If you're living with a missing or failing tooth, you understand the daily challenges it presents. Eating with a compromised or already missing tooth can be difficult and even painful, causing you to alter your healthy diet. You might also feel self-conscious about smiling or talking with other people because of your missing tooth.

Additionally, missing teeth lead to jawbone deterioration and cause your remaining teeth to move toward gaps in your smile, compromising your oral health.

You might have heard that tooth implants are an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth, but you're not sure if they're right for you.

Fortunately, implant dentist Dr. Michael Gostigian can help you determine if dental implants are a suitable treatment for your tooth loss. He will replace your tooth from start to finish in our Bonita Springs dental office. You'll be able to relax and feel comfortable working with the team you trust throughout your treatment.

How Dental Implants Work

If you have a missing tooth—or several missing teeth—you may have considered tooth-replacement options, including dental implants.

Dental implants are the gold standard among tooth replacement options because this technology replaces both your root and your tooth—almost like giving your smile a second chance. A dental implant is also the option that most closely mimics your natural tooth. Even the way you care for your dental implants is no different than the way you care for your natural teeth.

A dental implant is a thin but strong replacement root. Your dentist in Bonita Springs, FL surgically implants this root in your jaw, which stimulates the bone to help prevent deterioration or shrinkage. Over a period of months, this root bonds with the bone, and soon you're ready for an abutment and replacement tooth.

A few—typically four to six—dental implants can support an entire arch of new teeth!

Comfortable Procedures at Our Bonita Springs Dentist Office

Comfortable dentistry means just what you hope it means! At Bonita Grande Dental, we make your needs and comfort our priority from the moment you walk through our doors. Far too many adults experience dental anxiety that makes it difficult or impossible to achieve and maintain optimal oral health.

Dr. Michael Gostigian knew he wanted a better dental experience for his patients that would motivate them to seek dental care instead of avoiding it. We practice comfortable dentistry in Bonita Springs because it's one of the best ways for us to help you obtain oral health care when you need it, including tooth replacement.

First, our team will get you settled in your chair with a pillow and a cozy blanket if you like. We will help you find your favorite music or TV show for a pleasant distraction. When it's time for your procedure, Dr. Gostigian will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area he's treating so you don't feel any pain.

Dr. Gostigian is also certified to administer safe, gentle sedation with nitrous oxide as well as oral sedation that involves taking a calming medication before your appointment. When we plan your dental procedure, please let us know what you need to remain comfortable, and we'll accommodate you.

Replacing Missing Teeth with Dental Implants

Tooth implants offer many advantages for patients who are looking for a long-term solution for restoring their smiles.

Because they replace both your missing tooth and root, dental implants offer protection for your oral health that other tooth replacement options can't provide.

Bone loss is an inevitable result when you lose a tooth root. While this may not seem like a big deal, it can impact your neighboring teeth by eliminating support, which results in more tooth loss. Loss of bone to the jaw may also lead to a sunken appearance in your lower face, which can make you look older than your years.

You might also notice your surrounding teeth starting to drift without a tooth replacement. When teeth are not in correct alignment, it increases your risk of developing fractures or broken teeth. It also means your bite is not functioning correctly, which can cause discomfort and pain in your jaw joint.

Other benefits tooth implants in Bonita Springs offer include:

• The function, appearance, and feel of a natural tooth
• Excellent longevity since they can potentially last for your lifetime
• They are a reliable procedure with a 95 percent success rate
• A good investment in your long-term dental health
• They are easy to care for as you'll brush and floss like normal

Your Consultation with Dr. Michael Gostigian

If you would like to learn more about tooth implants and if they are right for your smile, Dr. Gostigian would love to talk with you. During a thorough evaluation, he uses x-rays and an examination to help decide if dental implants in Bonita Springs are your best option. During this consultation, he also wants to hear from you. He wants to answer your questions, address your concerns, and learn what you're looking for in a new smile.

He will also discuss the timeline and cost of your treatment with you as it varies with each patient's unique needs.

Considerations for dental implants include your overall wellness, jawbone health, and the position of your sinus if you're considering upper jaw implants. These oral health problems may need to be addressed before implant placement to bring you into candidacy.

Caring For Your New Implants

Dental implant care is identical to natural tooth care. Dr. Gostigian recommends brushing and flossing at least twice per day, and visiting our dental office twice a year. These are our dentist's recommendations for both patients with implants and those who have all their natural teeth!

Your dental exam in Bonita Springs includes periodic x-rays and oral cancer screenings. During your teeth cleanings, our hygienist clears away the debris that can lead to further tooth loss—and even dental implant loss—through gum disease.

Whether you have dental implants or not, it is always essential to seek treatment if you suffer from bruxism (grinding and clenching your teeth). This can lead to enamel wear and fractures on natural teeth and implant breakage as well.

If you're active in sports, make sure you wear the proper face gear and mouthguard to keep your teeth and implants safe.

Finally, never use your dental implant or your tooth for unintended purposes—twisting off a bottle cap, for example.

With proper care, your dental implants can last for decades or even a lifetime.

Financial Options for Dental Implants

The cost of dental implants in Bonita Springs varies depending on the dental work needed to bring you into candidacy and the number of implants. A member of our team breaks down the costs for you before your dentist begins work on your smile.

We offer financing through CareCredit to help our patients get the services they need and the procedures they want. A friendly staff member can show you how to apply for this interest-free health card online. Decisions typically take only a few minutes.

Call to Schedule A Consultation at Bonita Grande Dental!

If you are considering dental implants to replace a missing tooth, we encourage you to contact Bonita Grande Dental today at (239) 301-2713. Schedule an evaluation to learn more about how Dr. Gostigian can restore your smile and your confidence.