Dr. Michael Nebrig and Dr. Jessica Robinson at Southern Dentistry in Robertsdale, and Daphne, AL, place dental implants for patients missing one or multiple teeth. Dental implants are the best option for replacing missing teeth because they are as strong as your natural teeth and are designed to blend in with them seamlessly.
What is a dental implant?
An implant is a post, which is made of titanium and looks like a screw. This post is implanted into your jaw bone, and a ceramic crown is placed on top to act as a replacement tooth. Together, they replace your tooth and give your bite the same strength that it had before.
Implants can also replace multiple teeth with a bridge implant. Multiple posts are placed, and a custom crown for multiple teeth covers the posts.
Getting a dental implant
To get a dental implant, the first step is to embed the implant post into your jaw bone. This is done during minor surgery after the area is numbed. Once the post is placed, it needs to heal for a period of weeks so osseointegration can take place.
Osseointegration is the process of your jaw bone healing around the implant. They fuse together and this is what gives the implant its strength. Ask about temporary tooth cap options to wear during this time. Your Robertsdale, and Daphne, AL dentists can provide a temporary crown while your custom crown is being fabricated. Once the implant has healed, your custom crown is placed at a final appointment.
Caring for your implant
Caring for your implants is a lot like caring for your natural teeth. Your dentist will recommend brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Make sure you floss in the area of the implant to remove all debris from around the crown. If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist will recommend a nightguard to protect your new crown.
If you need a dental implant Dr. Nebrig and Dr. Robinson are here for you at Southern Dentistry. Give us a call in Robertsdale, and Daphne, AL at (251) 621-1301, or (251) 621-1370.