Testimonials

Dr. Wilhelm and his staff are genuine and caring which made my dental visits more enjoyable. I also want to thank Dr. Wilhelm for his artistic ability to create a natural smile that I feel confident with.

He and his staff were as excited as I was with my results. I would highly recommend Dr. Wilhelm.

Tim S.

Being very apprehensive of dental care I knew I needed somehow to overcome my fear. From my first phone call to Dr. Wilhelm to the completion of my dental work Dr. Wilhelm and the staff were wonderful. They went above my expectation to make me feel comfortable and relaxed through the intensive process of an upper prosthetic. They made sure everything fit perfectly and that they were functional for me, I can eat corn on the cob! My questions were answered promptly and to my satisfaction. Dr. Wilhelm even met me at his office after hours when I needed it. I have recommended Dr. Wilhelm and his staff to many people and will continue to do so. Thank-you all for my rock star smile!

Mary A.

On September 13th I had a serious accident in which I lost my front teeth. I was devastated. I was immediately referred to Dr. Wilhelm who is a Prosthodontic specialist. The professionalism and skill that Dr. Wilhelm and his staff demonstrated was remarkable. Dr. Wilhelm was instrumental in building me a perfect set of teeth that I am so proud of.

I would highly recommend Dr. Wilhelm for his skill, professionalism and complete concern for his patients.

I wasn’t comfortable smiling for about 2 years. It really is amazing how a beautiful smile will give you so much confidence. I have had many nice compliments on my new smile….what a great feeling! Dr. Wilhelm and his staff were extremely thorough, from start to finish. I would highly recommend Dr.Wilhelm to everyone.

Judy M.

I had a great experience at Dr. Wilhelm’s office and with his team. They made me feel like a part of their family. They showed me that they really cared to make me feel comfortable and help me achieve the great smile that I have now. I feel a lot better talking with people, and I don’t feel like people are staring at my teeth. I am so happy with my smile, finally. Thanks so much!

Jennifer B.

What a nice gift at my age, to have a stunning smile again. People that have had dental problems their whole life forget how nice and natural things used to be. Dr. Wilhelm made my smile look like it did when I was 18. I feel younger and healthier.

Susan L.

I am so pleased with my decision to have dental treatment done and I have had so many compliments from my friends on my new smile. I have given Dr. Wilhelm’s name to several people who are looking to have some dental work done and I would recommend him to anyone.

Jessica M.

It’s great to be able to flash my fetching smile!

Dear Dr. Wilhelm,

This is a note to thank you for the excellent work you did on my veneers. It’s great to be able to flash my fetching smile so readily! Working in the medical field device industry, I can really appreciate the care and attention that takes place behind the scenes which result in very successful outcomes. Your experience, your management of the care process, and the management of your team all came together for me.

I’m a very happy customer and will enthusiastically recommend you to anyone who can benefit from your skill. If patients ever ask for a referral, please send them my way.

Richard G.

He skipped the BMW & settled for a Pontiac so he could have this smile!

The Testimony of a Wayward Flosser

When I was young, I had major dental problems. At the age of 21, I spent 4 hours each Wednesday for over a year at the University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry. There I had every conceivable dental procedure performed on me. I became what I refer to as an expert dental patient.

Unfortunately, since I had not changed my brushing habits, all of the wonderful work at the U, now 25 years later, was in jeopardy. Faced with the choice of another lengthy and impermanent reconstruction, I did some soul searching (and searching the Web) to decide what to do. Within a few clicks, it became unquestionably obvious that I should call Dr. Mark W. Wilhelm.

At my first meeting, Dr. Wilhelm and his staff of professionals helped me define my expectations by explaining a variety of treatment plans in detail. More importantly they thoroughly explained the dynamics of each option, the cost and time commitment involved.

Although I did not decide right away, the knowledge I gained from that meeting was invaluable. In fact, it took several mouths for it to become clear what to do. During that period I asked friends and family what they thought. Understandably the consensus was to proceed with a less expensive treatment performed in the least amount of time.

It was a legitimate opinion; however, I had observed my parents and grandparents in their twilight years and specifically the impact of failing teeth. In each case, the quality of life had been diminished. Failing dental health affected their self image; it limited their diet and the basic ability to chew. Also, there was a constant complaint of discomfort. In the case of my crabby grandma, her upper plate mysteriously disappeared from the nursing home.

It was upon recollection of this incident I made my decision. I called Dr. Wilhelm’s office to inform them I would temporarily forego the BMW, buy a Pontiac and begin treatment immediately. In retrospect, it was the smartest thing I have ever done.

My experience at Dr Wilhelm’s new, state-of-the-art clinic, compared to the old days at the University, was a breeze. The hardest part was painlessly waiting for bone to heal around the implants. Dr. Wilhelm and his staff of professionals have been dedicated to my convenience, my comfort and care.

Aside from the magnificent blend of professionalism and personal attention, the final results are truly remarkable. I have noticed a change in my attitude toward others and others toward me. I now have a sense of confidence that I’ve never had before. This confidence has directly translated into my success in the work place and my well being at home and (on a less lofty note) I can actually chew steak.

For anyone who is undecided as I was, I heartily recommend a consultation with the highly accomplished Doctor Mark W. Wilhelm and his staff of friendly professionals.

John C., St. Paul, MN

This Smile is Ageless!

Growing up on a farm in a large family, Eleanor was like many in her generation who did without regular dental care. Still young when her mother passed away, her father was left to oversee his large family on his own. With many needs for every child, dentistry didn’t seem to be a priority at the time.

As an adult, Eleanor had regular dental visits. However, tooth loss was already playing a role in her oral health. The loss of one or several teeth often has a domino effect on surrounding teeth. Twin Cities Prosthodontist Dr. Mark W. Wilhelm explains “upper and lower teeth help keep each other in proper alignment and to a correct height. When a tooth is missing, adjacent teeth begin to shift.” Dr. Wilhelm goes on to describe how shifting disrupts the function and stability of existing teeth. As teeth are lost, the initial problems are minor compared to the long-term impact of bone loss. Pressure from wearing a denture or partial actually accelerates bone loss.

“Without natural tooth roots in the jawbone, the bone begins to shrink,” Dr. Wilhelm states. “For an example of bone loss, look at someone who has worn dentures for an extended period of time.” To detect bone loss, Dr. Wilhelm suggests that denture wearers look in the mirror without their dentures for a more realistic look of what is ccurring under the skin.

Obvious signs are changes in facial appearance, which are revealed in several forms. As the bone shrinks, facial muscles detach and jowls form. As the jawbone thins, it creates a pointed chin and deep wrinkling around the mouth. With the denture in place, it fills out the face to disguise the extent of these changes.

Over time, Eleanor lost more teeth, and thus, more bone. Dr. Wilhelm explained options to replace her missing teeth with Dental Implants. He recommended crowning remaining teeth to preserve and properly align them. Since her lower jaw had experienced a great deal of bone loss, he advised an implant that would compensate for the bone loss while restoring a stable foundation for eating comfortably and speaking confidently.

During placement, Eleanor was sedated so she would be comfortable throughout. “I don’t remember anything because I was completely out at the time,” states Eleanor. For a day or so, Eleanor ate a soft diet but was comfortable with the temporary Dr. Wilhelm created for her. “Because of my job, the temporaries made it so my smile wasn’t affected.”

When the final teeth were placed, Eleanor immediately noticed improved comfort and convenience. “I could chew without my mouth hurting,” she shares. In addition to restoring stability, Dental Implants have proven to be “better than my own teeth,” Eleanor adds. “By all means, anyone who is missing teeth should do this. The sooner you do it, the longer you’ll be able to enjoy it.” She was also appreciative to Dr. Wilhelm and the staff for arranging her appointments to conveniently blend with her schedule at work.

When an individual cannot chew comfortably, they tend to select soft foods that lack the fiber protein, vitamins, and minerals necessary to maintain good, overall health. Psychological repercussions can also result, such as a decrease in self-esteem and self-confidence.

When dentures are initially placed, the fit is fairly dependable for ten years. However, once bone loss begins, it continues so that the fit is less secure at a more-frequent interval each time. For instance, a year after the teeth are removed, a 25% bone loss is experienced, on average. Three years later, 60% of bone has resorbed. The biting force with teeth is 250 pounds, whereas, the average denture wearer bites with 5 to 6 pounds of force. When the presence of tooth roots is recreated, the process of bone loss is halted. The strength of the bite is also regained when the jawbone provides the foundation for teeth. This restores the function of natural teeth versus a denture that merely balances on the gum ridge.

When an individual is faced with the possibility of bone loss repercussions, dental specialists such as Dr. Wilhelm want people to realize there is a solution. For situations as Eleanor’s, the best replacement for natural teeth is Dental Implants.

Eleanor S.

His Smile Deserves Popcorn and a Movie!

Any movie buff will tell you, popcorn is its own food group! Although John Daggit works out and bikes regularly, he also enjoys a great movie and a bowl of crunchy popcorn. John recently reclaimed the pleasure of eating popcorn, unlike several years ago.

As a diabetic, John is highly health conscious. However, he began to endure problems with his teeth as he neared age fifty. “My teeth would just snap off,” he states. His wife noticed he had quit smiling. John became discouraged when consulting with dentists to restore smiling appearance and chewing comfort. “One even told me that there was nothing I could do about it,” he says. His wife was pleased with treatment completed by Prosthodontist Dr. Mark W. Wilhelm and encouraged John to schedule an appointment.

At his first visit, John and Dr. Wilhelm discussed various options and the process of each. After much consideration, John decided to proceed with an upper denture combined with Dental Implants to secure lower teeth. Through a co-worker, he was familiar with the advantages of Dental Implants. He learned a great deal more from discussion with Dr. Wilhelm and watching a video on the procedure. Although the benefits of Dental Implants far outweigh the cost, the cost is greater than that of traditional tooth replacement.

While Implants are more expensive than dentures or partials, they are intended to last a lifetime. “I knew eventually I’d have to redo anything else. I decided I might as well do it this way so I could enjoy it and not have to worry about it later,” John shares.

Treatment is normally performed in two phases. First, each implant is placed in the jaw, recreating the presence of natural tooth roots. For several months, the bone grows to secure the implant in place. “This gives the same foundation that natural teeth have,” adds Dr. Wilhelm.

Although he was confident in Dr. Wilhelm, old anxieties associated with dental visits existed. John was kept comfortable throughout and pleased with how well the process went. “I never had to take a pain pill,” John states. “Dr. Wilhelm gave me a prescription, but I never needed it.“

As the bone secures the implants, temporary teeth are provided so your normal routine continues. Once the implants are secure, replacement teeth are attached, restoring comfort, biting strength, confidence and stability. John now has chewing comfort and an improved appearance.”I feel better because I can chew anything I want and don’t worry about my teeth coming out or coming loose,” John shares. “Before I wasn’t smiling because of missing or cracked teeth. Now I smile more and my teeth stay in place.“

A dentist who has specific training in implant dentistry can be a key element in a successful result. Because there are various implants designed for individual needs, proper diagnosis occurs when the dentist selects the appropriate type for each situation.

Today, John stays busy with a job, three children, four grandchildren, and biking with his wife of 25 years. In-between his busy schedule, you might catch John watching a great movie and munching a bowl of popcorn, with a smile!

John D.

Dear Dr. Mark W. Wilhelm,

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the beautiful job you did on my Dental Implants. I know I have had these implants for a long time but, I just wanted to let your patients know how thrilled I am even years later! You improved the appearance of my smile and restored my ability to eat anything, and I do mean anything! Since having my implants placed I have experienced absolutely no problems at all! I just wanted you and everyone to know what a wonderful job you did for me. I would recommend Dental Implants to anyone! Thank you and your staff for everything!

Adolphine W.

I’ve worn several partials over the span of 50 years. The one that you made for me is by far the best I’ve ever worn! In fact, when I go to brush my teeth, I forget to take my partial out because it feels so natural! Thank you!

Donald W.

Dr. Wilhelm,

I would like to thank you for the nice work you did on my tooth replacement. I am very pleased with it and have received compliments on it. Makes me wonder why it took me this long to have it done.

Jean G.

I wanted to let you know how I appreciate the kind and gentle person that you are and what a pleasure it has been to have you as my dentist. Thanks for all your help and what a nice job you’ve done on my teeth.

I hope you and your wife enjoy the flowers.

Virginia W.