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Dentures out, implantology is in: expert

"Aesthetically too, dental implantology improves an individual’s personality and helps him regain his self-confidence," says Dr Scher who was recently in Dubai to attend the ninth session of Welcare’s ‘Learning Circle Session’.

Dr Scher, who is also the founder

of the Association of Dental Implantology, gave a presentation on the "Use of Transitional and Provisional Restoration and Implant Dentistry." His research and work on Implant Dentistry and Restorative and Aesthetic practice is regarded highly and implemented in the clinical practice by dentists in more than 19 countries.

"The importance of the transitional and provisional restorations cannot be over-emphasised," says Dr Scher.

"A a patient's confidence can be lost by a statement like 'You will definitely have to wear a denture'. The dentist could rephrase it by saying: 'Throughout your treatment, we will ensure that you will leave the surgery with your teeth'," explains Dr Scher talking about patient’s fear of dentists.

Explaining the procedure, Dr Scher says that the problem that old people would face is over now, with the introduction of implantology.

"Instead of using dentures that prevent them from leading a normal life, the long-term solution of implanting the dentures into the bone has made life easier for them," he says.

Dr Scher says that the procedure is relatively painless, but admits that it is expensive. "Maintaining the necessary hygiene during surgery is important. The lab equipment needed by a dentist is also expensive. Hence, dentistry is expensive the worldover," he adds.

"We want the best of dental implants in Dubai by making it a centre of excellence for the Middle East region. My association with Welcare (which is expected soon) also aims at training dentists in the UAE," he says.

Dr Scher says that though implantology is a success in the majority of cases, it may not be very successful in people with diabetes, alcoholics, and even in people who do not maintain a dental hygiene.

“After the surgical implants, patients need to prevent decay by maintaining a high standard of hygiene. After care — especially regular consultation with the dentist — is also very important,” he adds.

Dr Scher describing a case, which he might remember for a long time: "A Frenchman lost the insides of his mouth in a freak accident. The insides were totally burnt, while the teeth, too, were missing after a shot was fired in his mouth. For months after the accident, we rebuilt the bone inside his mouth after taking it from the side of his hip, and then slowly restructured and implanted new dentures,” he said.

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