Prosthodontist Serving Fort Myers, FL

Prosthodontic Care for Fort Myers Patients

Many of our patients live in Fort Myers and North Fort Myers and make the short trip across the Caloosahatchee River to see Dr. Larry Dunford, DDS, at Waterside Aesthetic Dentistry. Our office is at 3209 Del Prado Blvd S in Cape Coral, easy to reach from Fort Myers by the Cape Coral Bridge or the Midpoint Memorial Bridge. We do not have a Fort Myers office; all care is provided at our Cape Coral location.

Dr. Dunford has served Southwest Florida as a prosthodontist since 1986. He is a member of the American College of Prosthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association and the Lee County & West Coast Dental Society.

What Is a Prosthodontist?

A prosthodontist is a dentist who focuses on restoring and replacing teeth. Prosthodontics is a specialty recognized by the American Dental Association, and prosthodontists complete an extra three years of formal training beyond dental school. That training covers dental implants, dentures, crowns, bridges, veneers and complex cases where the bite, appearance and comfort all have to work together. Many dentists offer some of these treatments; a prosthodontist plans and restores them every day.

Conditions We Help Fort Myers Patients With

• One or more missing teeth
• Loose, uncomfortable or worn-out dentures
• Teeth worn down by grinding or clenching
• Crowns, bridges or fillings that are failing or no longer fit
• A bite that has changed, or jaw problems linked to how the teeth meet (see TMJ treatment)
• Inherited conditions such as ectodermal dysplasia, amelogenesis imperfecta or dentinogenesis imperfecta that call for extensive restoration
• Replacing tissue after oral cancer surgery with a custom obturator

Treatments Available to Fort Myers Patients:

• Dental implant restorations – crowns, bridges and dentures attached to dental implants to replace one tooth or a full arch.
• Implant-supported dentures – dentures held in place by implants, for a more secure fit than a conventional denture.
• Dentures and partial dentures – custom complete and partial dentures designed for comfort, chewing and a natural look.
• Full mouth reconstruction – a coordinated plan that may combine crowns, bridges, veneers, implants and dentures to restore the whole mouth and improve chewing.
• Porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges – to repair damaged teeth and improve the look of your smile.

Working With Your Fort Myers Dentist

If you already have a general dentist in Fort Myers, you can keep them for routine care. Dr. Dunford works with referring dentists on restorative and replacement cases, and provider referrals are welcome. When a case involves other specialists, he coordinates care so the final result fits together.

Comfort and Sedation Options

If dental visits make you anxious, ask about oral sedation. You take a prescribed medication about an hour before your appointment so you can relax through treatment, and it often allows more work to be completed in one visit. You will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. Details are on our patient information page.

Cost and Financing

The cost of prosthodontic treatment depends on how many teeth are involved and which options you choose. Dr. Dunford explains your options before treatment begins so you can decide what is right for you. We accept CareCredit, a health care credit card that can be used for dental expenses; call our office to ask about insurance.

Getting Here From Fort Myers

From Fort Myers, cross the Caloosahatchee on the Cape Coral Bridge or the Midpoint Memorial Bridge to reach our office on Del Prado Blvd S. We have a free on-site parking lot, and the office has wheelchair-accessible parking and an accessible entrance.

Planning Your Visit

Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 5 pm, and Friday, 8 am to noon. Call (239) 542-3141 or request an appointment online. Bring any recent X-rays or records from your Fort Myers dentist to help us plan your care.