That is a phrase we hear regularly these days as civilians thank those who have served in our armed forces. We probably do not overhear it enough, but the trend is probably growing. More than just saying it, which is much appreciated, some take an extra step. Some of us will buy a vet a cup of coffee when behind them in line, or their lunch, or volunteer to help veterans through a local organization or event. The range is wide, and it all makes a difference to those who have served so we might enjoy our freedoms. Dr. Sadesh Kumar is one of those who have taken a bigger step.
Kumar has dedicated over 20 years of his career caring for the oral health and well being of thousands of patients. His extensive advanced training and skills allow him to provide a wide range of treatment options from cosmetic dentistry to orthodontics to extractions and implants. His treatment philosophy employs a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach that is personalized for each patient. His goal is to provide the highest quality of dental care possible one patient at a time. In addition to his busy practice, Kumar is also committed to his community by supporting local community organizations and charities. Last year, SpaceCoast Living wrote about his annual trips to India to help children with cleft palate, something he does entirely on his own. Along with other local efforts, Kumar is particularly proud to provide free dental services to veterans in need. These are the stories of two of those veterans.
David Atchison proudly served in the Air Force, receiving multiple medals and accommodations as an aircraft mechanic. Most of his time was spent in the Middle East, where he was injured and subsequently retired on disability. Out with a friend, he sustained a severe injury to his face, breaking off his front teeth. He had heard about Kumar’s help with veterans and sent him a long, detailed letter about how the loss of those teeth affected his performance at work, impaired his speech and even the simple enjoyment of food.
Hillary Flores also served in the U.S. Air Force, and since her discharge, she has been working locally for Dollar Tree. She had heard about Dr. Kumar’s program, and her friends and family encouraged her to apply. “I was kind of leery at first because the way that my teeth looked, I didn’t want to smile, ever,” Flores said. At the very last minute, she submitted her video and was selected.
The procedure Kumar is using in both cases is nothing short of remarkable. It is called “Guided Implant Surgery.” While it has been around for nearly a decade, it is just now being embraced as a more accurate way to place dental implants. Initially, implants were placed in more of a freehand manner, but now the placement is computer-aided, or guided. Guided implant surgery involves a reverse engineering workflow, first establishing the ideal position and morphology of the planned restoration, then virtually planning the ideal position of the dental implant(s) according to that restoration. What this means is Kumar plans each case starting with the desired result. He then works backwards in determining the perfect placement of the implants to get that result. This involves digital scanning of the entire area, and then applying powerful computer modeling to show both the expected outcome to the patient, the scope of work required, and a virtual road map for Kumar to follow. A key consideration here is that the entire process for each of these patients was completed in a single day. All the processes and materials involved are completely controlled within Kumar’s office.
Flores commented, “My daily customers tell me they love it. They say, ‘Oh my God, Hillary. You look younger. You look happier. Your spirit is better.’ And I am. I feel better. I’m happier. I can go out and talk to a random person and not even worry about what my teeth look like when I smile. It has changed my life.”
Atchison says, “I’ve had many sleepless nights wondering how this would all come together. Dr. Kumar and his amazing staff provided compassionate care and treatment during one of the hardest times of my life. He allowed me to continue the path I’d laid out for myself. He offered a light at the end of a very dark tunnel.”
Interestingly, both Atchison and Flores now plan on continuing their education. Both say there has been an increased level of confidence that their new smiles have inspired. Once you have met Kumar, you will realize that this is the reward he seeks from his work. He continually strives to learn these newest techniques by traveling all over the world for ongoing education to provide quality treatment solutions for each of his patients and their specific needs. One patient, one positive outcome at a time.
Wickham Dental Care has been providing exceptional service to patients for over 20 years. Dr. Kumar and his team make your visit to the dentist a positive experience by ensuring your comfort through personalized attention and treatment options.
Wickham Dental Care
2960 Bush Dr., Melbourne FL 32934
321-270-1656
WickhamDentalCare.com
