The opportunity to provide comprehensive patient care is essential to the functioning of UK Dentistry clinics. Over the course of the past year, Frankfort native Kathy Carter has become very familiar with specialists across multiple UK Dentistry practices as they have worked together to reverse the damage caused by a decades-old dental implant.

In the early 1990s, Carter received her first set of implant dentures. Although this procedure was intended to improve her quality of life, lack of education on how to properly care for and maintain the implants lead complications down the road. By the time Carter decided to visit UK Dentistry in the summer of 2016, the implant has caused rapid gum recession and bone loss.

From her initial consultation with Drs. Pinar Emecen-Huja in Periodontology, and Rodrigo Fuentealba in Prosthodontics, Kathy recognized the difference in environment.

"You're not a number here, you're an individual," Carter said.

Drs. Emecen-Huja and Fuentealba worked together to treat Carter's advanced case. The first step in this treatment was Carter undergoing osseous surgery. Otherwise known as "pocket reduction" or "pocket correction" surgery, osseous surgery involves the removal and recontouring of damaged bone around the teeth. The goal of this operation was to eliminate bacteria, reduce pockets and smooth the damage bone so that the gum tissue could securely attach to a strong foundation.

After a successful operation, Dr. Fuentealba was able to move ahead with creating a specialized implant-retained denture. Along with Dr. Emecen-Huja, he provided Carter with proper instruction on how to clean her implants and denture.

"I can't say enough about him," Carter said. "He's professional, dedicated, and truly enjoyed the challenge of working with my older implant."

Now, Carter is able to enjoy the functionality of her new denture without the constraints, pain, and hassle that her old implant placed on her. Because of her positive experience, she is now a regular patient at UK Dentistry.

"Everyone has been super: they take a personal interest in making sure you're okay. It's like family — they don't forget you once you walk out the door," Carter said.

Dr. Fuentealba echoed the sentiment:

"Providing treatment to Mrs. Carter was a Faculty Practice Care team effort, which included the front desk, dental assistants, and dental lab tech. As a team, we enjoy challenges, and to see the results of being able to provide Mrs. Carter with a beautiful and functional smile is absolutely rewarding."