When your entire mouth is in disrepair, your whole being suffers. Along with physical pain, there is emotional pain. Rather than unabashedly smiling or laughing, you might find yourself covering your mouth—too embarrassed to show your teeth. Being unable to express your joy is a serious matter.

Dr. Renee Camara, a skilled periodontist at Wayzata Periodontics and Implants, recalls a patient in her mid-60s whose gums were marred by amalgam tattoos, which are benign tissue discolorations resulting from exposure to small fragments of silver fillings that occurred during extensive dental work throughout her life. These tattoos became quite noticeable whenever she smiled, particularly because she had a high lip line. Additionally, she required crowns on her two front teeth and implants to replace several missing teeth. “One of the first procedures that I did was to try and remove all these tattoos,” Camara explains. “And it was night and day. Right after that surgery, she exclaimed, ‘Oh, I’m already better. I’m done.’ I responded, ‘No, you’re not.’”

Camara’s patient was fully committed to completing her comprehensive oral care plan. That was over 12 years ago. Since then, her entire demeanor has undergone a remarkable transformation. “She used to cover her mouth when she smiled,” Camara reflects. “And she often lowered her face. Now, she has become this person who laughs with abandon.”

Dental specialists are playing a crucial role in transforming the mouths—and lives—of many residents in the Twin Cities. We took the opportunity to interview a diverse group of experts: two periodontists, a prosthodontist, and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Discover how they assist patients in navigating the complex stages of dental care and overcoming the challenges associated with treating severe dental issues.

Continue reading to uncover the nearly 250 dentists who have earned recognition on the 2023 Top Dentists list.

Combat Gum Disease for Better Oral Health

Patients grappling with problematic gums must prioritize addressing their gum health—the cornerstone of their oral hygiene—before progressing to more advanced treatments like crowns, veneers, or implants. “Fifty percent of the bacteria in your body resides in your mouth,” emphasizes Dr. Shahir Malek, a periodontist at Twin Cities Periodontics in St. Louis Park.

“The first line of defense is always to perform a thorough deep cleaning,” Malek explains. “Following that, we typically wait about four to six weeks before we reevaluate the situation and assess how everything is progressing.”

“Periodontics is a branch of dentistry dedicated to helping the body heal,” adds Camara. “More than just replacing a tooth, much of our treatment focuses on aiding the body in recovering from diseases caused by local factors. For instance, a patient who hasn’t visited the dentist in years might present with plaque and bacteria surrounding their teeth and root surfaces, and their gums may bleed during brushing. The periodontist performs a deep cleaning—scaling and root planing. By eliminating plaque and calculus [tartar], and by significantly reducing bacterial levels in the mouth, the gums can heal, leading to a noticeable improvement in comfort and health.”

Before proceeding to the next phase of their dental treatment plans, patients must demonstrate their ability to maintain proper oral hygiene habits. “Some patients are really eager to move forward,” Camara states. “[However], we cannot be responsible for the additional work we will put in unless they can uphold their end of the care.”

Collaborate to Resolve Complex Dental Issues

Dr. Lisa Fedor James, a prosthodontist at James Prosthodontics in Plymouth, emphasizes that addressing dental problems is a collaborative effort. Patients with multifaceted dental needs often require the expertise of multiple dental specialists working toward a shared objective. “A prime example is a patient needing comprehensive reconstruction with dental implants,” she explains. “I don’t perform surgeries in my practice. Therefore, I will create a restoration or prosthesis plan tailored to their specific situation. Once that plan is established, I will refer the patient to an oral surgeon or a periodontist to evaluate their surgical requirements.”

“I explain to patients that it’s akin to constructing a house,” she continues. “The surgeon handles all the foundational work that will eventually be hidden, while I focus on everything visible. The surgeon lays the groundwork, and I take care of the aesthetics.”

One of these foundational experts is Dr. Kirby Johnson, a specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery at OMS Specialists. “There’s extensive discussion involved in developing the optimal plan, and we often draft two or three alternatives,” he notes. “Then the patient chooses, ‘Well, this is the direction I’d like to pursue.’”

A case in point is a 42-year-old patient who was “at her wits’ end” when she visited Johnson. She was in significant pain due to tooth decay affecting most of her teeth, and the proposed treatment plan involved dentures. “You could see how this situation profoundly impacted her,” Johnson recalls. “So we discussed her life and what her ideal outcome would be if she could wave a magic wand. In two or three years, where would she envision herself? And it certainly wasn’t with dentures.”

However, she was unaware that alternatives existed. Johnson outlined all her options, including restoring her teeth with fixed bridgework, removable partial dentures, and implants to support a lower denture or fixed bridge. “She showed a keen interest in replacing her missing teeth with implant-supported crowns and obtaining veneers and crowns for some existing teeth,” he remembers.

This path is financially demanding, so she opted to stagger the procedures over time. Four years later, she is delighted with the outcome. “She’s been finished for about a year now and adores her smile. She also landed an excellent job,” Johnson shares. “She’s smiling all the time.”

Before a periodontist or an oral and maxillofacial specialist can place implants, a prosthodontist will communicate the desired positioning of the teeth. “This collaboration allows us to plan the depth and trajectory of the implants, ensuring that they meet the expected outcomes,” James explains.

She further adds, “A common scenario for [a periodontist or oral surgeon] involves congenitally missing lateral incisors. These are the two smaller teeth adjacent to your upper front teeth. We frequently encounter pre-college and college-age individuals who can benefit from having these teeth restored or replaced. Since they have never had these teeth, they typically require some bone grafting before the implant placement [both of which the periodontist or oral surgeon will carry out]. Thus, it’s essential to maintain open communication and ensure that the team has meticulously planned every aspect.”

Confront Failing Teeth and Irreversible Bone Loss

Regrettably, a deep cleaning alone cannot reverse bone loss caused by gum disease. Nevertheless, grafting of both bone and soft tissue can help restore the mouth’s structure—soft tissue grafting addresses gum recession, while bone grafting rectifies other defects. “You can eliminate the recession, making it appear as though it never existed,” Camara states.

For patients with a healthy bone foundation, an immediate implant along with a temporary crown might be a viable option (or at least a traditional implant is available). Malek is among the few periodontists qualified to perform this procedure.

The conventional approach necessitates extracting the tooth, performing a bone graft, and allowing it to heal for three months; next, the implant is placed in the jawbone, where it heals for an additional three months before the permanent tooth can be fitted.

With an immediate implant, Malek can conduct the bone graft, place the implant, and affix a temporary tooth all on the same day, provided that gum disease and bone loss are not present. Malek believes this method yields more natural results. “It is the most aesthetic solution available to patients,” he asserts. “Recent studies indicate that performing the procedure on the same day is preferable. By doing it the same day, I avoid making incisions or opening up the area, minimizing surgical interventions. Each time the area is reopened for a procedure, some gum tissue and bone are inevitably lost. Therefore, if we need to conduct this over multiple visits, some shrinkage will occur, and the results won’t appear as natural.”

One important note: Not everyone qualifies as a suitable candidate for this immediate procedure. Those who do can expect to resume biting or chewing on that tooth in just three months, after which they can enjoy foods like apples and corn on the cob without worry.

Embrace the Healing Journey

The duration of the healing process varies based on the specific procedure and the complexity involved. “For a patient needing crown lengthening—lifting the gum tissue to expose more tooth length—it may take six to eight weeks,” James explains. “For those undergoing implant care, it could take three to six months post-implant placement before I can restore it, as the bone needs to integrate into the pores of the implant.”

Since the entire treatment process—from beginning to end—may extend up to a year or longer, James ensures her patients remain as comfortable as possible throughout their journey. “One of my responsibilities is to guarantee that during that year-long process, they always have teeth in their mouth,” she emphasizes. “I must ensure they can speak, enjoy meals, and smile with confidence at all times. Almost invariably, I will create some form of interim prosthesis or temporary solution for the patient to wear while healing occurs.”

Due to time constraints, some patients opt for quicker solutions. For instance, a parent whose child is getting married in a few months may decide to receive six new crowns rather than committing to a year of braces. “Sometimes, achieving the ideal smile involves more steps than patients are willing to undertake,” Camara notes. “If there are stages they prefer to skip, we can establish a different endpoint and set realistic expectations.”

Of course, there are exceptions. Camara recalls a case from her graduate school years involving a patient who wanted her tooth repaired in record time. “She genuinely needed an implant,” Camara remembers. “She asked, ‘Can I have it before I get married?’ I inquired, ‘When’s the wedding?’ She replied, ‘Saturday.’ I rushed upstairs to consult with the prosthodontist. Together, we devised a plan. I placed an immediate implant, and she walked away with a stunning new tooth. That encounter was back in ’98, and I think I saw her three or four years ago—she still has that tooth.”

Reinforce Healthy Habits and Safeguard Your Progress

As with many important matters, “education is essential,” James asserts.

For example, what underlying issues contributed to the patient’s deteriorating oral health? Could it be due to conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome or dry mouth caused by medications? Often, individuals facing these challenges experience significant dental decay because they lack the saliva necessary to neutralize the sugars and acids in their diet, making it nearly impossible to overcome the decay.

For these patients, James may recommend replacing the damaged teeth with dental implants to break the cycle of decay. “I believe a strong predictor of your dental future is your dental past,” James states.

That said, many patients find themselves in trouble due to neglect, which could stem from mental health issues, trauma, substance abuse, a lack of understanding about oral health, or other factors. Some may prioritize caring for others above themselves or experience anxiety regarding dental visits. Therefore, when these patients arrive for their dental appointments, Camara is sure to acknowledge their commitment, which is crucial for improvement in their oral health. She believes that patients themselves account for a remarkable 80 percent of their overall success.

“By removing all that plaque and calculus [tartar], and by reducing the levels of bacteria in your mouth, your gums are going to heal, and they are going to feel so much better.”

—Dr. Renee Camara, periodontist, Wayzata Periodontics and Implants

Once a patient completes their treatment plan, it’s vital to maintain care for their restorations. Some individuals mistakenly believe that since dental implants do not decay, they can neglect them entirely, James cautions.

This misconception is far from reality. James advocates for regular water flossing, diligent brushing, and annual checkups to ensure the longevity of their new teeth.

Those with a history of gum disease require a more rigorous dental routine. “Individuals who have dealt with gum disease need cleanings four times a year, as they will always face a risk of relapse,” Malek explains. Regular cleanings are essential for managing gum disease effectively.

Camara likens periodontal disease to other chronic conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. A solid maintenance plan is crucial for the patients she sees every few months for their deep cleanings.

Patients who have the opportunity to invest in a beautiful new set of teeth typically seize the moment. “People are often highly motivated when they spend a substantial amount of money to resolve their dental issues,” Johnson points out. “They receive a rare chance—it’s a fantastic set of teeth. They’re back at the pinnacle of their dental health.”

Envision a Bright Future for Your Oral Health

Camara encounters patients who express regret for not seeking help sooner. “‘We could dwell on that, but you’re here now. I can still assist you, and you’re taking steps to help yourself,’” she reassures them. “Encouraging individuals to show up, regardless of where they stand in their oral health journey, is tremendously significant.” “Disease does not improve,” Johnson warns. “It only escalates, leading to larger, more complex, and more costly issues.” Yet, even when circumstances seem dire, Malek affirms, “With today’s advancements in technology, it’s never too late to seek help. No matter your current stage, there’s always a viable solution.”

Oral health influences not only our internal well-being but also how confidently we present ourselves to the world. It’s no wonder we place such importance on selecting the right professionals for everything from routine examinations to specialized treatments. The following list represents approximately 10 percent of active dentists in the ten-county metro area. Dentists undergo a meticulous multi-step process before being included in this list.

As you can imagine, thorough research is vital. We began by inviting dentists from the Twin Cities to nominate their exceptional peers—those they would consult for their own care. From there, we categorized candidates by specialty and assessed numerous factors, including (but not limited to) peer recognition, professional achievements, and disciplinary history. Dentists who received the highest scores from each category were invited to serve on a blue-ribbon panel to evaluate other candidates. Ultimately, we compiled the list of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine’s 2023 Top Dentists, selecting only those with the highest point totals from the surveys, research, and blue-ribbon panel assessments.

Of course, no list can be exhaustive. Many local dentists who provide outstanding care may not appear on this year’s list. However, if you’re in search of exceptional dentists who have earned the trust and respect of their peers, you can begin your search here. This year’s cohort of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine Top Dentists will also join an esteemed group of colleagues known as Super Dentists® from around the country. You can find that comprehensive list at superdentists.com.

Lastly, it’s crucial to highlight that a strict separation exists between our list and the advertising featured in this publication. Advertising does not influence the names included here. For additional details on our research and methodology, please visit superdentists.com.

© 2023 Super Dentists® is a registered trademark of MSP Communications. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: The information presented is not medical advice, nor is Super Dentists a dental care referral service. We strive to maintain a high degree of accuracy in the information provided. We make no claim, promise, or guarantee regarding the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in the directory. Selecting a dental care provider is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertising. Super Dentists is the name of a publication, not a title or moniker conferred upon individual dentists. No representation is made that the quality of services provided by the dentists listed will be greater than that of other licensed dentists, and past results do not guarantee future success. Super Dentists is an independent publisher that has developed its own selection methodology; it is not affiliated with any federal, state, or regulatory body. Self-designated practice specialties listed in Super Dentists do not imply “recognition” or “endorsement” of any dental specialty certification board, nor that the dentist has received training or possesses special competence in that area. List research concluded November 1, 2022.