At Walker Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we know that success of your dental implant is directly related to the skill of your oral surgeon. You have probably already read on our website that Dr. Walker earned his D.D.S. degree and then continued his education in periodontics at Baylor College of Dentistry, as well as a Masters of Science Degree. His expertise in this field is unsurpassed, and his education continues as he keeps current in all areas of the field of periodontology
Dr. Walker and his staff will discuss with you factors such as the health of your gums, the quality and quantity of the bone available at the site, and your oral hygiene, as well as the plan for your treatment. Heavy smokers, or people with chronic diseases will need to be examined on a case-by-case basis. Dr. Walker and staff are committed to providing you the best care which provides you the highest assurance of success. What are Dental Implants? While dental care options continue to improve, millions of Americans still suffer from tooth loss. In some parts of the United states, more than 20% of working-age adults have lost six or more teeth due to gum disease, tooth decay, or injury. In the past, the only options have been bridges or dentures, but dental implants now offer a long-term alternative, with proven success. Dental implants replace the roots of a tooth lost to gum disease, tooth decay, or injury. They act as a screw-like anchor to hold permanent or removable replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like your own. The implants will fuse with your jawbone, allowing the replacements to feel secure and sturdy in your mouth. Once the healing is complete, the tooth will look and feel like your regular teeth. Implants fuse to your jawbone, therefore they won’t shift or slip in your mouth. This is an important benefit for eating, talking, comfort, speaking, and self-confidence. Dental implants feel more natural than conventional bridges or dentures. Your implants will feel natural, look natural, and can last as long as 25 years. You can smile confidently and with pride, knowing your implant looks entirely natural. Advantages of placement Dr. Walker and his team at Walker Periodontics will discuss with you the concept of immediate placement of the dental implant. The advantages of dental implant placement is clear for most patients; and placement can be done immediately or in some cases, delayed. The difference in failure rate between immediate dental implant placement versus waiting for placement has been shown to be very low. The advantages of delayed placement is summarized as follows: there is time after the surgical procedure for the tissues to heal; and carefully monitor the healing process to determine the best time for dental implant placement. Immediate restoration is not always possible or desired. We want the best outcome for our patients, and this decision will be made with you, taking into consideration your particular dental health needs and wishes. Together we will come to a decision that best meets your physical and aesthetic needs. Success Rate Careful monitoring and the skilled surgery procedures done by Dr. Walker will assure you the best possible outcome and provide you with a comfortable and esthetically pleasing dental implant. Dental implants are one of the most successful procedures in dentistry with an average success rate of 95%. Infection is extremely rare and most surgeons take the added precaution of prescribing antibiotics to lower the risk even further. Failure, known as osseointegration failure, is rare, particularly if the oral surgeon’s instructions are followed closely by the patient. Most failures occur when a patient is either too unhealthy to receive the implant or engages in behaviors that contraindicate proper dental hygiene including smoking, drug use, or grinding of the teeth. Our skilled care team is committed to providing you with the best of care, and they will carefully assess both your dental health and your overall well-being before undertaking any procedures, thus giving you the optimum outcome for your dental implant. They will discuss any concerns or questions you may have, and will provide you with the latest in literature related to your treatment option. Rest assured that any questions you have will be treated with sensitivity, and answered promptly and clearly. Implant Material Dental implant material can consist of titanium or zirconium material design. The implant must be sturdy and robust, and the strength of the dental implant material and its design must remain compatible with the physical properties of your natural teeth. The finished product will be matched to the color of your teeth and function just as your natural teeth. A typical implant consists of a titanium screw (resembling a tooth root) with a roughened or smooth surface. The majority of dental implants are made with commercially pure titanium, which is available in four grades based upon the amount of carbon, nitrogen oxygen, and iron contained. At Walker Periodontics, we use the highest grade titanium available to ensure the highest possible success rate of your implant. Conventional Method Dental implant placement involves the removal of the tooth, then a healing period of 4-6 months prior to implant placement. Following an additional 6-8 weeks, the implant can be finally restored with a crown. A temporary removable appliance is worn during this healing process. If this method is chosen by either the yourself or your care provider, and if this is the best option for your, Dr. Walker and his staff will discuss the reasoning with you, and come to a decision that you understand, and that meets your expectations. Every patient is different, and your treatment plan will be created specifically for your and your dental surgery needs. Call and talk to the friendly staff to schedule a consultation at Walker Periodontics & Implant Dentistry (972)462-9800. We promise to provide you with the highest quality of care in order to achieve the results you deserve.
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At Walker Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we know that success of your dental implant is directly related to the skill of your oral surgeon. You have probably already read on our website that Dr. Walker earned his D.D.S. degree and then continued his education in periodontics at Baylor College of Dentistry, as well as a Masters of Science Degree. His expertise in this field is unsurpassed, and his education continues as he keeps current in all areas of the field of periodontology.
Dr. Walker and his staff will discuss with you factors such as the health of your gums, the quality and quantity of the bone available at the site, and your oral hygiene, as well as the plan for your treatment. Heavy smokers, or people with chronic diseases will need to be examined on a case-by-case basis. Dr. Walker and staff are committed to providing you the best care which provides you the highest assurance of success. What are Dental Implants? While dental care options continue to improve, millions of Americans still suffer from tooth loss. In some parts of the United states, more than 20% of working-age adults have lost six or more teeth due to gum disease, tooth decay, or injury. In the past, the only options have been bridges or dentures, but dental implants now offer a long-term alternative, with proven success. Dental implants replace the roots of a tooth lost to gum disease, tooth decay, or injury. They act as a screw-like anchor to hold permanent or removable replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like your own. The implants will fuse with your jawbone, allowing the replacements to feel secure and sturdy in your mouth. Once the healing is complete, the tooth will look and feel like your regular teeth. Implants fuse to your jawbone, therefore they won’t shift or slip in your mouth. This is an important benefit for eating, talking, comfort, speaking, and self-confidence. Dental implants feel more natural than conventional bridges or dentures. Your implants will feel natural, look natural, and can last as long as 25 years. You can smile confidently and with pride, knowing your implant looks entirely natural. Advantages of immediate placement Dr. Walker and his team at Walker Periodontics will discuss with you the concept of immediate placement of the dental implant. The advantages of immediate placement of the dental implant are clear for most patients. The different in failure rate between immediate dental implant placement versus waiting for placement has been shown to be very low. The advantages are summarized as follows: there is only one surgical procedure for the patient; the treatment time is shortened as there is no need to uncover the implant, and importantly, immediate restoration is possible. The psychological impact of having an esthetic tooth replacement that stays in your mouth while the implant heals cannot be overstated. Success Rate Careful monitoring and the skilled surgery procedures done by Dr. Walker will assure you the best possible outcome and provide you with a comfortable and esthetically pleasing dental implant. Dental implants are one of the most successful procedures in dentistry with an average success rate of 95%. Infection is extremely rare and most surgeons take the added precaution of prescribing antibiotics to lower the risk even further. Failure, known as osseointegration failure, is rare, particularly if the oral surgeon’s instructions are followed closely by the patient. Most failures occur when a patient is either too unhealthy to receive the implant or engages in behaviors that contraindicate proper dental hygiene including smoking, drug use, or grinding of the teeth. Our skilled care team is committed to providing you with the best of care, and they will carefully assess both your dental health and your overall well-being before undertaking any procedures, thus giving you the optimum outcome for your dental implant. They will discuss any concerns or questions you may have, and will provide you with the latest in literature related to your treatment option. Rest assured that any questions you have will be treated with sensitivity, and answered promptly and clearly. Implant Material Dental implant material can consist of titanium or zirconium material design. The implant must be sturdy and robust, and the strength of the dental implant material and its design must remain compatible with the physical properties of your natural teeth. The finished product will be matched to the color of your teeth and function just as your natural teeth. A typical implant consists of a titanium screw (resembling a tooth root) with a roughened or smooth surface. The majority of dental implants are made with commercially pure titanium, which is available in four grades based upon the amount of carbon, nitrogen oxygen, and iron contained. At Walker Periodontics, we use the highest grade titanium available to ensure the highest possible success rate of your implant. Conventional Method Alternately, the conventional method of therapy takes much more time. It involves the removal of the tooth, then a healing period of 4-6 months prior to implant placement. Following an additional 6-8 weeks, the implant can be finally restored with a crown. A temporary removable appliance is worn during this healing process. Conversely, a patient having an immediate implant following tooth removal will have an esthetic tooth restoration the day the tooth is removed. Importantly, an immediately placed implant and temporary tooth preserves the tissues and prevents the natural collapse of the jaw bone which is seen immediately following the removal of a tooth. Occasionally, the conventional method is chosen by either the patient or the care provider, and if this is the best option for your, Dr. Walker and his staff will discuss the reasoning with you, and come to a decision that you understand, and that meets your expectations. Every patient is different, and your treatment plan will be created specifically for your and your dental surgery needs. Call and talk to the friendly staff to schedule a consultation at Walker Periodontics & Implant Dentistry (972)462-9800. We promise to provide you with the highest quality of care in order to achieve the results you deserve. |
Stephen S. Walker, D.D.S., M.S.Dr. Walker is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Periodontology. He grew up in Dallas and attended Baylor College of Dentistry. While at Baylor, he was a member of the Odontological Honors Society and was selected to receive the Oral Biology Award and Merritt-Parks Award in Periodontics. Archives
July 2018
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