candidate for implants if you're fed up with uncomfortable dentures, or it's time to replace a bridge or partial dentures. Women or men looking for a more permanent, long-term solution to dental work may be good candidates for implants. Wondering if dental implants are right for you? Meet with Dr. Creese to ask questions and learn more about your options.

Book an appointment online or call Richard D. Creese, DDS, to take the first step toward a more confident smile.