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Finding a solution to tooth loss in Rohnert Park, California, can sometimes be confusing or even a little frustrating. With the choices made available to patients for tooth loss, you likely have questions before choosing a solution. Dr. Wayne Sutton and the team at Sonoma Smiles understand the importance of finding a good dentist for dental implants who is available to answer any questions you may have. Dr. Sutton and his team will provide the information necessary to guide you toward a solution. Here are some questions patients have about dental implants for tooth replacement.
Dental implants are titanium posts that act as replacement tooth roots. When you lose a tooth, both the crown and the root go missing. Implants are surgically inserted into your jawbone, where they fuse with the bone tissue, creating a sturdy foundation for a dental restoration. After the healing period, an abutment is attached to the implant, which then supports your new tooth. Depending on the number of teeth being replaced, the restoration could be a crown, bridge, or even a full denture.
Not everyone is immediately qualified for dental implants. Candidates need to be in good general and oral health, and sufficient bone density in the jaw is crucial for the implant to integrate. If you’ve experienced bone loss, Dr. Wayne Sutton may recommend bone grafting before implant placement. Additionally, smoking can interfere with healing, so smokers are encouraged to quit before undergoing implant surgery to improve their chances of success.
The timeline for dental implant treatment varies depending on the case’s complexity but generally ranges from 4-12 months. After the implant placement, a healing period is required for the implant to fuse with the jawbone. The permanent restorations, such as crowns or dentures, will be attached only after this integration. Although the process may seem lengthy, the results are durable and provide a long-lasting solution for tooth loss.
One of the standout benefits of dental implants is their ability to replace both the tooth and its root, restoring full function and aesthetics. Since the implant is integrated into the jawbone, it provides a stable foundation for the restoration, preventing it from shifting or coming loose. This natural stability enhances chewing and speaking abilities while ensuring your restoration looks and feels like your original teeth. Additionally, implants can prevent bone loss in the jaw, which often occurs after tooth loss.
Dental implants are a long-term investment in your oral health. With proper care, implants can last anywhere from 20–30 years or even a lifetime. The success rate for implant treatment is high, around 95%, due to their durability and natural integration with the bone. Restorations such as porcelain crowns typically last about 20 years before needing replacement, but the implant itself remains securely in place.
Dental implants offer a reliable, long-term solution for tooth loss. Whether you’re missing one tooth or multiple, Dr. Wayne Sutton at Sonoma Smiles can guide you through the implant process and help you restore your smile. To learn more about dental implants and find out if they’re right for you, contact Sonoma Smiles in Rohnert Park, CA, today at (707) 868-0666.
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A renowned cosmetic dentist in Sonoma County, Dr. Sutton has over 20 years of experience and maintains a standard of excellence at his implant center using the strongest dental implant bridge currently available to provide predictable full mouth dental implant reconstructions.
Dr. Sutton received his postgraduate at The Pacific Aesthetic Continuum in San Francisco and his doctorate and three years of experience as a clinical instructor from UCSF School of Dentistry in 1997, where he was the only one to receive the “Clinical Excellence Award”. He also studied Advanced Occlusion at the Hornbrook Group and earned his Fellowship in the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics.
Today, Dr. Sutton takes over 4 times the annual continuing education requirements to maintain his license. He is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (awarded his Fellowship), the Academy of General Dentistry (Fellowships status), the American Dental Implant Association (Diplomat status), the American Dental Association, the American Academy for Dental Sleep Medicine, and is a select cosmetic dentist recognized as an Official Dentist of the Mrs. Globe – Mrs. USA Pageants.