Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Health and Wellness Magazine: Karen, can you tell us a little about your history with Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry and what led you to seek treatment from Dr. Campbell?
Karen Hess: Absolutely! I had braces as a child and always loved my smile. But over time, I noticed my teeth were yellowing, and because I grind my teeth, I started seeing damage to the exterior. I wanted to refresh my smile, so I decided to go with porcelain veneers. Dr. Campbell and his dental assistant, James Garcia, were wonderful throughout the process. I was beyond happy with the results.
Health and Wellness Magazine: That’s great to hear! What happened next, and how did you come back to see Dr. Campbell for further treatment?
Karen Hess: A few years after the veneers, I started to have some pain in my back teeth, particularly near an old dental bridge that had been in place for about 25 years. Dr. Campbell told me I had some cavities and that the bridge needed to be removed. He explained the best course of treatment was to strengthen the bone base and replace the bridge with three dental implants.
Health and Wellness Magazine: That sounds like an involved procedure. How did you feel about it at first?
Karen Hess: Honestly, my dental phobia kicked in when I heard how long the procedure would take and all the steps involved. Even though I’ve always felt comfortable with Dr. Campbell and his team—they are so skilled—it was the complexity and duration of the treatment that worried me.
Health and Wellness Magazine: What helped you get past that fear?
Karen Hess: It was James Garcia, Dr. Campbell’s assistant, who really convinced me. He took the time to talk to me and reassure me that I could make it through the process. Both Dr. Campbell and James were so empathetic and made sure I fully understood every step. They never rushed me, and that made a huge difference. Throughout the nearly year-long process, their patience and caring attitude made me feel like a VIP. I couldn’t be more grateful to both.
Health and Wellness Magazine: It sounds like you had an incredibly positive experience, despite the challenges.
Karen Hess: Yes, without a doubt! Their level of care and communication was phenomenal. They truly made what could have been a scary experience into something manageable. I feel so fortunate to have had such a supportive team.
Understanding the Procedures: Porcelain Veneers and Dental Implants
Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic dental procedure designed to enhance the appearance of teeth. Thin shells made from porcelain are bonded to the front surface of the teeth, improving their shape, size, and color. Veneers are especially useful for patients with teeth that are discolored, chipped, or worn down due to habits like teeth grinding, as was the case with Karen.
The process typically involves a few appointments. Initially, the dentist will prepare the teeth by removing a small amount of enamel, allowing the veneers to fit seamlessly. After taking impressions, the veneers are custom-made in a lab to match the patient’s desired look. During the final appointment, the veneers are carefully bonded to the teeth, giving the patient a refreshed and natural-looking smile.
In Karen’s case, her veneers helped restore the youthful appearance of her smile, addressing the yellowing and wear caused by grinding. Porcelain veneers are known for their durability and can last many years with proper care.
Dental Implants – Dental implants are a long-term solution for replacing missing or damaged teeth. They are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth. Over time, the bone integrates with the implant, providing a strong foundation for a crown or bridge.
Karen’s case was more complex due to the age of her dental bridge and the need for bone reinforcement before the implants could be placed. After removal of the failing teeth, bone grafting was performed to reinforce the jawbone and provide a more ideal foundation for the dental implants. Once the bone was ready, Dr. Campbell planned a custom surgical guide to aid in precise placement of three dental implants, which were eventually completed with crowns to blend seamlessly with her other teeth.
Dental implants are a highly effective option for restoring function and aesthetics. They prevent bone loss, maintain facial structure, and offer the closest alternative to natural teeth in terms of strength and appearance. For Karen, the transition from a failing bridge to durable implants has given her a new level of comfort and confidence in her dental health.
Through the combination of Dr. Campbell’s expertise and the empathetic care provided by his assistant, James Garcia, Karen’s dental journey highlights the importance of trust, communication, and support in achieving successful outcomes. Whether it’s cosmetic enhancement with porcelain veneers or a restorative procedure like dental implants, Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry continues to offer top-tier patient care.
Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry offers a wide range of services, including cosmetic dentistry, teeth replacement, orthodontics, dental implants, dentures, sedation dentistry, emergency dental treatments, pediatric treatments, and dental surgery.
Since becoming a dentist in 2009, Dr. William Campbell has cherished the opportunity to provide tangible, often immediate, benefits to the lives of his patients, whether by restoring their self-confidence through cosmetic work or by relieving their pain in their dental emergencies. Since graduating from dental school, Dr. Campbell has committed to continuing his education to provide the most informed care for his patients. He offers a wide range of specialized services, including gum recession treatment, bone grafting, dental implants, and cosmetic smile makeovers. He has been named a Top Dentist by Naples Illustrated twice so far.
Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
690 Goodlette-Frank Dr. N
239-330-4208
www.myparkdental.com
