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Dental Implants – Fort Myers, FL

Put Your Missing Teeth Behind You Permanently

Every dentist in the world agrees: Nothing replaces missing teeth better than dental implants. As both a general dentist and periodontist, Dr. Hoop understands this better than most. His extensive training makes him an expert in all aspects of implant dentistry, so whether you’re missing one tooth or need a full set of dentures, he can use this treatment to virtually turn back the clock and help you look and feel like you never experienced tooth loss in the first place. To learn more about replacing missing teeth with dental implants in Fort Myers, FL and start getting your smile back, contact Total Dental Solutions today.

Why Choose Total Dental Solutions for Dental Implants?

Interested in Mini Implants?

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant isn’t a prosthetic tooth, but rather a small, titanium post that is placed into the jawbone in the space left by a natural tooth. There, through a natural process called osseointegration, the implant actually melds with the nearby bone. This essentially creates a new root, which can be used to support a crown, bridge, or denture on top.

Benefits of Dental Implants

At this point, dental implants are likely the most popular way to replace teeth. Dentists place as many as 500,000 of them yearly! That said, this popularity isn’t surprising. Implants rely on a unique placement method that dentures and dental bridges don’t. Therefore, they offer perks that other tooth replacements can’t match. If you’d like to know more, our team will happily tell you. Simply keep reading to learn the benefits of dental implants in Fort Myers. Otherwise, call us for the details.

Day-to-Day Benefits

A closeup of a smile with dental implants

As you’d expect, implants’ everyday benefits are the most obvious ones. These include the following:

  • Gorgeous Results – Because implants are capped with dental crowns, they blend seamlessly with your adjacent teeth. That means they’ll both restore your smile and beautify it!
  • Higher Confidence – Since they fill the gaps in your grin, implants often boost confidence. The result is a more self-assured, relaxed attitude among your peers.
  • Easy Eating – In reality, implants restore your bite force as they fuse with your jaw. This effect ensures you can eat many tough foods again.
  • Simple Cleaning – Unlike other tooth replacements, implants can be cleaned simply. You can just brush and floss them like natural teeth. In other words, you won’t need any special creams or solutions.

Health Benefits

A smiling senior couple eating healthy foods

Of course, dental implants affect more than everyday upsides. They also improve your health in various ways. In particular, they offer:

  • Tooth Support – If you leave smile gaps unchecked, they’ll cause nearby teeth to tilt and fall out. Luckily, implants solve that issue. They’ll fill these nasty spaces to ensure your other teeth stay secure.
  • Jaw Strength – Without care, tooth loss will slowly erode your jaw’s tissue. This process will then lead to facial collapse. However, implants would stimulate your jawbone. The result is then a stronger and fuller jaw.
  • Better Nutrition  – Implants expand your dietary options by helping you chew and eat food. From there, your nutritional health will improve.
  • Clean Mouth – Honestly, smile gaps are breeding grounds for bad bacteria. With implants, though, these spaces get filled. Treatment thus reduces your risk of gum disease, tooth infections, etc.

Long-term Benefits

A dentist explaining long-term dental implant benefits using a model

Best of all, implants provide many long-term benefits for you. Some of the most notable ones are:

  • High Success – When done by a qualified dentist, implant surgery often succeeds in the long run. The ten-year success rate of dental implants even exceeds 95%!
  • Long Lifespan – The average dental implant lasts roughly 15-20 years. If it’s well-maintained, this object can reach a lifespan of over 30 years. Either way, such results mean an implant could restore your smile forever.
  • Cost-Effectiveness – Overall, implants make for a good long-term investment. Their (usually) long lives ensure they don’t need costly repairs or replacements. In other words, they’ll save you money otherwise spent on a restoration’s follow-up care.

Are Dental Implants Right For You?

No matter how many teeth you might be missing, dental implants can offer a solution. All a patient needs to bring to the table is a relatively healthy mouth and a jawbone strong enough to hold the new roots (Dr. Hoop can help a patient meet these requirements if needed, more on this below). One of the best things about implants is their versatility, as they can be personalized based on how many teeth a patient hopes to recover:

Animated dental implant supported dental crown

Missing Single Tooth

Replacing a single tooth is relatively straightforward with an implant. The titanium post is placed into the jawbone and topped with an all-porcelain crown. This approach is less invasive compared to getting a bridge, in which the nearby teeth have to be reshaped and shaved down to make room for the prosthetic.

Animated dental implant supported dental bridge

Missing Multiple Teeth

Just one or two implants can serve as the foundation for a bridge or partial denture that brings back several teeth at once. Not only is this more cost-effective versus using an implant for each individual tooth, but implants also make these prosthetics much more stable compared to their removable counterparts.

Animated dental implant supported denture

Missing All Teeth

Even total tooth loss can be completely reversed with dental implants. Four to six posts placed along the jawbone can attach a full denture and give it rock-solid stability. Implant dentures enable a patient to recover much more of their bite strength compared to removable ones, allowing them to eat a more varied and nutritious diet.

Learn More

The 4 Step Dental Implant Process

A dentist showing a patient a cross-section mold of a dental implant that exists between two health teeth

Understanding how dental implants work in Fort Myers requires that you be committed to the entire process. Although it may take several months or even a full year to receive your results, the time and effort are well worth the financial investment, especially when you realize your new smile can last a lifetime. Unlike many patients who must receive a referral to undergo dental implant surgery, you’ll be pleased to learn that Dr. Hoop provides start-to-finish treatment in-house, which means he can perform any preliminary surgeries, the actual implant placement, and affix your customized restoration when ready. This not only makes the process more streamlined, but you will remain with the same trusted professional the entire time.

A dentist goes over the process of receiving dental implants with a female patient

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

The first step to receive dental implants in Fort Myers is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hoop. He will examine your oral cavity with the help of advanced technology. Using a CT Cone Beam Scanner, he will capture a 3D model of your entire facial structure, including your jawbone, teeth, gums, nerves, and other features that can determine whether you are an eligible candidate for implants. Should he discover problems like decay, gum disease, or deteriorating bone, it will be necessary to undergo preliminary treatments to create a more stable oral structure for future dental implants. Dr. Hoop can easily perform bone grafting, periodontal therapy, tooth extraction, sinus lifts, and ridge augmentation if necessary.

Also, during this visit, Dr. Hoop will go over the entire process step-by-step as well as discuss the cost of your new smile.

An image of a dental implant bridge in the lower arch of the mouth

Dental Implant Surgery

Because the placement of your dental implants does require minor oral surgery, you will need to be deemed healthy enough. Once your implant dentist in Fort Myers is ready, you will receive local anesthesia to numb the areas of your mouth where the implants will be placed. Dr. Hoop will then make small incisions in the gum tissue to expose the bone and carefully insert each titanium post. Once angled correctly within the jawbone, he will close the tissue and place a protective cap over the implant before sending you home to recover.

A digital image of a dental implant and all its parts

Dental Implant Osseointegration/Abutment

Once you are home, the process of osseointegration will begin, which is the fusing of your implants with the bone and surrounding tissues. Typically, this can take anywhere from 3-6 months, depending on the number of implants you have surgically put into place. Once your mouth is healed from surgery, it may be necessary to return to have an additional surgery to place metal abutments, which are connector appliances that attach the implant to the restoration. After these are put into place, you will return home and wait a few additional weeks before receiving your final restoration, which is created using impressions taken of your mouth.

A middle-aged man smiling and pleased with his beautifully crafted dental implant restoration

Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations

The final step in the dental implant placement process is having Dr. Hoop secure your customized dental crown, bridge, or denture. Because dental implants are extremely versatile, they can address all types of tooth loss. No matter the type of restoration you receive, you can trust that lab technicians will create an artificial tooth that looks and feels completely natural. Its size, shape, and color will be matched according to the specifications provided by Dr. Hoop. Once firmly in place, he will check your bite to ensure everything is sitting where it should, allowing you to finally start enjoying your new and improved smile.

Dental Implant Preparatory Procedures

Many patients who are interested in getting dental implants first need to undergo a procedure that builds up and strengthens their jawbone. This is because they have developed bone loss due to their missing teeth, making it too weak to hold the new roots. Each of the treatments detailed below is performed by Dr. Hoop himself, making the entire implant process as seamless as possible.

Animated dental implant placement after sinus lift

Sinus Lifts

This procedure involves thickening and building up the back upper portion of the jawbone located right below the sinus cavities. The sinus membrane is slightly lifted to create enough room for the new bone that will be used to support the implants.

Learn about Sinus Lifts

Animated ridge augmentation procedure

Ridge Augmentation

The bone located immediately around a tooth is known as the ridge, and it’s vital for stability. A ridge augmentation is a type of bone graft in which this area is built up to support a patient’s implant. It’s usually performed when a failing or broken tooth is removed to make replacing it as easy as possible. 

Learn About Ridge Augmentation

Animated smile after bone graft placement

Bone Grafts

If a certain area of the jawbone is too thin or brittle to house an implant, Dr. Hoop can encourage new tissue growth right where it’s needed with a bone graft. Often, this involves taking a small sample of a patient’s own bone and placing it where the implant will be located. This will cause fresh, strong bone to grow that provides the support needed for a patient’s implant.

Learn about Bone Grafts

Advanced Dental Implant Techniques

As a trained periodontist, Dr. Hoop is able to perform a number of implant-related procedures that you just won’t find offered by your typical general dentist. These improve the precision of the placement procedure while also making it more effective and comfortable. They combine advanced techniques with some of the latest technology, helping Dr. Hoop dramatically increase the chances of success while also making the process as non-invasive as possible.

Guided dental implant surgery

Guided Surgery

We use 3D CBCT technology and four computer programs to place surgical stents in the most optimal position to place your implant. We average within .2 mm (the thickness of a couple of sheets of paper) of a precise location within your bone to improve your overall result and reduce the risk of complications.

Scalpel crossed out indicating incisionless surgery

Incisionless Surgery

Dr. Hoop will likely not have to make an incision when placing your dental implants. This is a stark contrast to the open flap surgery performed by most dentists. Incisionless surgery is about 50 percent faster and is far less traumatic to your mouth than traditional implant surgery, which means you’ll recover quicker.

Dentist performing graftless implant surgery

Graftless Dental Implant Surgery

Using the angled placement option of All-on-X, we can avoid your maxillary sinus and mandibular nerve. This means you won’t need to receive additional bone grafts before you get your implants.

Animated immediate dental implant placement procedure

Immediate Dental Implant Placement

Dr. Hoop can extract broken or decayed teeth and immediately replace them with implants at the same appointment. This not only speeds up the treatment process, but it also prevents the bone loss that can occur after an extraction.

Animated immediate load denture

Immediate-Load Solutions

We offer a few options for immediate-load replacement teeth, which means that your entire arch of teeth will be restored in a single day. All-on-4®, TeethXpress, and Smile-in-a-Day can improve your life in one appointment.

Animated mini dental implant supported dental crown

Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants are smaller and shorter posts compared to traditional ones, and they allow patients who have developed bone loss to get implants without undergoing a bone graft first. Thanks to their reduced size, the placement and recovery process is notably faster compared to regular implants, allowing a patient to get their new teeth as quickly as possible.

Learn More About Mini Implants

D N A strand

Biologic Modifiers

A variety of biologically active materials can improve your healing response and overall outcome while getting implants. We use L-PRF®, rhPDGF, and rhBMP-2 in our dental office. Leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) is made using your own blood. It is then placed at the implant site to stimulate and speed up healing.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the most versatile tooth loss solutions available, so there is no set price for them. Dr. Hoop tailors each treatment to meet the unique goals and needs of each of his patients, which means the final cost can vary widely depending on what results you’re looking for. For example, the price of your dental implants in Ft. Myers will be influenced by how many teeth you’re replacing, where they are in the mouth, if you need any preliminary procedures, and your dental insurance coverage.

While dental implants are typically more costly than other options, Dr. Hoop firmly believes they are the best solution for replacing missing teeth. Not only can they provide unmatched functionality, esthetics, and confidence, but they have the potential to last a lifetime, which could easily make them the most cost-effective option in the long run! In addition, Dr. Hoop and his team are happy to make your treatment as affordable as possible by maximizing your dental insurance, accepting third-party financing through CareCredit, and offering their Direct Dental Savings Plan.

3D illustration of a dental implant in Ft. Meyers

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

At Total Dental Solutions, Dr. Hoop is proud to offer a wide variety of preliminary treatments that can help practically anyone rebuild their smile with dental implants. Procedures like sinus lifts, ridge augmentations, bone grafting, tooth extractions, and gum disease therapy are all available to help get you ready for your new smile. While the cost of these treatments will add to the final price of your dental implants, they’ll maximize the likelihood of long-term success.

The dental implant surgery itself will incur a cost of its own as well. Thanks to Dr. Hoop’s advanced training, this portion of your treatment can be completed right here in our office, saving you time and money instead of seeing an unfamiliar outside specialist.

Older man smiling in dental chair

The Parts & Type of Your Dental Implant

Naturally, the dental implant itself will influence the cost of your treatment in several ways, including:

  • Number of dental implants: Dental implants can be used to address any level of tooth loss. We’ll recommend the fewest number of dental implants to achieve maximum stability to lower the length and cost of your treatment.
  • Type of restoration needed: The price of your custom-made crown, bridge, partial, or denture will also impact the cost of your treatment.
  • Style of dental implants: We’re pleased to offer many different types of dental implants, including mini dental implants and All-On-4 dental implants. Each type of dental implant comes with its own price.
  • Manufacturer or brand: There are many different brands and manufacturers of dental implants. We’ll work with you to make sure you’re getting a high-quality tooth replacement from a reliable company.
3D illustration of a dental implant, abutment, and crown

How Dental Implants Can Save You Money

While dental implants have a higher initial price tag than other tooth replacement options, they are almost always more cost-effective in the long run for a variety of reasons:

  • Save thousands on replacements: Dentures and dental bridges need to be replaced every several years. The one-time cost of dental implants can potentially last you a lifetime, which could save you thousands of dollars in replacements!
  • Lower your oral healthcare costs: Dental implants support your natural teeth, maintain your jawbone, and promote better oral health, which means they can help save you money on the cost of caring for your smile.
  • Reduce your overall healthcare costs: Studies show that good oral health encourages better overall health. In fact, recent studies suggest that those with a healthy smile typically pay 10-40% less in cardiovascular care costs than those with unhealthy mouths and missing teeth.
  • No need to buy extra products: With dental implants, there’s no need to buy special brushes, cleaners, solutions, flossing tools, or adhesives!
  • Regain priceless confidence: On top of it all, dental implants offer the potential to improve your life, health, and confidence in ways that other options simply can’t, which makes them well-worth their cost.
Woman smiling in dental chair looking at mirror

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Usually, dental insurance doesn’t cover dental implants, however there are some exceptions so you should be sure to check with your plan. In some cases, certain aspects of the implant process like your consultation or part of your restoration may be covered, but this will vary from plan to plan. Our team has years of experience helping our patients maximize their benefits and minimize their out-of-pocket expenses.

Older man with mustache smiling in dental chair

Making Dental Implants Affordable

At Total Dental Solutions, we are dedicated to making our amazing treatments affordable for all budgets. We know dental implants are typically not covered by insurance, which is why we proudly offer:

Flexible financing through CareCredit: This third-party financer offers low- to no-interest payment plans that can break up the cost of your treatment over the course of several months or years.

In-House Direct Dental Savings Plan: Our in-house savings plan is designed to help make dental care affordable, and even offers 20% off dental implants!

Special offer on dental implant consultation: To make starting your dental implant journey easier, we’re pleased to offer dental implant consultations for only $87.

Dental Implant Failure & Salvage

: a patient touching her cheek due to failed dental implant

By rebuilding your missing pearly whites with dental implants, you can be sure to enjoy a natural-feeling and long-lasting solution for improving your oral health and smile. However, while this option typically has a success rate of 95% or more, there’s always a rare possibility of failure. Not only will you want to be on the lookout for indications of a failed dental implant, but you’ll also want to know how our team can provide salvage treatment to save your new teeth.

Learn about Dental Implant Failure and Salvage

Helpful Dental Implant Resources 

Dr. Hoop has compiled a series of articles that serves as your complete guide to dental implants. With over 50 pages of information, this publication covers everything from the benefits of implants to the advanced technology that Dr. Hoop uses to ensure precise results. Implants can seem like a big investment, and for many patients they are. However, they are the ultimate solution to tooth loss and can have an incredible impact that lasts for many years. These resources provide some helpful information on understanding the cost of dental implants and much more. Take a moment to learn more about the process of implants by clicking the links below!

Introduction to Dental ImplantsMissing a Single ToothMissing Multiple/All Teeth

Dental Implant FAQs

Dental implants in Fort Myers can replace your missing teeth with a nearly perfect replica of those you’ve lost. Since a dental implant recreates the entire tooth structure, it provides exceptional benefits not possible using any other method. Investing in dental implants is a big decision; therefore, it’s normal to have a few concerns before you’re ready to commit to them. We’ll explain everything during your initial consultation. To help ease your apprehensions, here are the answers to a few of the most common questions patients ask us about dental implants.

Am I too old for dental implants?

If you’ve finished growing, your age isn’t important when determining your candidacy for dental implants. We look at several other factors, like your oral and general health. We’ll also consider your lifestyle habits and the density of your jawbone. If we find any concerning issues, you aren’t automatically disqualified from receiving dental implants. Instead, we’ll help to find the solutions to solve the problem, like bone grafting to enhance your jaw’s density.

Can I get dental implants if I have periodontal disease?

Unfortunately, you won’t be a candidate for dental implants if you have gum disease, but that doesn’t mean you can’t become one. Periodontal therapy will stop the infection to create the healthy foundation necessary for dental implants. In some cases, you may need additional procedures to repair any damage caused by the infection, like tooth extractions or bone grafting.

Can dental implants fail?

Dental implants are the most reliable treatment for tooth loss. They have over a 95% success rate to last for decades with the right aftercare; however, they can fail. The risk of failure is rare, which is most often the result of a preventable infection called peri-implantitis. Thankfully, you can help safeguard your smile from any unnecessary complications by committing to your oral hygiene at home and visiting your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. If any issues arise in between your routine appointments, don’t hesitate to contact our office, such as redness or swelling near the implant post.

Are dental implants painful?

As with any oral surgery, there will be some discomfort while you heal, but you can manage it with an over-the-counter pain reliever. As your body heals, your discomfort will subside, and your new smile will feel natural. If you develop any pain down the road, contact our office right away.

Can I use my dental insurance to pay for the procedure?

Every dental insurance policy is unique, but most plans offer some coverage for certain steps in your treatment. After reaching your deductible, you can use your benefits to help offset the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket. A member of our team will file the necessary claims forms to maximize your dental insurance. We’ll explain how your coverage is being used and if you owe a remaining balance, like third-party financing. We will help you find the solutions you need to rebuild your smile without worrying about an outrageous bill.

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