Expert Prosthodontic Care for Complex Dental Cases in Honolulu
A prosthodontist specializing in complex tooth loss, failed implants, full-mouth reconstruction, and cases other dentists said no to.
You've likely seen multiple dentists. You may have been told your bone loss is too severe, or that your only option is a specific procedure. At Pacific Dental & Implant Solutions, we take a different approach.
Dr. Jmi Asam is a prosthodontist with advanced training in tooth replacement, full-mouth reconstruction, and complex implant cases. We don't fit patients into one solution. We evaluate your unique situation, review all your options, and recommend the treatment plan that's right for you.
Whether you've had failed dental work, severe bone loss, or you're exploring alternatives to what another practice recommended — we're here to help.
What Is a Prosthodontist? (And Why It Matters for Your Case)
Prosthodontics is one of only 12 ADA-recognized dental specialties. It requires 3+ additional years of advanced training beyond dental school.
A general dentist receives broad training in many areas of dentistry. A prosthodontist receives specialized, intensive training in one area: tooth replacement and reconstruction.
This distinction matters for complex cases. Prosthodontists are trained specifically in:
- Implant placement planning and restoration (beyond general dentistry implant basics)
- Full-mouth reconstruction (coordinating crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures)
- Managing cases with severe bone loss or anatomical challenges
- Custom prosthetic design and fabrication
- Complex restorative work, TMJ considerations, and bite reconstruction
When you have multiple missing teeth, significant bone loss, or failed prior dental work, a prosthodontist has the specialized knowledge and experience to evaluate all your options — not just implants, but also bridges, dentures, partial prosthetics, and hybrid solutions.
Dr. Asam's additional training means you're getting expertise specifically in tooth replacement and reconstruction. That's a different skill set from general dentistry.
Cases We're Built to Handle
If you've been turned away by other dental practices, told "no" because of bone loss, or you're unhappy with dental work done elsewhere, you're in the right place. PDIS specializes in the cases that require careful planning and expert execution.
Failed Implants or Dental Work Elsewhere
Sometimes implants or dental work placed by another practice don't work out as expected. Maybe the implant is loose, the crown is uncomfortable, or the bite feels off.
Dr. Asam regularly evaluates and salvages implants and restorations placed elsewhere. We can remove failed work, assess the damage, rebuild the bone and tissue if needed, and place a prosthetic that works. This is exactly what prosthodontist training prepares you for.
Severe Bone Loss (Told "No" Elsewhere)
Bone loss is common after tooth loss or failed implants. Many general dentists see significant bone loss and say "you're not a candidate for implants."
Dr. Asam evaluates bone loss carefully using advanced 3D imaging (CBCT). Depending on the situation, options may include grafting, alternative prosthetic approaches, or in some cases implants without grafting. Bone loss doesn't automatically mean "no implants" — it means you need an expert evaluation.
Multiple Missing Teeth & Full-Mouth Reconstruction
When you're missing multiple teeth across your mouth, the solution isn't always "put implants everywhere." Full-mouth reconstruction requires coordination.
PDIS approaches full-mouth cases with 3D imaging, careful sequencing, and treatment plans that often combine implants, bridges, or hybrid prosthetics. This is the kind of complex coordination that separates prosthodontist-led care from general dentistry.
Looking for Alternatives to All-on-4
You may have seen aggressive marketing for All-on-4 or All-on-6. They sound ideal: four implants, full dental arch in one visit. But not everyone is a candidate, and for some patients, other solutions work better.
Dr. Asam will honestly evaluate whether All-on-4 is the right fit for your bone structure, budget, and lifestyle — or whether a hybrid denture, fixed bridge, or different implant arrangement makes more sense.
Complex Cases (TMJ, Worn Teeth, Multiple Issues)
Some patients have multiple dental problems happening at once: worn-down teeth from grinding, missing teeth, TMJ discomfort, and previous failed treatment.
These cases require a specialist who understands how all the pieces fit together. A prosthodontist evaluates your bite, jaw joint, remaining teeth, and bone structure as an integrated system. We design treatment that addresses the whole picture.
You Want to Understand Your Options
Maybe you've been to another practice and felt pressured into a specific treatment. Or you want to know all the possibilities before deciding.
At PDIS, the free consultation is genuinely consultative. We take imaging, examine you thoroughly, review multiple treatment paths, and give you a written plan with pros and cons of each option. You leave with clarity, not a sales pitch.
We Don't Push Every Patient Toward Implants
The right solution depends on your bone structure, goals, lifestyle, and preferences. We evaluate, then recommend.
Tooth replacement solutions range from implants to bridges to dentures to hybrid prosthetics. Each has pros and cons. A good consultation helps you understand what's right for you.
Implants — Single, Multiple, or Arch Prosthetics
A dental implant is a titanium post placed in your jawbone, topped with a crown, bridge, or denture frame. Implants mimic natural tooth roots and provide a stable foundation for long-term tooth replacement.
Implants can replace one tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch (All-on-4, All-on-6, or other configurations). Dr. Asam plans implant placement using 3D imaging, designs custom guides for precise surgical placement, and crafts restorations that fit your mouth perfectly. Not every patient is a candidate for implants. We'll tell you if implants make sense for you, and if they don't, we'll recommend an alternative.
Bridges — Fixed, Non-Removable Tooth Replacement
A bridge is a fixed prosthetic that spans from one natural tooth (or implant) across a gap to another anchor tooth. Bridges are appropriate for gaps involving a few teeth, are non-removable, and don't require bone grafting or surgical placement.
Bridges require healthy anchor teeth and good oral hygiene. Dr. Asam assesses whether your existing teeth are strong enough to support a bridge, or whether another solution is better.
Dentures — Removable Full or Partial Prosthetics
A denture is a removable prosthetic that replaces multiple missing teeth (full denture) or some teeth (partial denture). Modern dentures are far more comfortable and natural-looking than the ones your grandparents wore.
Dentures don't require bone grafting or surgery, making them a good choice for patients with significant bone loss, certain health conditions, or who prefer a removable option. Prosthodontists are trained extensively in denture design and fabrication.
Hybrid Prosthetics — Combining Multiple Approaches
Sometimes the best solution isn't one technique — it's a combination. A hybrid case might involve implants in the front arch, a bridge in the middle, and a removable partial denture in the back. Or it might combine implant-supported teeth with a removable component.
Hybrid cases require expertise in multiple disciplines. Dr. Asam designs these complex solutions thoughtfully, coordinating all the elements so they work together as a unified prosthetic.
The consultation process is designed to help you understand which of these options applies to your situation, what the timeline looks like, and what you can expect from treatment. We'll give you pros, cons, and an honest recommendation. Then the choice is yours.
You See the Same Doctor. Every Time.
PDIS is an independent, locally-owned prosthodontic practice. You're treated by Dr. Asam, not a rotation of providers or corporate protocols.
Some large dental chains operate by rotating patients among multiple providers. You might see one doctor for treatment planning, another for surgery, another for restorations, and another for follow-up. This approach can work for simple cases, but complex cases — especially full-mouth reconstruction or revision cases — benefit from continuity.
When you work with an independent prosthodontist like Dr. Asam, you build a relationship with one specialist. Dr. Asam learns your mouth, understands your history, remembers your preferences, and manages your care end-to-end.
If something needs adjustment or if you have questions six months post-treatment, you call PDIS and see Dr. Asam. Not a different provider. Not a corporate protocol. The person who planned your case is the person who refines it.
For complex dentistry, that continuity matters.
What Happens at Your Free Consultation
We take time to understand your situation. No pressure. No hard sell.
We Listen to Your Story
We'll ask about your dental history, what brought you in, and what you hope to achieve. If you've had previous treatment elsewhere, we'll ask what worked and what didn't.
Thorough Examination & 3D Imaging
Dr. Asam will examine your teeth, gums, bone structure, and jaw. We'll take CBCT (3D X-ray) imaging if warranted. This gives us a complete picture of what we're working with.
We Walk You Through Options
Using your imaging and exam findings, we'll discuss what's possible. If you're a candidate for multiple approaches, we'll explain each one — how it works, the timeline, and what to expect.
You Leave with a Plan
We'll provide a written treatment plan outlining recommended treatment, expected timeline, and next steps. You don't have to decide that day. Take it home, think about it, call with questions.
Our goal is for you to leave the consultation feeling informed and confident — not pressured, not confused. The consultation itself is a free service to help you make a good decision.
Dr. Jmi Lilinoe Bassett Asam
- Prosthodontist (1 of 12 dental specialties recognized by the ADA)
- DDS — Harvard School of Dental Medicine, cum laude
- 15+ years of clinical experience in tooth replacement & reconstruction
- Independent, owner-operated specialty practice in Honolulu
- First female Native Hawaiian to graduate cum laude from Harvard SDM
Dr. Asam is a prosthodontist with 15+ years of clinical experience in tooth replacement, full-mouth reconstruction, and complex restorative cases. After completing dental school at Harvard, Dr. Asam pursued specialized training in prosthodontics — three additional years focused exclusively on implants, dentures, bridges, and full-mouth rehabilitation.
Her clinical philosophy is straightforward: every case is unique, and every patient deserves a thoughtful evaluation of all options — not a one-size-fits-all solution. Dr. Asam takes time to understand what matters to each patient: function, aesthetics, long-term stability, or lifestyle preferences. The treatment plan reflects those priorities.
When it comes to complex cases — failed prior work, severe bone loss, full-mouth reconstruction, or patients who want detailed options — Dr. Asam's specialized training and experience mean you're working with a practitioner whose entire career is built on solving these exact problems.
The practice is rooted in patient care and Aloha Mā (self-reflective love) — treating each patient with the attention and continuity that complex dentistry deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to what most patients ask during a first consultation.
What is a prosthodontist, and how is it different from a general dentist?
A prosthodontist is a dental specialist with additional training — 3+ years beyond dental school — focused specifically on tooth replacement and reconstruction. General dentists receive broad training in many dental areas. A prosthodontist's entire career is built on implants, dentures, bridges, full-mouth reconstruction, and complex restorative cases. When you have multiple missing teeth, failed prior work, or complex bite issues, a prosthodontist's specialized expertise matters.
Are you part of a dental chain like ClearChoice or DSO?
No. PDIS is an independent, locally-owned prosthodontic practice. Dr. Asam owns the practice and provides your care personally. You're not rotating among multiple providers or following a corporate protocol. When you schedule treatment, you're working with a specialist who will guide your case from consultation through completion and follow-up care.
Do I have to get implants? Are there other options?
No, you don't have to get implants. Implants are one excellent solution for tooth replacement, but they're not the only option or always the right option. Depending on your situation, we might recommend a bridge, denture, partial prosthetic, or a hybrid approach combining multiple techniques. During consultation, we'll discuss which options fit your needs, preferences, and biology. Then you choose what feels right.
I was told I have too much bone loss for implants. Can you still help me?
Yes. Bone loss doesn't automatically mean "no implants." It means you need an expert evaluation. Depending on the amount and location of bone loss, we might recommend: a bone graft followed by implants, a bridge or denture that doesn't require bone, or a hybrid approach. Dr. Asam regularly handles cases where other dentists said "no" and finds solutions that work. A free consultation will show whether implants are possible or whether another approach makes more sense.
What happens if my implant or dental work from another practice has failed?
Failed implants or dental work are revision cases. Dr. Asam has extensive experience evaluating and salvaging implants placed elsewhere. We'll examine what went wrong, assess whether the implant can be repaired or needs removal, and plan either restoration or replacement. Revision cases are complex — they're exactly what prosthodontic training prepares you for. A free consultation will tell you whether the original work can be saved or what the next step should be.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. PDIS works with most major dental insurance carriers. We file claims and help you maximize your benefits. During consultation, we'll review your coverage, estimate what insurance will cover, and discuss any out-of-pocket costs. Insurance details vary widely by plan, so we're transparent about costs upfront.
How long does the consultation take, and what's the cost?
The free consultation typically takes 30–45 minutes. We take time for examination, imaging, and discussion. There's no cost, no obligation, and no pressure to schedule treatment that day. You'll leave with a clear understanding of your options and a written treatment plan. If you decide to move forward at PDIS, wonderful. If you choose another path or want a second opinion elsewhere, that's fine too.
How long does treatment take?
Timeline varies widely depending on your case. A single implant crown might take 4–6 months from start to finish. A full-mouth reconstruction might take 6–18 months when accounting for bone grafting, healing time, and fabrication of custom prosthetics. A denture case might be quicker. At your consultation, we'll outline the expected timeline for your specific plan. We'll also be realistic about complexity — some cases require patience, and that's okay.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Free 3D CT scan with consultation. No pressure. No hard sell. Honest expertise.
Honest Specialty Care
Prosthodontist Specialty
1 of 7 main ADA-recognized dental specialties — focused on tooth replacement & reconstruction
Locally Owned & Operated
Dr. Asam sees every patient. Continuity of care from start to finish.
Advanced 3D Imaging
CBCT scans for precise treatment planning at every consultation
Accepts Major Insurance
We file claims and help you maximize your benefits
Ready to Get Answers?
Take the first step. We'll listen to your story, examine your situation, show you what's possible, and give you a clear treatment plan. Then you decide.