Dr. Kim is a prosthodontist, a dental specialist in the restoration and replacement of teeth. As a prosthodontic specialist, Dr. Kim has three years of advanced postgraduate training beyond a general dental degree. His specialty includes the treatment planning and execution of complex smile restorations, the aesthetic aspects of smile rehabilitation, and ensuring that the treatment results in a well-aligned, well-functioning and comfortable bite.
Dr. Kim received his prosthodontic training at Harvard University, where he also was given a research fellowshipa grant to perform research on behalf of the university. Dr. Kim has taught dental students at several universities and is licensed to practice dentistry in four states.
In addition to his top-quality work and high level of skill, Dr. Kim is known for his friendly, gentle personality and his patient chairside manner. It is very important to me to do what is best for each patient, says Dr. Kim. I, therefore, take the time to get to know each patient. I want to understand their current situation and what they are looking to achieve, so that I can properly recommend what is going to work best for them.
After earning his bachelors degree in biochemistry at the University of California, Davis, Dr. Kim graduated from Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine with honors in 1997. He then attended Harvard University for three years, earning his prosthodontic specialist certificate in 2000.
During his postdoctoral training at Harvard, Dr. Kim was offered a research position by the university. He performed research into dental ceramics and 3D imaging technology that could improve the quality of smile rehabilitation.
During his postgraduate prosthodontic training, Dr. Kim taught dental students at Harvard University for two years. After graduating with his specialist certificate, Dr. Kim went on to teach at New York University College of Dentistry as an associate professor and clinical instructor, for another two years.
Dr. Curtis is a specialist in endodonticsthe performing of root canal therapy and other specialist treatment that involves the soft tissues inside the teeth. As an endodontist, he is also a specialist in the diagnosis of toothaches, in treating trauma to the roots of teeth as a result of injury, and in the re-insertion of teeth that have been knocked out due to injury or accidents.
Dr. Curtis grew up in Southern California and practiced as a general dentist for four years before pursuing his passion for endodontics. After receiving extensive training and earning his endodontic specialist certificate at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, he returned to Southern California to practice. The aspects of endodontics he enjoys most are being able to help people out of pain and enabling them to retain their natural teeth.
Dr. Curtis received his bachelors degree from University of California, Santa Barbara and went on to study dentistry at UCLA, earning his dental degree in 2004. He then completed a one-year general practice residency at the West Los Angeles VA Hospital in 2005.
After practicing as a general dentist in Southern California for four years, Dr. Curtis moved to Portland to study endodontics at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). He graduated with his endodontic specialist certificate in 2012. His joint research project with the director of the post-doctoral program at OHSU involved modern materials and methods in endodontics. The research project was published that same year.
During his postgraduate endodontic training at Oregon Health & Science University, Dr. Curtis taught undergraduate dental students for 12 months. After earning his specialist certificate, he went on to teach root canal treatment to dental students at UCLA for two years.
In 2015, Dr. Curtis was certified by the American Board of Endodontics. Board certification is only attained by a minority of practicing endodontists, and is awarded after demonstration of a superior level of knowledge, practical skills and results.
Dr. Rupecht, Periodontist, is a specialist who has completed several years of post-doctoral training in gum disease, dental implants and the treatment of gum and bone tissue. She is a graduate from the University of Southern California (USC). She obtained her Bachelor degree in Dental Hygiene 1988, Doctorate in Dentistry 1995 and Specialty in Advanced Periodontics 1999. Dr. Ruprecht has been in private practice in South Orange County since 2000. Aside from Dentistry, the heart of her life is her faith and involvement in her church with her husband and family, teaching at USC and her involvement in dental mission work. Dr. Ruprecht also enjoys training for triathalons, marathons and endurance sports.
A dental implant is a titanium post that acts as a replacement tooth root. Titanium has the property of being able to completely fuse with human bone, so implants provide a strong foundation for new teeth. Depending on how many teeth need to be replaced, dental implants can be used to support crowns, bridges or dentures.
Implant-supported replacement teeth are strong and stable, and they feel and look like natural teeth. They help prevent bone loss in the jaw, and, unlike other forms of tooth replacement, they do not require modification of adjacent teeth. With proper care, implants and the teeth they support can last a lifetime.
As a board-certified periodontist, Dr. Deborah Ruprecht, is a specialist in implant surgery and has completed several years of post-doctoral training in dental implants, gum disease and the treatment of gum and bone tissue.
Dr. Henry Kim is a prosthodontist, a specialist in tooth restoration and replacement. His specialty includes the planning of dental implant treatment and the creation of the durable, lifelike new teeth that go on top of the implants. Dr. Kim received his prosthodontic training from Harvard University, and subsequently taught dental students at New York University. He is highly experienced in creating strong and aesthetic new teeth, and he will make sure that your implant treatment will result in a beautiful smile and a well-aligned, comfortable bite.
Dr. Kim and Dr. Ruprecht use the latest 3D imaging technology to prepare for treatment in detail. As the first step, they take 3D X-rays with our in-office 3D dental scanner, which provides them with 360-degree views of your entire mouth and jaw area. This enables them to view the bone, nerves and other soft tissues in your mouth in great detail. They then use special 3D implant planning software to virtually simulate the surgery, planning out the exact angle and position of each implant.
After the implants have healed and fully stabilized, Dr. Kim will create highly aesthetic and durable final teeth that are lifelike and feel, look and act just like natural teeth. Dr. Kim makes his implant-supported teeth from the highest-quality materials and uses top labs for great results.
The doctors are very friendly, and they keep patients comfortable and at ease at all times. The doctors have friendly, gentle personalities, and they explain procedures so that you will know what to expect.
Our warm, friendly staff will offer you blankets and pillows, and you can watch music or watch a DVD while you are receiving treatment. If you need extra help with anxiety, you can also get oral sedation for a more relaxed experience.
We offer multiple options for replacing teeth with dental implants. All dental implant treatment is carefully planned using 3D imaging and planning technology, and our implant-supported teeth are made from the high-quality materials.