Dental Implant Placement
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants provide a safe, durable replacement for missing teeth. Dental implants function like natural teeth and have a very natural appearance within your mouth. Our doctor is committed to ensuring your optimal comfort and quality care. To that end, we make use of the latest techniques and technologies that allow efficient, stress-free treatment. Many of our patients find dental implants to be an appealing tooth loss solution and are pleased by how relaxed and comfortable their experience can be.
Implantation
Implantation is the first stage in a two-part process that provides a long-term solution for tooth loss. The dental implant, a small titanium post, is gently placed into your jaw by our doctor. This post functions as an artificial tooth root. As it heals, the implant will fuse with your natural bone, creating a strong, secure foundation for the replacement tooth or denture. Throughout the process, our team takes great care in ensuring your optimal comfort.
Dental Implant with Replacement Crown
A replacement crown is a prosthetic tooth that is attached to the dental implant. This crown is custom-designed to look and function like one of your natural teeth. In some cases, a temporary crown may be provided, to provide aesthetic and functional benefit while your implant heals. Once the implant has fully healed, the custom-crafted permanent replacement crown is affixed, restoring the fullness and functionality of your smile. Replacement crowns are a great option for replacing any number of teeth.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Removable Implant-Supported Dentures
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-Secured Partial Fixed Dentures
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Meet Knoxville’s Premier Dental Team
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Meet Knoxville’s Premier Dental Team
DR. CHRISTOPHER LEE
Dr. Christopher Lee was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and grew up in Northern California. When he was 16, he moved to Farragut, Tennessee, where he graduated high school. At 17, he began studying at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he subsequently earned his Bachelor of Science degree.
While at BYU, Dr. Lee served in the Presidency of the Pre-Dental Club for three years and was instrumental in growing its membership to the highest in the country.
Dr. Lee sincerely desires to deliver the very best care for his patients. Exemplified in dental school, he attended countless evening and weekend courses to complete over 400 credit hours of Continuing Education on top of the rigorous demands of the normal dental school curriculum. Being the 11th dentist in his family (and 3rd generation on both sides!), he has had consistent sources of mentorship throughout his professional life. He continues to work one day a week with his father, Dr. David Lee, at Premier Dental in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
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Continuing his passion for dentistry, Dr. Lee completed his Doctorate in Dental Medicine degree from Roseman University of Health Sciences, a top-ranked private university in Utah. He led his fellow classmates in multiple ways, including serving as Class President.
From a young boy, his parents and mentors have taught him by example how to be an individual of integrity, hard work, and respect, in addition to living each day to its fullest. As a teenager, Dr. Lee earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and from 19-21 years old, he served as a missionary in Scotland for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Dr. Lee is active in the Tennessee Dental Association, the Second District Dental Society, the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and other study organizations and clubs.
In his spare time, Dr. Lee enjoys spending time with his wife Abby, two sons, dog Ace, and his family and friends. His other hobbies include working out, playing basketball and volleyball, hiking and bike riding, rock climbing, motorcycles, shooting and hunting, archery, deep sea fishing, scuba diving, wake surfing and boarding, cooking, traveling, and volunteering in the community.
Dr. Logan Schuiteman
Originally from a small, rural town in Northeastern Michigan, Dr. Schuiteman is excited to escape some of the cold by relocating to Tennessee! She completed her undergraduate studies at Saginaw Valley State University before attending Dental School in Louisville, Kentucky, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2018 with a Doctorate of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Schuiteman met her husband during their undergraduate studies and were married in September 2022. On weekends, they delight in spending time outdoors playing with their beautiful dog, Shenzi. Additionally, they enjoy traveling, hiking, camping, mountain biking, and playing pickleball. When they aren't exploring the outdoors together, she likes reading, crafting, cooking, and tending to her vegetable garden.
As your dentist, Dr. Schuiteman strives to provide high-quality care in a relaxed and comfortable environment. She is a member of the American Dental Association, Tennessee Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry, which helps her stay up-to-date on continuing education and providing the best care for her patients.
Dr. Schuiteman looks forward to working with you to keep your smile beautiful and functional!
Benefits Of Dental Implants
Dental implants are an aesthetic, effective solution for tooth loss. There are many great benefits to choosing dental implants.
- Natural looking smile: Dental implants are crafted to closely resemble your natural teeth, restoring a natural-looking smile.
- Improved oral health: Since there is no need to alter surrounding teeth to anchor implants, more of your natural teeth are preserved intact, improving long-term oral health.
- Improved speech: With removable, non-anchored dentures, teeth can slip within the mouth, causing slurred or mumbled speech. Dental implants remove that concern.
- Improved comfort: Dental implants avoid the slipping and discomfort of removable dentures.
- Improved function: Dental implants function like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat without pain.
- Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
- Protect healthy bone structure: Empty spaces caused by tooth loss can, over time, lead to deterioration of the jawbone. Since dental implants function like tooth roots, they can prevent this type of deterioration, just as natural teeth do.
- Long-term solution: Dentures must be replaced about every 5-7 years. Dental implants, when cared for properly, can last a lifetime.
Are Dental Implants Right For Me?
There are several factors that our doctor will consider before recommending dental implants. Some of these include:
- Adequate bone support to anchor the implant
- Healthy gum tissue
- Sinus and nerve location
- Overall health, including any chronic illnesses
In some cases, we may recommend advance treatment for your upper or lower jaw to enable you to have the bone support needed for implantation. As always, your treatment plan is created based on your specific needs and goals for your healthy smile.
Be sure to let us know about any medications you are taking during your consultation. Your health and safety are paramount.
Frequently Asked
Questions
How do I care for my implants?
You will need to care for your implants just as you care for your natural teeth. Brushing and flossing are important to prevent the build-up of plaque. Regular dental cleanings and exams are still an important part of ensuring great oral health.
Is it painful to receive a dental implant?
With the advances of modern technology, most patients report feeling very little discomfort both during and after treatment. Our team is trained and certified to offer sedation with oral surgery, which provides a relaxed, comfortable experience during treatment.
How long will my implants last?
With proper care and treatment, your implants can last a lifetime, just like natural teeth.
Located in Knoxville, TN
Welcome to New Life Dentistry, Knoxville's premier destination for trusted, comprehensive dental care. Led by Dr. Christopher Lee, our practice is committed to providing a comfortable, compassionate, and technologically advanced environment for patients of all ages. Join our dental family and discover the difference patient-centered care can make in your smile!
