Im a native Californian who, right from the start, knew I wanted to study dentistry. Having been raised in a Dental Family my father and uncle practiced together in Northern California and taught me the importance as a young boy the value of good hygiene and dental care. I began my college education at California State University in Sacramento and was then awarded a doctorate with high honors in dentistry from the University of the Pacific, School of Dentistry in San Francisco.

My credentials also include three years of post-doctoral studies in prosthodontics at the top dental school in the nation*, the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, where I received a certificate and a Masters of Science degree in prosthodontics. I have been examined and awarded board certification in prosthodontics while in private practice.

Even though I taught prosthodontics at three prestigious universities, my biggest desire was to set up a private practice and personally see the amazing transformations that are possible today in a state-of-the-art dental environment. I still devote a substantial amount of time to continuing my dental education, and the best part is seeing the benefit of my advanced studies in every smile I restore.

Being back to the desert, I grew up in the Coachella Valley and like you, Ive come to understand its allure. Getting outside and enjoying the wonderful weather some of my favorite things I enjoy doing with my family; hiking, biking, swimming and water skiing. I have been married to my wife Patricia for 27 years and have raised our two sons who also have a passion to the great outdoors of the desert. Whether Im at home or in my office, a first-class experience is my focus. Its a joy to achieve this excellence on a daily basis and share it with others.

Im on the forefront in dentistry and invest in the very best technology, materials and equipment. Improved technology and the best dental care available translates into peace of mind and sometimes even cost savings for you.

I offer a comprehensive spectrum of expertise that sports from general and wellness dentistry to advanced cosmetic, restorative and implant dentistry. There really is a difference between dentists. And when youre in my office, you will have the assurance of knowing that youre receiving highly competent treatment recommendations, the benefit of the latest procedural techniques and the most expert dental care available. Rehabilitation is a large part of my practice especially when my patients have tooth loss, inadequate chewing function or discomfort. Therefore, my customized treatment plans not only address the more obvious aesthetic goals, but also other important hidden factors, such as functional necessities and comfort. All the way around, I oversee every detail of creating a new smile from the very first visit to completion. Its simply a win-win formula that sets the foundation for fabulous results, complete satisfaction and trust.

As a Board-Certified Prosthodontist I devote hundreds of hours each year to staying current with the advances in dentistry, improving my technical skills and broadening the scope of my treatment capabilities. Even though my dental-care team and I work in an informal, friendly atmosphere, were all passionate about our work and are dedicated to providing the best that dentistry has to offer today. We back up our care with education, knowledge, competence, impeccability and innovative techniques. You can count on a warm welcome and outstanding results when you visit my office.

Our teeth can sometimes be just as much of a personal signature as our fingerprints, whether congenital or caused by broken or aging dental work or decay, unique Imperfections or abnormalities need not be a permanent issue in anyones life. If you are tired of hiding your teeth or confidence prevents you from enjoying social outings and keeping you away from your favorite foods and restaurants, new methods of teeth replacements may be the answer.

Dental implants are biocompatible metal anchors surgically positioned in the jaw bone underneath the gums to support an artificial crown where natural teeth are missing. They are in no way cemented or connected to remaining teeth like traditional crowns or bridges. Implants are usually made from a metal called titanium, which is readily accepted by the body. Next, the crown is laboratory-fabricated similar to natural tooth supported crowns. Accepted by the American Dental Association, dental implants have been used for many years and hundreds of thousands of them have been placed.

There is a phenomenon called osseointegration, meaning that titanium is so compatible that bone actually attaches itself to the implant. The advantages include increased stability of dentures while also reducing long-term bone resorption, the ability to restore a missing tooth without altering the teeth on either side of the space.

Anyone who is missing teeth and can benefit from a better chewing efficiency, and improved appearance or speech, is a candidate for implants. Implants can be the solution when it has become difficult or impossible to wear a removable partial or complete denture.

Has enough jaw bone, and dense enough bone, to secure the implants You do not have a disease or condition that interferes with proper healing post implant surgery (i.e. uncontrolled diabetes, radiation/chemotherapy for treating cancer, or smoking depending on your surgeons position on this matter)

First, an examination and medical history review is conducted with us. Your exam may include several types of x-rays to provide essential information about the jaw bones and its anatomy, models of your jaws. If we determine that you are a candidate, we will align you with our implant surgeon and work together as a team. Based on the results of each of our examinations, the team will discuss all aspects of your case with you.

Stage I Surgery: Most likely done in a dental office setting, the first procedure involves placing the implant fixtures in the jaw bone under local anesthesia and a mild sedative, or in some cases IV sedation or general anesthesia will be used (this is where your desires weigh heavily). The integration to bone will take place as soon as healing progresses, and the implant fixtures should be firmly anchored to bone within four to six months. Some cases will require bone grafting to assure that the implant anchor is completely secured in bone.

Stage II Surgery: After healing is completed, the second stage surgery is completed under local anesthesia or sedation if you desire. The implants residing under the gums at this point are exposed for access by the surgeon, so we, the restorative dentists, can place a crown on them. This is a minor surgery.

Immediate Implant and Crown Surgery: In rare cases, the environment may be conducive to receiving your implant and temporary crown in the same day. Again, some of these cases will need some bone grafting for optimal success.

Craig W. Conrow DDS MS FACP is dedicated to the area of Cosmetic and Implants Dentistry, providing preventative maintenance and restorative dental health care for our patients. Take advantage of our modern dental facility and excellent dental care.