Dental implants are a secure way to retain a natural looking smile and to live, laugh and eat again with confidence! At Creekside Dentistry in Amherst, NY, Dr. Neuhaus offers implant dentistry and patients benefit from his extensive experience.

Dental implants look and function like natural teeth and provide an extra level of protection against bone loss. They are also effective for preventing the loss of adjacent teeth.

The process of dental implants typically involves three steps. Installing the actual implant is the first step. It is a tiny piece of titanium, which is similar to a screw and is imbedded into the gums. The screw fuses with the jawbone over time, becoming a natural part of the mouth and providing a permanent, and secure base for the prosthetic tooth, or crown. Patients of Creekside Dentistry in Amherst appreciate the convenience of having all phases of the implant process completed in the comfort of Dr. Neuhaus’ dental office.

The second step is a piece that inserts into the base and rises above the gum line to provide something for the crown to attach to. The final step is placement of the crown, a natural-looking tooth. The implant process is no more painful than a normal tooth extraction with similar side effects, such as some temporary tenderness and swelling.

The process can take up to 9 months to complete, depending on the patient’s oral health. If any unhealthy teeth are still in place, they will be removed first before any implants are installed. The longest waiting period is through the first stage, as the implanted screw must heal within the jawbone before any other work can be performed.

Once the implant process is complete, it is important to maintain your oral health and treat the new implants as you would your natural teeth: they should be brushed and flossed daily exactly as you would the remainder of your teeth. There are no worries about dietary restrictions and no specials toothpastes or adhesives are needed.

If you have a missing tooth or want to explore your cosmetic dentistry options with implant dentistry, contact Creekside Dentistry and schedule an appointment.