Are Dr. Sowell’s Dental Implants For Me?"
Do any of the following describe your situation?- Do you have missing teeth, failing teeth or dentures that just don't work?
- Are you tired of social embarrassment, not getting noticed by that special someone or looking older than you are?
- Do you want to rekindle romance, chew comfortably and look 10 years younger?
- Do you want to have a bright, white, healthy smile, preserve your existing teeth and live a longer, healthier, happier life?
Here's How Dr. Sowell’s Method Dental Implants Work
A dental implant is a biocompatible, man-made substitute to replace missing tooth roots. It is usually made of a space-age alloy of titanium. Implants come in various shapes and sizes to fit the situation. Most are cylinders placed into bone and allowed to heal undisturbed while bone heals around them, locking them in like an anchor. After a few months, the implants are used as a foundation for replacing the missing teeth. Dental implants restore lost chewing ability, improve appearance, end embarrassment, and give real self-confidence to clients who need them. They are a real breakthrough.
The steps of the implant procedure itself are quite simple.- If there is a damaged tooth, it must be painlessly removed.
- The actual "implant," a small, grooved or threaded titanium post, is planted into your actual jawbone. Another kind, one with a special base, can be attached on top of the jawbone, underneath your gum line. The thickness and type of bone at the implant's location determine which style post should be used. Local anesthesia makes this a comfortable process.
- Your body immediately begins to "bond" either kind of titanium post into place with bone or tissue. This is a very thorough process and may take from three to six months before the next step can begin. Your body does not reject these new materials but ties them in with great strength as if they were a natural part of your own body. You may elect to wear a temporary denture during this binding process, if you choose.
- Once the titanium implant is tightly in place, a wider post is now attached to the titanium implant and your new tooth is attached to this second post with one of the world's most secure and space age adhesives. Bonding is virtually forever!
- You have a new tooth. You are the only one who knows it's man-made - and implants are so comfortable, you'll soon forget which one it is. Your body thinks it's your own - so will you.
Dental implants are the most stable and economically farsighted solution to the very real problem of missing teeth. This procedure is one which I have done repeatedly for satisfied clients over many years. My friendly staff also has in-depth training and great experience in this area and will be happy to answer any questions that may come to you.
Am I a dental implant candidate?You bet. Dental implants are the perfect option for people missing one, two, or more teeth.
You may also be a candidate for dental implants if:- You have problems with existing crowns or bridges
- You have loose dentures
What are the benefits of dental implant treatment?
You will also be able to smile. A big, healthy, happy smile. And you will have a lot to smile about, too. Dental implants allow you to speak, eat, sing, kiss. In other words, do everything you want, with total self assurance.
United States’ denture wearers spend over $150 million a year on adhesives in the futile effort to hold their dentures in place. With implants, you will not have to worry about loose dentures, an inconsistent fit, or other embarrassments such as unpleasant taste, bad breath, or poor appearance.
Here are some common questions:
Q: Besides my mental health, do implants have other effects on my health that differ from the overall healthcare provided by other treatments for tooth loss?
In addition to improving your self-esteem, dental implants will also make a big difference in your overall physical health and appearance.
As a result of losing one or more teeth, you inevitably lose mass in your jaw. This affects the overall skeletal structure of your face which not only changes your profile, but also may result in thin lips, drooping muscles, jowls or witch's chin. Spreading bone loss in the jaw affects the gums and ridges in your mouth, as well as the muscles and nerves in and around the mouth.
These conditions, which are the inevitable consequence of tooth loss, are associated with a host of anatomic and clinical problems, ranging from increased tongue size, to looseness of remaining teeth, to loss of sensation, to severely painful conditions. These conditions may only be avoided through use of dental implants, because implants may halt and even reverse the bone loss that results from losing teeth.
Q: How do dental implants prevent bone loss?
Bone needs stimulation to maintain its form and density. That is why the astronauts lose bone mass while they are in space - their bones lack the stimulation that results from our everyday resistance to gravity. The bone in your jaw is constantly reinforced by the force applied by your teeth.
The teeth transmit force to surrounding bone, so when you lose a tooth, the lack of stimulation results in bone loss or "resorption.
Dental implants are inserted into the jawbone in place of missing teeth. Then, prosthetic restorations, like porcelains, bridge-work, or dentures, are attached to a post or abutment placed inside the implant. So, when you chew, the implant acts like the root of a tooth - it transmits force to the jaw and stimulates the bone.
It is as if implants "trick" the bone into thinking there is still a tooth present. By transmitting the natural forces of chewing to the jaw, implants increase bone density. Dental implants have been proven not only to stop bone loss but, in some cases, actually to reverse bone loss and restore the health of the jaw.
Q: Can I still eat my favorite foods with implants?
Yes. Implants are remarkably strong, and remember - they stay put, unlike removable dentures. So, you can eat and enjoy whatever you wish. Everything from apples to deep-fried anything.
The components of the implant system are designed for strength. The maximum bite force of a traditional denture ranges from 5 to 50 pounds. Almost one-third of denture wearers are able to eat only soft or mashed foods, and 50 percent avoid many foods. Seventeen percent claim that they chew more effectively without dentures!
By contrast, clients with implant-supported restorations may increase their bite force by 85 percent within two months of completing treatment, and by 300 percent after three years. Implant-supported dentures and bridges function similarly to natural teeth.
In addition, dental implants do not have problems with caries (decay), root caries, or hot/cold sensitivity. When you have a dental implant, you can floss and brush as you do with your own teeth.
Q: Do implant procedures cause much pain?Relax. In most cases, these procedures produce very little, if any, discomfort. In fact, many clients do not have to use any pain pills. Your decision to use implants will help you to avoid much pain and discomfort in the long term. Besides, given the overall healthcare benefits, you should not deny yourself proper treatment out of fear of pain. As with any medical or dental procedure, your attending doctor, the dentist, is equipped to provide you with appropriate treatment, including any pain medicines you need.
Q: What if I have further questions?We expect you will. The more you learn about dental implants, the more questions you may have. We are committed to constantly extending our knowledge and improving the benefits of implant procedures and we are also willing to share our knowledge with you.
Q: What's different about Dr. Sowell’s Method Implant Dentistry and what can it do for me?A lot. You can experience dentistry in a way you've never experienced it before. Competence you can count on. 10+ years of providing dental implants. Successful treatment. Your satisfaction.
"Due to many years of not having dental insurance and not doing the best at oral care, my teeth had become embarrassing to me. The front two overlapped, some were missing, and I was seemingly always having some sort of abscess or other oral issues.
"I decided to get proactive about my dental health and was looking for a dentist who could provide solutions to my problems. I came to Dr. Sowell for a consultation. He offered it for free and it was very thorough. Dr. Sowell made me feel comfortable, I could feel his compassion about his profession and I knew I could trust him to take care of me.
"The solution was to be fitted with implanted teeth. It started with the extraction of my poorest teeth (leaving me with 7 of my own natural teeth) and I was immediately fitted with a denture to use while my mouth healed. The drugs used for this first procedure were completely effective at numbing the pain senses and I was back at work in 4 days. At this stage, it was very nice to have a mouth full of teeth that could actually grind and chew food and the fact that I could smile without embarrassment.
"The next steps were equally pain free; Dr. Sowell and his staff always provided me with the best of care and treatment. Now that my implant dental work is complete, I will continue to see Dr. Sowell and his team to provide my regular dental care."
—Don S., Sedation and Implant Dentistry Client, Banker
If dentistry has been difficult for you, the dread is gone! It's over! You can relax!
Dentistry of just 10-20 years ago was absolutely Stone Age compared to dentistry today in our office. At Dr. Sowell’s, we recognize what has stopped so many from having a beautiful smile they are proud of and achieving real dental health for life.
And we have done something about it. Our system uses newly developed techniques and technology to make your visit easier, faster and more comfortable.
"I don't remember a thing from my surgery. It was worth it. Thanks to Dr. Sowell, my teeth don't fall out in the swimming pool anymore!"
—Norm, Sedation, Implant and Cosmetic Denture Client
Here's proof of the successful results we'll give you:
Here's what we asked 350 implant clients like you, following their treatment
1. Knowing what you know now, would you have the treatment again?
98% said yes
2. Was the treatment worth the investment?
98% said yes
3. Was there a significant improvement in your ability to eat and chew?
97% said yes
4. Was there a significant improvement in appearance?
98% said yes
5. Was there a significant overall improvement?
96% said yes
98% said it was worth the investment
98% said they would choose treatment again knowing what they know now after treatment
What can you think of that 98% of folks agree is a great thing? Not much!
"I was always surprised at how quick the visits went by even though when I woke up I realized that I had been in the office for a couple of hours. My lower teeth are rock solid. I would never go back to a denture!"
—Paul, Sedation and Implant Dentistry Client, Seattle Retiree, Ex-Military
"We have enjoyed working with Dr. Sowell for over 10 years, ever since we created his gold inlays for his board exam. Dr. Sowell's appetite for continued learning led him to put his large general practice on hold to pursue training in implant diagnosis, surgery, and prosthetics at the Misch Institute. And now, there's no Implantologist we enjoy working with more.
"Dr. Sowell always includes his referring doctors and the lab in case planning at the onset of every case. We are delighted with his thorough and collaborative communications, which enable us to create implants and restorations with no surprises along the way! Because of Dr. Sowell's willingness to listen and ask questions, as well as tap into his own extensive knowledge pool, together we have been able develop new, streamlined procedures, which ultimately improve the patient's experience. Dr. Sowell pioneered full-mouth implant rehabilitation and has found the most scientifically sound, simple, and cost-effective implant systems available.
"Dr. Sowell has provided many of our doctors the level of support they require to restore implants, from simple to complex. With the excellent documentation he provides and his tireless availability, we have watched the number of implant cases in the lab grow and the stress virtually vanish. It's doctors like Mark who inspire us to be better technicians, challenge us to take our work to new levels, and help us enjoy what we do."
The commitment to your comfort starts with a unique office design created to produce a noise reducing, quiet environment.
The dental chairs themselves feature Swedish foam that comfortably molds to your body, making it easier to relax.
Even the colors were chosen scientifically to help create a relaxing environment. We use CD players and stereo headphones so you can hear the sounds you want and drown out the sounds you don't.
We are "armed to the teeth" with technology and techniques to create a better dental experience.
We have an understanding of what the typical fearful or anxious client experiences - and just how different it can be for them. If this describes you, you'll be comforted first by a special chairside manner that puts you at ease.
Then there is the matter of getting numb. We use a unique, virtually painless numbing method that is easy to experience.
"I used to be so afraid I couldn't even walk into a dental office. Not anymore thanks to Dr. Sowell and his great team!"
—David H., Sedation and Implant Dentistry Client, Retiree
You'll be offered a blanket to keep you warm. Then, we'll give as brief or detailed explanation as you would like; about what we find, what we do and why. This full explanation helps you know what to expect.
For those needing something extra, that bit of extra help in managing themselves, we utilize oral sedation to take the "edge off."
"At Dr. Sowell's office, I had many questions and all were answered completely and to my satisfaction. The surgery was scheduled and after years of avoidance, I was actually looking forward to starting the process. I was given medication to take both before and after surgery so I felt ready to deal with the pain. Immediately after arriving home, I took the pain medication as prescribed and then proceeded to sleep for several hours. Upon waking, there was no pain and I did not need any additional medication. I immediately ran to the mirror and was completely surprised. The healing teeth looked great and I was ready to face the world with a smile.
—Barbara, Dallas Public Speaker, Consultant, Sedation Dentistry Client
Competence you can count on
Comparatively, few dentists have had the hands-on training and experience to be able to perform dental implants at such a high level.
"Implantology," as this art and science is called, requires specialized knowledge, procedures, instrumentation and equipment.
During the process, you and Dr. Sowell may have many options. You can rest assured that Dr. Sowell knows all of these - and can make them clear to you when they come up.
For years, Dr. Sowell's clients have referred friends to him for his expertise, friendly communication, and ability to get results.
Dr. Sowell is a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology, and holds membership in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and the Misch International Implant Institute.
He has taught at the University of Washington Dental School and the University of Washington Hospital Dentistry Program. He is a graduate of the Misch International Institute Post-Graduate Program.
Dr. Sowell holds a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry.
He is one of the few dentists in the state that performs both the surgical placement and reconstructive phases of implants (placing the teeth themselves). Thus, you do not have to see two or more doctors in two different places to get your implant dentistry done. He has been doing implants for 10 years plus.
His commitment to "doing it right" and the ability to "handle just about anything" has won him the admiration of clients, other doctors, and even the implant technicians who see hundreds of different doctor's laboratory work!
"We have enjoyed working with Dr. Sowell for over 10 years, ever since we created his gold inlays for his board exam. Dr. Sowell's appetite for continued learning led him to put his large general practice on hold to pursue training in implant diagnosis, surgery, and prosthetics at the Misch Institute. And now there's no Implantologist we enjoy working with more.
"Dr. Sowell always includes his referring doctors and the lab in case planning at the onset of every case. We are delighted with his thorough and collaborative communications, which enable us to create implants and restorations with no surprises along the way! Because of Dr. Sowell's willingness to listen and ask questions, as well as tap into his own extensive knowledge pool, together we have been able develop new streamlined procedures, which ultimately improve the patient's experience. Dr. Sowell pioneered full-mouth implant rehabilitation and has found the most scientifically sound, simple, and cost effective implant systems available.
"Dr. Sowell has provided many of our doctors the level of support they require to restore implants, from simple to complex. With the excellent documentation he provides and his tireless availability, we have watched the number of implant cases in the lab grow and the stress virtually vanish. It's doctors like Mark who inspire us to be better technicians, challenge us to take our work to new levels, and help us enjoy what we do."
—B & H Dental Laboratory, Beyond All Horizons
