Implants look, feel, and function just like a natural tooth. They can be a great option for replacing a missing tooth or teeth. Not only are they more comfortable than dentures and bridges but they help preserve jaw bone tissue. As part of our goal of providing the very best experience, we use PRP Therapy to promote faster healing of the implant surgical site.
Losing even one tooth changes more than a smile. It can shift the way you bite, cause neighboring teeth to drift out of place, and slowly wear down the jawbone that once supported the missing tooth’s root.
At Estero Bay Dental, Dr. Ivan Vigoa and our Estero, FL team replace missing teeth with dental implants built to look, feel, and function like the teeth beside them, so your bite, your jawbone, and your smile stay supported for the long term.
A dental implant is a small titanium post that a dentist places directly into the jawbone, where it takes over the job the natural tooth root used to do. Once the bone heals around the post, it supports a custom crown, bridge, or denture that is shaped and shaded to match your natural teeth.
Researchers at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research continue to study ways to help implants bond more securely with the jawbone, supporting the same long-term stability we aim for with every placement.
Implants are not limited to a single missing tooth. If you are missing several teeth or need to replace a full arch, options such as implant-supported dentures and All-on-X use a small number of implants to anchor a full denture in place, so it stays secure without the slipping that can come with traditional dentures.
Patients choose implants over other tooth replacement options for several reasons.
Every treatment plan is personalized, so Dr. Vigoa will walk you through which of these benefits matter most for your specific case.
Most adults with one or more missing teeth are candidates for implants. The main requirements are healthy gums and enough jawbone to support the post. If your jawbone has thinned since losing a tooth, a bone graft can often build up the area so an implant can still be placed. As part of our approach to healing, we also use PRP therapy to help the surgical site recover faster after placement.
If you are weighing your tooth replacement options, here is how implants compare to the traditional alternatives.
Your options depend on the number of missing teeth, the health of your jawbone, and your personal goals, so we will review each of these tradeoffs at your consultation.
We want cost to be one less thing standing between you and a complete smile. Estero Bay Dental accepts several PPO insurance plans, and if you have no insurance, our Smile Program membership includes a 10 percent discount on implants along with covered yearly exams and discounted cleanings. We also offer financing options including CareCredit and Cherry, plus a free consultation so you can review your options before committing to treatment.
Here are answers to the questions we hear most often about dental implants.
Local anesthesia numbs the area during placement, and most patients report only mild soreness for the following few days, managed with over the counter medication.
The best way to find out is a consultation where we examine your gum health and jawbone density. If you need extra bone support, we can review options such as a bone graft.
Coverage varies by plan. Our team will review your benefits and go over any Smile Program discounts or financing options that apply.
Once the jawbone has healed, which usually takes several months, we attach your custom crown, bridge, or denture, so the full process can span a few months from placement to final restoration.
Yes, implants can support a single crown, a bridge, or a full denture, depending on how many teeth need to be replaced.
A bone graft can often rebuild the area so it can support an implant. We will let you know at your consultation if this extra step is needed.
Neighboring teeth can shift, your bite can change, and the jawbone beneath the gap can begin to shrink over time.
Dr. Vigoa brings a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and a two year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at NYU Langone to every implant consultation, along with training as both a registered dental hygienist and a registered nurse. That background gives him a well rounded view of your oral health from the first exam through your final restoration.
If a missing tooth or a loose denture has you holding back your smile, our Estero, FL team is ready to walk you through your options and build a plan around your goals and your budget. We proudly serve patients throughout Estero, Bonita Springs, and the surrounding Southwest Florida communities. We invite you to contact our office to schedule your consultation.
