Meet Dr. Roxanna J. Esguerra
Board-Certified Prosthodontist in Duluth, MN
Dr. Roxanna J. Esguerra, DDS, MS, FACP is a board-certified prosthodontist whose practice is focused on complex restorative and implant dentistry. She earned her DDS from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and completed three years of advanced specialty training in prosthodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. While completing her specialty training, she also earned a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, conducting original research and publishing her work. Dr. Esguerra became a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics in 2015 and completed board recertification in 2023.
Over more than 18 years of clinical practice, Dr. Esguerra has restored more than 10,000 dental implants and completed more than 1,800 full-arch implant-supported prostheses. Her experience encompasses both the surgical and restorative phases of implant treatment, allowing implant placement, prosthetic design, function, esthetics, and long-term maintenance to be considered together from the beginning. Her approach is restoratively driven: treatment begins with understanding the patient’s condition and goals and designing the desired restorative outcome before determining the surgical and prosthetic steps needed to achieve it. She remains closely involved in diagnostic and laboratory procedures that require her specialized education and clinical judgment and works alongside an experienced in-house laboratory team.
Teaching, research, and professional education have remained an important part of Dr. Esguerra’s career. She served for five years on the faculty of the National University of Singapore and currently teaches in the University of Minnesota Graduate Prosthodontics program. She has authored peer-reviewed scientific publications and book chapters and lectures to dentists, specialists, and postgraduate residents.
Her connection to the Dental Implant & Reconstructive Center, however, began long before she became its owner. Dr. Esguerra first met Dr. Doug Erickson, who founded the practice in 1998, in 2009. The two became longtime colleagues and friends, connected in part by their shared roots in San Antonio prosthodontic training—Dr. Erickson through the U.S. Air Force and Dr. Esguerra at the University of Texas. Eleven years later, Dr. Esguerra purchased the practice, and the two worked together for a year during the transition before Dr. Erickson retired from clinical practice in January 2022. Their shared roots in San Antonio prosthodontic training contributed to a similar philosophy of patient care, and Dr. Esguerra remains grateful for his mentorship and for the kindness, patience, and clinical precision he brought to both the practice and his patients.
Originally from Colorado, Dr. Esguerra has lived and worked across the United States and internationally before making Duluth home with her husband, Ronaldo, and their two sons, Kai and Luca (pictured below). Her family was drawn to Duluth by its combination of community, outdoor recreation, and life on Lake Superior. Outside the practice, they enjoy skiing, biking, hiking, and time at the lake hunting agates.
How Can We Help You Restore Your Smile?
Schedule An Appointment with Dr. Esguerra
Read more about Dr. Esguerra’s work as an educator, researcher, and lecturer continues below.
Lectures, RESEARCH & PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS
Teaching other dentists has been an important part of Dr. Esguerra’s career for more than 15 years.
Dr. Roxanna J. Esguerra has lectured to dentists, dental specialists, postgraduate residents, and professional organizations in the United States and internationally. Her educational work has focused on implant dentistry, full-arch reconstruction, treatment planning, digital dentistry, prosthodontic complications, esthetics, occlusion, function, and speech.
Why does this matter to patients?
Teaching requires more than knowing how to perform a procedure. It requires continually examining the evidence, questioning assumptions, understanding complications, and explaining why one treatment approach may be appropriate while another is not. Dr. Esguerra is recognized for her detailed understanding of the scientific research on the topics she teaches and her ability to translate that science into practical, clinically relevant techniques.
The following is Dr. Esguerra’s complete presentation history.
PRESENTATION HISTORY
2026
Joint Decisions: The Dual-Axis Diagnostic Criteria for TMD
Duluth, Minnesota · October 9, 2026
The Grass is Always Greener: Career Pathways for Prosthodontic Residents and Early Career Prosthodontists
Three-Part Webinar Series · American College of Prosthodontists · 2026
The Functional Envelope of Speech: Challenging Phonetic and Occlusal Assumptions
International Academy of Gnathology (IAG) · Seattle, Washington · September 11, 2026
Intra-Oral Scanners: Thoughtful Selection and Implementation of Digital Workflows
Lutsen, Minnesota · January 30, 2026
Removal Cleanings for Full-Arch Implant-Supported Fixed Dental Prostheses (FAIS-FDPs)
Northland Country Club · Duluth, Minnesota · January 29, 2026
2025
Esthetic Diagnosis & Incorporating Phonetic Assessment into a Restorative Plan
Walter Reed Medical Center · Bethesda, Maryland · October 29, 2025
Phonetic Complications in Implant Dentistry: Who’s to Blame—the Patient, the Prosthesis, or the Provider?
New Orleans, Louisiana · October 24, 2025
The Grass is Always Greener: Career Pathways for Graduating Prosthodontic Residents and Early Career Prosthodontists, Session 3
American College of Prosthodontists · Zoom Webinar & On-Demand · September 17, 2025
Medicolegal Considerations in Implant Dentistry & Prosthodontics
Kansas City, Kansas · September 13, 2025
The Grass is Always Greener: Career Pathways for Graduating Prosthodontic Residents and Early Career Prosthodontists, Session 2
American College of Prosthodontists · Zoom Webinar & On-Demand · August 13, 2025
Recap of 2024 Legacy Meeting—The Maxilla
Legacy Meeting · The Emma Hotel · San Antonio, Texas · August 1, 2025
The Grass is Always Greener: Career Pathways for Graduating Prosthodontic Residents and Early Career Prosthodontists, Session 1
American College of Prosthodontists · Zoom Webinar & On-Demand · July 8, 2025
The AP Dimension of Speech: Demystifying Phonetic Complications in Restorative Dentistry
Global Diagnosis Study Club · Zoom Lecture · June 30, 2025
Sales Reps or Scientists: Who Should We Believe?
North West District Dental Society · Itasca State Park, Minnesota · May 30, 2025
The Grass is Always Greener: Career Pathways for Graduating Prosthodontic Residents in 2026
University of Kentucky · Zoom Lecture · May 8, 2025
Sales Reps or Scientists: Who Should We Believe?
Star of the North, presented by the Minnesota Dental Association · St. Paul, Minnesota · April 25, 2025
Curiosity is the Key to Case Acceptance
Star of the North, presented by the Minnesota Dental Association · St. Paul, Minnesota · April 25, 2025
The AP Dimension of Speech: Demystifying Phonetic Complications in Restorative Dentistry
American Academy of Operative Dentistry · Chicago, Illinois · February 20, 2025
2024
Curiosity is the Key to Case Acceptance
Women’s Dental Implant Study Club · Sponsored by Straumann Group and Dentsply Implants · Sheraton Hotel · Duluth, Minnesota · March 21, 2024
2023
Curiosity is the Key to Case Acceptance
Spear Study Club · Sponsored by Associated Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons (AOMS) and Straumann Group · Elk River, Minnesota · October 26, 2023 · Invited Speaker
Implant Restorative Complications: Diagnosis and Management
Duluth Implant Symposium 2023 · Pier B Hotel · Duluth, Minnesota · September 22, 2023 · Invited Speaker
Phonetics: The Forgotten Function in Restorative Dentistry
Northwest Gnathologic Society · Washington Academy of General Dentistry · Seattle, Washington · September 8, 2023 · Invited Speaker
Sales Reps or Scientists: Who Should We Believe?
American College of Prosthodontists Digital Dentistry Symposium · Virgin Hotel · Nashville, Tennessee · August 19, 2023 · Invited Speaker
World Cup Treatment Planning Face-off: Team USA
J.G. Woodyard, R.J. Esguerra, J.H. Woodyard, J. Stoner, and B. Vence
40th International Interdisciplinary Dental Conference · The Chateaux Deer Valley · Utah · March 3, 2023 · Invited Speaker
Full-Arch Implant Treatment: Biomechanics, Esthetics & Interdisciplinary Communication
Twin Cities Periodontics Study Club · Sponsored by Straumann · Full-Day Program · Minneapolis, Minnesota · January 28, 2023 · Invited Speaker
What’s in Your Screw Access Hole? Methodical Choices and Meticulous Documentation
The Forum Dental Study Club · Pier B Hotel · Duluth, Minnesota · January 5, 2023
2022
Evolution in Implant System Design: A Brief History of Full-Arch Systems
Neodent Symposium 2022 · Bellagio Hotel · Las Vegas, Nevada · September 9, 2022 · Invited Speaker
Prosthodontics: Clinical, Laboratory, and Practice Excellence
University of Minnesota Graduate Prosthodontics · Full-Day Seminar · Lyric Conference Center · Duluth, Minnesota · August 27, 2022
Restoratively-Driven Treatment Planning for Dental Implants
Women’s Implant Study Club · Sponsored by Straumann · Sheraton Hotel · Duluth, Minnesota · May 14, 2022
2021
Implant Biomechanics and Treatment Planning for Hybrid Restorations
Northeastern District Dental Society (NEDDS) · Sheraton Hotel · Duluth, Minnesota · December 10, 2021 · Invited Speaker
Full Arch Implant Treatment: Concepts and Clinical Techniques
Hands-On Seminar · Sponsored by Northland Periodontics, 3M, and Straumann · Pier B Hotel · Duluth, Minnesota · September 17, 2021 · Invited Speaker
Session 5: Preventing and Managing Restorative Complications
Implant Restorative Series · Sponsored by Interdent, Nobel Biocare, and Dentsply Implants · Zoom Lecture · July 25, 2021 · Invited Speaker / Consultant
Basic Implantology II: Prosthetically Driven Treatment Planning
National University of Singapore Faculty of Dentistry · Graduate Periodontics and Graduate Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery · Zoom Lecture · July 12, 2021 · Invited Speaker
Session 4: Treatment Planning and Prosthetic Designs for Multi-Unit Implants
Implant Restorative Series · Sponsored by Interdent, Nobel Biocare, and Dentsply Implants · Zoom Lecture · June 24, 2021 · Invited Speaker / Consultant
Session 3: The Evolution of Single-Unit Implant-Supported Restorations—Anterior Region and CAD/CAM Solutions
Implant Restorative Series · Sponsored by Interdent, Nobel Biocare, and Dentsply Implants · Zoom Lecture · May 27, 2021 · Invited Speaker / Consultant
Session 2: Treatment Planning for Posterior Single-Unit Dental Implants
Implant Restorative Series · Sponsored by Interdent, Nobel Biocare, and Dentsply Implants · Zoom Lecture · April 29, 2021 · Invited Speaker / Consultant
Session 1: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning for the Replacement of Missing Teeth
Implant Restorative Series · Sponsored by Interdent, Nobel Biocare, and Dentsply Implants · Zoom Lecture · March 25, 2021 · Invited Speaker / Consultant
2020
Treating Edentulism: Lessons Learned
ClearChoice Dallas Continuing Education Series Part I · Rambler Park · Dallas, Texas · February 20, 2020 · Invited Speaker
2019
Full Arch Replacement: Diagnosis, Treatment Planning, and Trouble Shooting
ClearChoice Dallas Open House Continuing Education Event · Rambler Park · Dallas, Texas · September 5, 2019 · Invited Speaker
2017
All-On-Four or More: How Many Implants Does Your Patient Really Need?
Denver Dental Study Club · Denver Restorative Dentistry · Broomfield, Colorado · May 2017 · Invited Speaker
2015
Managing Patient Expectations with Removable Prosthodontics
National University Hospital Dental Officer’s Lecture Series · Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore · Singapore · December 17, 2015
Through the Labyrinth—Digital and Conventional Workflows in CAD/CAM Dentistry
Ceramill Awareness Day · Sponsored by Amann Girrbach and Raydent Dental Supplies Pte Ltd · M Hotel · Singapore · May 12, 2015 · Invited Speaker
Aesthetic Diagnosis: The Intersection Between Cosmetic Dentistry and Plastic Surgery
National University Hospital Dental Officer’s Lecture Series · Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore · Singapore · April 22, 2015
2014
Aesthetic Diagnosis for Restorative Procedures
National University Hospital Dental Officer’s Lecture Series · Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore · Singapore · May 29, 2014
Occlusal Vertical Dimension: Differentiating Between Loss of OVD and Loss of Restorative Space
Faculty of Dentistry 9th Annual Symposium · Orchard Hotel · Singapore · February 8–9, 2014 · Invited Speaker
Nobel Procera: Core Lessons on CAD/CAM Dentistry
National University of Singapore Faculty of Dentistry & Nobel Biocare Study Club · Singapore · January 28, 2014
2013
Implant System Selection: The Prosthodontic Perspective
National University of Singapore Faculty of Dentistry & Nobel Biocare Study Club · National University Hospital · Singapore · July 29, 2013
2012
Treatment Planning for the Partially Edentulous Patient
National University Hospital Dental Officer’s Lecture Series · National University Hospital · Singapore · March 22, 2012
2011
Radiographic Guides, Cone Beam CT, and Computer Guided Surgery
R.J. Esguerra and T. Walker
Computer Guided Surgery in Implant Dentistry · University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio · San Antonio, Texas · July 8, 2011
Special seminar composed and presented at the request of graduate program directors in Periodontics, Prosthodontics, and Dental Diagnostic Sciences.
Implant-Based Records & Fixed Splint Therapy
UTHSCSA–U.S. Air Force Graduate Prosthodontics Seminar · San Antonio, Texas · January 17, 2011
2010
Complex Implant Complications: Causes and Solutions
B.K. Broadwell, D.M. Fuhrmann, R.J. Esguerra, and M.J. Vierra
American College of Prosthodontists San Antonio Section Annual Meeting · San Antonio, Texas · December 1, 2010
Building Smiles: The Profession of Prosthodontics
Project HOPE Career Development Fair · Laredo High School · Laredo, Texas · November 18–19, 2010
2009
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning Using the Prosthodontic Diagnostic Index (PDI)
R.J. Esguerra and D. Fuhrmann
Removable Prosthodontics · University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio · San Antonio, Texas · December 2, 2009 · Invited Speaker
Scientific, Table Clinic & Poster Presentations
In addition to professional lectures and continuing education, Dr. Esguerra has presented scientific research at national professional meetings throughout her career.
2015
3D Accuracy of Intra-Oral Scanners: A Systematic Review
American Equilibration Society 60th Scientific Meeting · Marriott Downtown · Chicago, Illinois · February 19–20, 2015
2014
Three-Dimensional Accuracy of Intra-Oral Scanners
R.J. Esguerra, A.C. Chew, V.A. Chia, and B.K.C. Tan
American College of Prosthodontists 40th Annual Scientific Meeting · Marriott · New Orleans, Louisiana · November 4–6, 2014
2013
Natural Emergence Profile for Implant-Fixed Restorations in the Edentulous Maxilla
American Academy of Restorative Dentistry · Invited Paper · Ritz-Carlton · Chicago, Illinois · February 23–24, 2013
2012
Vertical Precision of Impression Coping and Implant Replica Pairs for Three Implant Systems as a Function of Joint-Type and Tightening Force
R.J. Esguerra, A. Sun, S. Haney, and I. Turkyilmaz
American Equilibration Society 57th Scientific Meeting · Marriott Downtown · Chicago, Illinois · February 22–23, 2012
2011
CAD/CAM Concepts Applied to Complete Dentures
International Academy of Gnathology · Grand Hyatt · San Antonio, Texas · September 28–October 1, 2011
2009
A Modified Jump Technique for Complete Dentures
R.J. Esguerra and S. Haney
American College of Prosthodontics 39th Annual Session · Manchester Grand Hyatt · San Diego, California · November 4–7, 2009
2007
Dentin Bond Strength of Heated Resin/Composite Restorations in Single-Plane Shear Force Test
R.J. Esguerra, W. Wright, and S.M. Newman
Student Clinicians of the American Dental Association · Invited Paper · Philadelphia Convention Center · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · October–November 2007
2006
Microleakage of Heated Bonding System
R.J. Esguerra and S.M. Newman
Hinman Student Research Symposium · Peabody Hotel · Memphis, Tennessee · October 30–31, 2006
Peer-Reviewed Publications & Scholarly Work
Dr. Esguerra has contributed to peer-reviewed research in implant dentistry, digital dentistry, prosthodontics, dental materials, and restorative techniques. Her scholarly work includes research on the accuracy of digital technologies, implant components and impressions, clinical prosthodontic techniques, and CAD/CAM dentistry.
2018
Three-Dimensional Accuracy of Virtual Models—Part I: System Trueness and Precision
S.H.X. Yee, R.J. Esguerra, A.A.Q. Chew, K.M. Wong, and K.B.C. Tan
Journal of Prosthodontics. 2018;27(2):129–136.
Three-Dimensional Accuracy of Virtual Models—Part II: Effect of Model Scanner-CAD Systems and Articulation Method
S.H.X. Yee, R.J. Esguerra, A.A.Q. Chew, K.M. Wong, and K.B.C. Tan
Journal of Prosthodontics. 2018;27(2):137–144.
Three-Dimensional Accuracy of Digital Static Interocclusal Registration by Three Intraoral Scanner Systems
K.Y. Wong, R.J. Esguerra, V.A.P. Chia, Y.H. Tan, and K.B.C. Tan
Journal of Prosthodontics. 2018;27(2):120–128.
2017
Three-Dimensional Accuracy of Digital Implant Impressions—Effect of Different Scanners and Fixture Level
A.C. Chew, R.J. Esguerra, K.M. Wong, K.H. Teo, and K.B.C. Tan
International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants. 2017;32:70–80.
Three-Dimensional Accuracy of Digital Implant Impressions—Effect of Different Scanners and Fixture Level
V.A. Chia, R.J. Esguerra, K.M. Wong, K.H. Teo, and K.B.C. Tan
International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants. 2017;32:313–321.
2016
A Technique for Fabricating a Custom Gingival Mask Using a Maxillary Complete Implant-Supported Fixed Interim Prosthesis With Integrated Verification Cast
R.J. Esguerra
Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. January 2016.
2015
Characterisation of Antibacterial and Adhesion Properties of Chitosan-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement
M. Ibrahim, R.J. Esguerra, J.C.L. Neo, and A.S. Fawzy
Journal of Biomaterials Applications. 2015.
2013
Precision of Fit Between Implant Impression Coping and Implant Replica Pairs for Three Implant Systems
R.J. Esguerra, A. Sun, S. Haney, and I. Turkyilmaz
Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. 2013;109:37–43.
2011
Splint Therapy and Implant-Based Records
R.J. Esguerra
The Condylar Position in Complex Restorative Dentistry: Through the Eyes of the Master, Vol. 6 · American Academy of Restorative Dentistry · 2011
State-of-the-Art Technology in Implant Dentistry: CAD/CAM
I. Turkyilmaz and R.J. Esguerra
In: Implant Dentistry: A Rapidly Evolving Practice. 2011.
2010
Functional Impressions for Complete Denture Fabrication: A Modified Jump Technique
S.J. Haney, R.J. Esguerra, and M. Mansueto
Texas Dental Journal. 2010;127(4):377–384.
1998
Genetic Correlation Between Performance on an Appetitive-Signaled Nosepoke Task and Voluntary Ethanol Consumption
S.F. Logue, R.J. Esguerra, and J.M. Wehner
Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. 1998;22(9):1912–1920.
Systematic Reviews & Evidence Synthesis
Systematic reviews sit near the top of the hierarchy of scientific evidence. Rather than relying on the findings of a single study, researchers use a structured methodology to identify, critically evaluate, and synthesize the available scientific literature addressing a focused question. A meta-analysis can go a step further by statistically combining appropriate data from multiple studies.
Dr. Esguerra’s research investigated the three-dimensional accuracy of emerging digital technologies in dentistry, including digital implant impression techniques. Her research was subsequently selected as part of the scientific evidence included in a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing digital and conventional implant impressions.
2020
Digital vs. Conventional Implant Impressions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
P. Papaspyridakos et al.
Journal of Prosthodontics. 2020;29:660–678.