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Dental Implants

Living with missing teeth can mean more than just an imperfect smile. When you have severely decayed teeth or empty spaces within your dental arches, the remaining teeth can shift out of place, you may notice changes to your facial structure, or a weak bite may interfere with your ability to eat healthy, nutritious food. There are several challenges that missing teeth can pose to your confidence, day-to-day life, and oral health.

Fortunately, experienced Cape Coral dentist Jerry T. McClaran, DMD offers dental implants to replace one or several missing teeth with long-lasting results. A dental implant is a titanium post inserted into the underlying jawbone to preserve the bone stimulation usually provided by a natural tooth root. A pontic, or artificial tooth, is then attached to the implant through an abutment, giving you a fully functional and natural-looking tooth replacement.

Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

While dental implants can provide excellent results that last for decades, they may not be the most ideal restoration for every patient. Candidacy is determined on an individual basis, but implants are generally most successful for patients who:

  • Are missing one tooth, multiple consecutive teeth, or an entire dental arch
  • Want a long-term tooth replacement that prevents the loss of bone volume
  • Have enough bone density to support their implant(s)
  • Are healthy enough to undergo implant surgery and the healing process
  • Have good oral health and no signs of gum disease, infections, etc. 

For those who may not benefit from dental implants, Dr. McClaran also offers dental bridges to replace one or multiple missing teeth. A bridge can restore lost functionality without the need for downtime or implant surgery. Dr. McClaran can recommend a solution for your unique needs after examining your oral health and bone structure in a consultation. 

What Can I Expect From Dental Implant Surgery?

The dental implant process is a multi-step treatment designed to replace missing teeth with a solution that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. During a comprehensive consultation, Dr. McClaran evaluates your oral health, reviews diagnostic imaging, and creates a personalized treatment plan. If necessary, preliminary procedures such as extractions, gum disease treatment, or bone grafting are completed to ensure a strong and healthy foundation.

During implant surgery, a small biocompatible titanium post is gently placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia. Over the next few months, the implant naturally bonds with the bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a stable anchor for your replacement tooth. After healing, an abutment is placed to connect the implant to the final restoration.

The final step involves securing a custom-crafted crown, bridge, or denture to the implant(s), allowing your replacement teeth to blend seamlessly with your natural smile. With proper oral hygiene and routine dental care, dental implants offer a long-lasting, reliable solution that restores both function and confidence.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost in Cape Coral?

Dental implants require a personalized treatment plan, so the total cost of implant surgery varies from person to person. Factors that typically influence the price of implants include: 

  • The number of dental implants placed
  • The location of your missing teeth
  • The techniques utilized and the complexity of your treatment plan
  • The cost of the restoration

We believe a healthy, fully functional smile should be accessible to all patients and not inhibited by financial constraints, which is why we accept dental financing from qualified patients through Cherry Financing or CareCredit®. These companies can help make dental implants more affordable by allowing approved applicants to start their treatment right away while paying in manageable installments over time. If you have any questions, our office would be happy to speak with you about the average cost of dental implants. 

Dr. Jerry T. McClaran can help you reclaim a life free from the burdens of living with missing teeth. For a custom solution tailored to your needs, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly dental team in Cape Coral for more information on our implant-supported restorations or to schedule an appointment.