What is a dental implant?

Updated in March of 2026

A dental implant is a small screw that is supported by your jaw bone, similar to how the roots of your natural teeth are supported by your bone.  

What is a dental implant used for?

At our Winston-Salem dental office, Dr. Blake Nelson uses dental implants to achieve three primary goals:

  • Permanent Tooth Replacement: To replace a single missing tooth or multiple teeth without affecting the health of neighboring teeth.
  • Structural Support: To prevent jawbone deterioration (bone loss) that naturally occurs when a tooth root is missing.
  • Denture Stabilization: To "anchor" loose or ill-fitting dentures, eliminating the need for messy adhesives and preventing embarrassing slippage while eating or speaking.

Why Choose Dr. Blake Nelson for Your Implants?

  • Natural Aesthetics: We custom-shade every restoration to match your natural teeth perfectly.
  • Durability: Because they fuse with your anatomy, dental implants are designed to be a lifetime solution with proper oral hygiene.
  • Functionality: Regain 100% of your chewing power and the confidence to smile without gaps.

Ready to Restore Your Smile?

Don’t let a missing tooth impact your confidence or your health any longer. Schedule your dental implant consultation with Dr. Blake Nelson in Winston-Salem today. Call us at (336) 760-1277 to see if dental implants are the right permanent solution for you.