If you’re looking for a permanent solution to replace a missing or extracted tooth, a dental implant from Southwest Family Dentistry may be the right choice for you. An implant is placed into your jawbone where it will behave, look and feel just like a natural tooth. Dental implants are a better solution than other alternatives like bridges when the patient has no desire to alter the existing teeth. Dental implants require a longer healing time but create a tooth that is fully integrated into the jaw. They blend well with your natural dentition, allowing you to talk, eat and smile naturally.

The implant process can take a few months to complete. After the placement of the implant, it will take about six to eight weeks to heal. During this time, the bone will form around the implanted titanium implant body, a process called osseointegration. Dr. Batlle can place multiple dental implants at once if necessary.  When the implant area has fully healed  the top of the implant body is exposed and an impression post is placed for an impression, similar to a conventional crown impression. The impression post is removed and a healing cap is screwed into the implant so the gum tissue can grow around the healing cap. The impression goes to the dental laboratory for fabrication of a custom abutment (connection from the implant body to the crown)  and the custom implant crown.  It is typically delivered three weeks later.

There are many benefits of dental implants.  Implants remain the best replacement for a lost tooth, because the finished product is most like your own natural tooth. With dental implants, gum recession and bone loss are less probable, because the implants are fused with the jawbone and not the gums. These teeth are typically secured into the bone for life. Many people with implants tend to forget about them because they are comfortable and behave just like a natural tooth. Your mouth exhibits optimal function and the aesthetics are unequalled by any other tooth replacement procedure in dentistry.  Patients do need routine cleaning appointments to maintain their implants as periodontal disease can affect implants just like our natural dentition.

Southwest Family Dentistry can create your permanent tooth restoration in our Lake City, FL office. Dr. Batlle can help you regain your confidence with new, permanently set teeth. Why constantly bear with the consequence of having a lost tooth when you can do something about it today? Your smile transformation can be placed in the capable hands of Dr. Batlle. Call us at (386) 752-1220 to schedule an appointment.