Dental Implants
With dental implants, it's almost like having your natural teeth back.
It goes beyond function. Implants stop the jawbone recession that follows tooth loss–a benefit no other solution provides.
Sweet Tooth Dental in Kailua-Kona, HI, uses the latest in implant technology for natural-looking and long-lasting results.
Get Quality Care From a Leading Local Dentist
Dr. Oka and the Sweet Tooth Dental team are committed to providing the finest dental care to the Kailua-Kona community.
A graduate of Kamehameha School, Dr. Oka completed his undergraduate and dental education at Creighton University in Nebraska before returning to Hawaii to serve his community. He seeks to build lifelong relationships with his patients by providing personalized, compassionate treatment.
If you're interested in how our friendly team can restore the look and function of your smile with dental implants, contact us online or call:
(808) 329-0889
"The quality of work done here, speaks for itself !!! The staff is so kind and professional. I'm able to eat and smile again. Thank you so much !!!" - Nellana Christine Byers, 2023 Google Review
How a Dental Implant Is Placed
A Closer Look at Dental Implants
Dental implant-supported restorations are the most lifelike solutions for missing teeth and the only dentistry method that can replace an entire tooth from root to crown. An implant-supported restoration is made up of three parts: the implant, which is a threaded titanium post that acts as the tooth root; a connector piece called an abutment; and the tooth restoration.
After the titanium implant has successfully fused with the bone and is fitted with the other two parts, the replacement tooth looks and functions just like your natural teeth. Implants can be used to support a variety of restorations, from an individual crown to a full-arch denture.
We Take the Guesswork Out of Implant Dentistry
Implant dentistry requires precision at every stage. Dr. Garrett Oka has advanced training in implant dentistry and has turned Sweet Tooth Dental in Kailua-Kona into one of the most modern dentistry practices on the island of Hawaii. His use of state-of-the-art implant technology allows him to place implants and create natural-looking restorations conveniently, quickly, and with the utmost precision.
Our 3D cone-beam scanner, a type of X-ray equipment, creates a 3D image of the teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and bone. This digital impression of the mouth allows us to assess jawbone density and identify the ideal locations for dental implants while avoiding nerves and other sensitive areas.
Our advanced 3D printer allows us to create a surgical guide designed specifically for your procedure. The guide precisely directs the angle and placement of your implant to minimize the risk of any errors. In addition to increasing accuracy, this advanced technique reduces discomfort and recovery time.
This landmark innovation makes it possible to receive a custom crown in one appointment, saving both time and money. Based on digital impressions, CEREC creates a crown from a single block of porcelain in about an hour. If you are replacing a single tooth, CEREC eliminates the need for temporary crowns and extra office visits.
Are You Ready to Smile Again?
We all want to share a beautiful smile and enjoy the foods we love, but there's more than vanity at stake when it comes to replacing missing teeth. Dental implants not only restore your smile, but also help you maintain a strong jawbone and avoid more costly dental care in the future. No other tooth replacement solution provides these priceless benefits.
We invite you to request a consultation with Dr. Oka, a native of Hawaii who has been offering exceptional dental care at Sweet Tooth Dental in Kailua-Kona for more than two decades. Each member of our team is personally invested in your well-being. For us, patients aren't just patients, they are ohana. Call us today:
(808) 329-0889
Sweet Tooth is Your Place
Patients Love Us
"Extremely professional, very knowledgeable with a great bedside manner. Whether it's standard cleaning or more advanced procedures, Sweet Tooth is your place."
- Chris Green
Are You Concerned About Costs?
We Make Dental Treatment Affordable
Nobody likes unexpected costs. We are always upfront about pricing, and Sweet Tooth Dental in Kailua-Kona can work with you to make the dental care you need a fit for your budget. In addition to accepting many insurance plans, we offer a five percent discount for cash payments made in full at the start of treatment. We also accept third-party financing through CareCredit® and Springstone℠.
Types of Implant Restorations
Dr. Oka at Sweet Tooth Dental in Kailua-Kona has advanced training in dental implants and goes the extra mile to create restorations that meet your needs. We can restore your dental implants with:
When one tooth is missing, a crown will be added to the top of an implant to replace the tooth. An implant-supported crown will keep nearby teeth from shifting into the gap.
Two dental implants are typically used to support a bridge when several teeth in a row are missing. Unlike a traditional bridge, nearby healthy teeth won't need to be crowned when a bridge is supported by implants.
When you need a full denture, four or more dental implants will be used to support it. Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures will never slip out of place.
Another 5-Star Review for Our Kailua Kona Dentist
"The staff is always friendly, Dr. Oka is wonderful. Easy to get appointments. I would highly recommend Sweet Tooth Dental to everyone!"
Carolyn Hocke
Introducing All-on-4 A Modern Approach to Implant Dentures
All-on-4® is an implant denture placement method that allows many patients who would otherwise need bone grafts to receive treatment. As the name suggests, All-on-4 uses just four implants to secure a denture. The two posterior implants are placed at an angle that maximizes contact with the existing bone tissue. Need a little extra support for your implants? Dr. Oka can modify treatment into All-on-6 or All-on-X to meet your needs.
Treatment Timeline
Timelines will vary from patient to patient depending on their needs. However, a typical implant timeline looks like this:
If you have a sensitive gag reflex or are anxious when visiting the dentist, we offer sedation dentistry to help you feel at ease.
Want to Learn More?
Take the First Step
Book Your Implant Consultation Today
Tooth loss is a serious oral health issue. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers better solutions for missing teeth than ever before. Dental implants can restore your oral function, allowing you to eat and speak with confidence. Don't wait. Take the next step to a healthy and beautiful smile. Contact our Kailua-Kona, HI, dental practice today to schedule a consultation and find out if you qualify for dental implant placement:
(808) 329–0889
Hear From Another Happy Kailua-Kona Patient
"Excellent team of providers who are positive, safe, and caring. The ‘doc’ is cool. Laid back but professional. Comprehensive first-patient visit. Probably best dental experience ever for me."
Paul Knoll
Recovery After Implant Placement
Mild discomfort is to be expected for a few weeks following implant placement surgery. However, there are some things you can do to help make recovery easier:
Eat a soft diet for a few days to minimize irritation.
Take over-the-counter pain medications or prescribed pain medications as directed by your dentist.
Apply ice to your face to ease any swelling.
Maintain good oral hygiene by flossing and brushing with a soft bristle brush. Be careful when brushing around your implants.
If you experience significant pain or swelling that cannot be managed at home, please call our Kailua-Kona dental office as soon as possible so we can address your issues promptly.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Caring for your implants and implant-supported restoration is easy. Here are a few tips to keep your smile beautiful and healthy for years to come:
Maintain good oral hygiene
Treat your implant-supported denture, crown, or bridge as you would natural teeth. Brush and floss at least twice a day. Use a soft-bristled brush and nonabrasive toothpaste.
Don't use your teeth as a tool
Using your teeth to open packages or bite your nails can damage your natural teeth as well as your porcelain restoration. Do not use your teeth as a tool to prevent damage.
See your dentist regularly
Maintain regular dental exams and cleanings. This helps prevent build-up and allows your dentist to catch issues before they develop into something more severe.
Want to Completely Transform Your Smile?
Patients who undergo dental implant placement often pair their treatment with other cosmetic dentistry procedures to completely transform their smile. Once you are healed from preparatory treatments and implant placement, you and your dentist can explore options like teeth whitening to brighten your natural teeth, or veneers to improve the appearance of your smile. We are passionate about helping our patients achieve the smile of their dreams.
Kailua-Kona Loves Sweet Tooth Dental
"Kind staff, great treatment!!!" Mia McGrath
