Guided Implant Surgery: Safe, Precise & Predictable

By: Dr. Fernando Arroyo Meneses

Dental implants are a uniquely stable and effective solution for missing teeth. They are surgically embedded in your jawbones designed to function just like natural teeth.

With new technologies stepping in, the world of oral implantology has experienced great developments, specifically with less invasive and more effective dental implant techniques such as computer-guided surgery.

Computer-guided dental implant surgery at Dr. Michael’s allows our surgeons to place implants in a safe, precise and predictable manner. This technology eliminates all the guesswork involved in determining which site on the jawbone is best to place the implants.

Now, we can do implants without surgical flaps (small incisions into the gum tissue to allow visualization of the bone's shape and location). This makes our patients’ postoperative recovery virtually nonexistent - no bleeding and no sutures.

What is Guided Surgery?

With the use of advanced 3D technology, guided surgery allows the surgeon to place the implants in a previously planned area in its exact place and with greater accuracy. This approach has significantly simplified the procedure for both patients and surgeons.

Using a specialized software for implants, surgeons can make a preliminary simulation of how implants will be placed in the mandible or maxilla of the patient, all of this will happen before the day of the intervention. This enables us to do the procedure calculated down to the last detail with practically zero margin of error.

How do surgeons place implants with guided surgery?

The procedure begins by taking molds of the patient’s teeth in the clinic. The plaster models are then sent to the lab to build a radiographic template. This radiographic template is nothing but a small device placed in the patient’s mouth to determine if the desired implant position is possible. If not, this template can help the surgeon make decisions on ow to augment a surgical site. These templates are easily and inexpensively made in our clinics.

The patient will get a CBCT scan, and this is also done at the same day in our own clinic. Once made, we're ready to start planning the implant placement. There is no need to see the patient until the day of the intervention.

Since we have all the images of the jaw and bone anatomy in our screen, we are able to carefully study and choose the most suitable implant location. We also get to view the most ideal place for dentures or crowns in the future.  All these are planned with respect to all the surrounding anatomical barriers like the nerves or sinus.

Once the planning process is done, the laboratory will send us a customized surgical guide or template that will be placed in the patient’s mouth during surgery. This template has accurately measured holes that show where the implants should be placed.

What are the advantages of guided surgery over traditional implant placement?

·         It saves a lot of time. A major concern of patients is the idea of having their mouths open for a long time all throughout the surgery. Surgery time is considerably reduced because guided surgery allows for a much shorter intervention.

·         It eliminates the need for detachment of the gums thus preventing tissue trauma, bleeding and post-surgical discomfort.

·         Recovery is much better. Patients can resume their normal activity after the surgery.

·         Guided surgery lets surgeons put crowns or dentures in the ideal screwed retained position improving the biomechanics and the function of these implants.

Secondhand Smoke and Its Harmful Effect on Children's Teeth

Dentists at Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic talk about the new study that showed evidence that infants exposed to secondhand smoke seem more like to develop tooth decay.

13^th January 2016, Dubai, UAE: Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic’s Clinical Head Dr. Marwan Al-Obeidi and Specialist Pediatric Dentist Dr. Chantal Kengo, discuss the new study published in the BMJ and its relevance to their practice.

The study concludes that exposure to tobacco smoke at 4 months of age was associated with an approximately twofold increased risk of tooth decay (aka caries or cavities) in deciduous or milk teeth. The risk of tooth decay was also increased by 1.5-fold among those exposed to smoking in the household. The effect of maternal smoking during pregnancy was not statistically significant.

“Less than 5% of parents who attend my clinic as patients are smokers,” said Dr. Marwan. “We are seeing a general trend of reduction in the number of smokers in the west, but unfortunately it remains a large scale problem in the Middle East and in developing and emerging countries as a whole. Nonetheless, most people tend to stop smoking once they discover they become parents as their sense of responsibility heightens and it is for this reason that I have a very low percentage of patients who are parents and smoke.”

“Tooth decay is an infectious disease caused by a lot of factors including insufficient oral hygiene habits, a diet rich in sugars, the frequency of sugary food intake and poor quality of teeth and saliva (genes),” Dr. Chantal said. “It is not rare to find young children (those under 5 years old) who have cavities. Forty per cent of young children have cavities. This early form of cavities is a severe disease called Early Childhood Caries.”

“As oral health providers, we look further into other important things when addressing the problem of tooth decay in children. We have to take into consideration the parents’ education, socio-economic level of the family, their access to oral health and the beliefs they live with. Some parents strongly believe that sweets are a part of childhood. There are a lot of parents in the UAE who smoke cigarettes and shishas (hookah), I think these findings will be useful in educating parents about their children’s oral health.”

Smoking is one of the leading causes of oral cancer and Dr. Marwan said that oral cancer screening is a very important part of every dental checkup. “As part of my routine questions, I always ask patients about their alcohol consumption and their tobacco intake. (If they are smokers) I advise them on the effects of smoking not only on their general health, with a particular emphasis on the detrimental qualities of smoking on oral health, but I also advise them on the effects of secondhand smoking for the people around them.”

“This recent study carried out in Japan is certainly an eye opener with regards to yet another harmful effect of smoking,” said Dr. Marwan. “We are constantly informing our patients and educating them about the several harmful effects that smoking causes, but for smoking to be proven to cause dental caries in children who inhale secondhand smoke is certainly a revelation in the dental world which I am certain will cause shockwaves and help the health professionals in combating smoking with yet another harmful effect that they can advise their patients about.”

About Dr. Marwan Al-Obeidi

Dr. Marwan Al-Obeidi received his Doctorate in Medical Dentistry from Guy's Hospital, London in 2003. Following his professional qualification, he practiced maxillofacial surgery at Queen Alexandra Hospital and the Royal Military Hospital in Haslar, UK. Dr. Marwan gained membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 2007. He has over 10 years of experience working as a general dental practitioner in both Surrey and central London. He is an active member of the Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and the General Dental Council (UK).

About Dr. Chantal Kengo

Dr. Chantal Kengo has over 30 years of combined training and experience in both public and private practice in Belgium, Congo, Canada, France, the UK and the UAE. She received her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the Université Libre de Bruxelles School of Dental Medicine (Brussels, Belgium) in 1985. She pursued further studies and obtained her degree in Pediatric Dentistry from the Université René Descartes School of Dental Sciences (Paris, France) in 2003. She later completed an extensive training in Conscious Sedation from the same university in 2009. She is a member of the Union des Jeunes Chirurgiens Dentistes (UJCD), in Paris, France and of the Emirates Medical Association.

About Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic

Founded in 1997, Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic represents the most comprehensive, state-of-the-art, multispecialty dentistry in Dubai, UAE. It has assembled a team of international dental specialists, hygienists and support staff for general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, implantology, orthodontics, prosthodontics and pediatric dentistry, serving nearly 40,000 patients in and around the UAE.

ENDS

Media enquiry

For further information, please contact:

Maria Cristina Cubacub

Marketing Director

Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic

cristina@drmichaels.com

Contact No: +971564423078  

Dubai Prosthodontist Shares Expert Tips on Maintaining Dental Implants

Meticulous home care and oral hygiene are considered the key to the long-term success of dental implants.

7^th January 2016, Dubai, UAE: Dr. Omar Aldaoudi DU, CES, DIU (France), Specialist Prosthodontist at Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic offers expert maintenance tips for patients with dental implants.

As a Prosthodontist, Dr. Omar is an expert in restoration and replacement of teeth. His advanced training allows him to have a special understanding of the dynamics and preservation of healthy teeth and making sure smiles look beautiful and function the way they should.

“Dental implants are safe and effective solutions to replace missing teeth, they restore function, aesthetic and self-esteem. Implants are very durable and can last many years, with good care, many implants last a lifetime.”

“Meticulous home care and oral hygiene are considered the key to the long-term success of dental implants. Although decay can’t occur in implants, inadequate oral hygiene can lead to infectious disease that causes inflammation in the soft and hard tissues surrounding the implant, loss of the supporting bone and failure of the dental implant. The risk factors include smoking, history of periodontal disease, diabetes (uncontrolled), compromised oral hygiene and parafunctional habits (bruxism).”

“If you notice gum bleeding when brushing, redness and/or tenderness on the gum surrounding the implant, contact your dentist immediately.”

Dr. Omar lists down ways on how patients can take care of their dental implants.

• Brush 2-3 times daily with low abrasive dentifrice. 
• If your implants are restored with removable dentures, remove the dentures; clean them with adapted toothbrush and liquid soap at least twice daily.
• Floss at least once a day. Implants are more likely to cause food impaction due to their shape. Use the dental floss thoroughly in all directions.
• If your implants are restored with a bridge, make sure to floss underneath the bridge; different types of floss are specially designed for efficient cleaning of bridges.
•  When recommended by your dentist, use interdental brush, rubber tip, mouthwash and/or water irrigation unit.
•  Regular dental check up every 6 months: early detection is essential for effective treatment of peri-implant diseases.
• Visit your dental hygienist regularly, at least 3 times a year. Your hygienist will use special instruments to clean dental implants. 
• Do not smoke.
• Wear your night guard if recommended by your dentist. Some studies consider grinding and clenching as a risk factor for implants failure.

To make an appointment with Dr. Omar Aldaoudi, please call Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic in Umm Suqeim at 04-3949433. You can also visit www.drmichaels.com.

About Dr. Omar Aldaoudi DU, CES, DIU
Dr. Omar Aldaoudi received his Doctorate in Medical Dentistry in 2003. He then completed advanced specializations and earned his certificate in Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics from the University of Paul Sabatier in Toulouse, France in 2007. Dr. Omar comes to Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic with vast experience in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, esthetic, functional and prosthetic rehabilitation. Dr. Omar speaks English, Arabic and French.

About Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic

Founded in 1997, Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic represents the most comprehensive, state-of-the-art, multispecialty dentistry in Dubai, UAE. It has assembled a team of international dental specialists, hygienists and support staff for general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, implantology, orthodontics, prosthodontics and pediatric dentistry, serving nearly 40,000 patients in and around the UAE.

ENDS

Media enquiry

For further information, please contact:

Maria Cristina Cubacub

Marketing Director

Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic

cristina@drmichaels.com

Contact No: +971564423078 

Regular Dental Checkups for Kids 6-8 Years Old

Written by: Dr. Chantal Kengo, Specialist Pedodontist

In the health sector, the well-proven rule is, it is better to prevent than cure, and this of course, is just as relevant when it comes to oral health.

So for all of us, and particularly children, regular dental checkups are the key to healthy teeth.

As a matter of fact, children aged 6 to 8 undergo an important change in terms of mouth development and teeth growth. They move from having baby teeth to having a mix of baby and adult teeth. And these adult teeth will then stay in the child’s mouth forever.

This major mouth transformation of the child will most of the time create position problems and cavities for which professional attention will be needed.

The major changes

• The child will replace his 8 front teeth; the 4 upper and the 4 lower baby incisors with permanent incisors.
• The child will also undergo the growth of 4 molars behind his baby molars (2 up and 2 down). These teeth are called: the 6-year-old molars. Molars are the teeth located at the back of the mouth.

Dr. Chantal Kengo, Pediatric Dentist

Why Regular Checkups?

Regular checkups should take place every 6 months and during this key childhood period, they will allow the Pediatric Dentist:

1. To prevent wrong bites (malocclusions)
   Indeed, the 8 new permanent incisors are much larger than the baby ones. That will create a lot of position problems as these new teeth won’t have enough space for all of them to fit properly.
   The Pediatric Dentist will therefore intercept these wrong positions in order to prevent malocclusions.
2. To prevent cavities
   The 6-year-old molars arrive silently and without pain, as they don’t replace any teeth. They are very prone to damage and as a matter of fact, children may not include these teeth (the teeth are too far back) in their brushing routine if they are not taught to do so.

A visit to the Pediatric Dentist will make the child and his parents aware of the new teeth and teach them how to effectively clean and brush them. The Pediatric Dentist will eventually apply sealants and fluoride on these new teeth for protection.

Life After Orthodontics: Do I Really Need Retainers?

Written by Dr. Argiro Kechagia

So you’re finally nearing the finish line of your orthodontic treatment. How can you make sure you can keep and maintain your brand new smile?

Our Specialist Orthodontist Dr. Argiro Kechagia talks about the six most commonly asked about dental retainers. What are they for and do you really need them? Find out today!

1. What are orthodontic retainers for? 
The retainers are a part of the last phase of orthodontic treatment and are very important since they are responsible in maintaining and holding the alignment of the teeth, and the improvement of the bite after the completion of active orthodontic treatment.  

Teeth that have moved orthodontically have an inherent tendency to return to their original malocclusion positions.

The need of retention is very important to maintain the stability of the occlusion achieved by the orthodontist and the patient, and the retainers are doing exactly this.

2. Are there different kinds of retainers? 
There are two different kind of retainers and they are both frequently used:

Fixed retainers 
Fixed retainers are usually wires bonded to the back surfaces of lower anterior teeth for aesthetic and prolonged retention. These may be fabricated directly in the mouth or indirectly from an accurate stone model.

Removable retainers 
 Retainers that are made from stainless steel wire and acrylic (Hawley and WrapAround retainers)  Clear vacuum formed retainers. These retainers are comfortable and aesthetic because of their invisible appearance.

Dr. Argiro Kechagia
Specialist Orthodontist at Dr. Michael's Dental Clinic

3. How often and how long do I have to wear them?
It is recommended that all the patients have retention maintenance for at least 1 year. Most of the orthodontists use a removable retainer for the upper arch, as most of the relapse occurs in the first 6 months following braces removal, the maxillary retainer is worn full time for the first 6 months. After the first 6 months, the patient can go to night wear only and gradually reduce this if there is no pressure areas when seating the retainer. The lower retainer is usually a fixed retainer, which it should be left in place for a longer period even a lifetime.

Always remember that the answer to the question of long-term stability is long-term retention.  

4. How do I know when I need new ones? 
With fixed retention, if you feel that the glue has come off on one or more teeth and that your bonded retainer has become loose, go and see your orthodontist as soon as possible.

The removable retainers will need replacement when:
 you wear through the plastic
 part/s of wires or acrylic break off
 they became very loose and your orthodontist is unable to tight them up again
 they just get very dirty like anything else that you wear everyday
 the position of your teeth changes enough that your retainer does not fit properly

In general, if your retainer doesn’t look or fit like it used to, it is time for an adjustment, repair, or replacement. Don’t delay and pay your orthodontist a visit right away.

5. How do I effectively clean my retainers? 
Fixed retention can make cleaning in between teeth more challenging. However, with good flossing procedures and regular hygienist appointments, the fixed retainers can be kept in place until adulthood or indefinitely if necessary.

With removable retainers, both types should be cleaned as follows:
 You can brush your removable retainers with a toothbrush (not the one that you are using to brush your teeth) with either liquid soap or a non-abrasive toothpaste. Just remember to rinse them well.
 Once a week, soak the retainers in denture cleaning solution. Dissolve the tablet and put the retainer in the solution for 10 minutes to 20 minutes maximum. Please only use cold water to soak your retainer.

6. Does my orthodontist still need to check my retainers regularly?
Regardless of the type of orthodontic retainer you have, you should always continue to arrange regularly check-ups with your orthodontist for at least 2 years post treatment.

Dr. Argiro has extensive training and experience in treating children, teens and adults using the latest techniques in orthodontics including lingual braces, invisible braces, the Damon system and mini implants. She is a certified provider of Invisalign, Eon and Incognito braces. She is also trained to manage patients with cleft lip and palate along with oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

To book a consultation with Dr. Argiro, please give us a call at 04-3949433 today. 

Digital Smile Design: Empowering Beautiful Smiles

Written by Dr. David Donelson, DMD FAGD

In today’s society, people desire having naturally beautiful smiles that are in harmony with their physical characteristics and expressive of their personalities. As a doctor that utilizes Digital Smile Design, we must be acutely aware of the many factors associated with developing a smile that goes beyond traditional dentistry. It takes an artistic vision and the ability to harness new technology to become a great designer of digital smiles.

Digital Smile Design is a systematic approach to consistently achieve functional and esthetic dentistry. It allows for diagnosis, communication, treatment planning and execution in a proven predictable way.

The concept is based on analysis of the patient’s facial and dental proportions. By using a series of high resolution digital photos and videos we are able to develop a deep understanding of the relationship of the teeth, gums, and lip with the rest of the face. Facial features that express emotion are analyzed to design the smile. Drawings are made on the digital photos to record measurements that translate to the desired characteristics of the smile. These photos are then used to communicate with the laboratory to fabricate a mold that is used to show the patient their new smile in their mouth.

Dr. David Donelson DMD FAGD

The DSD concept is customized for each individual patient. No two patient’s smiles are alike. The beauty of Digital Smile Design is the emotional response people have from the process of trying on their new smile. The patient becomes the co-author of their smile, allowing them to have input in their desires, expectations, color, shape and ultimately the end result.

The initial appointment for a Digital Smile Design takes about 45 minutes to an hour. The appointment consists of taking high resolution digital photos and videos, as well as impressions for study models. A week later at the follow up appointment the patient will see almost exactly what the end result will look like through the use of a “trial smile”. This is a direct replica of the smile design that temporarily goes over the existing teeth in order to test drive the new smile. At the end of the appointment the smile design is removed from the mouth before the patient leaves the office.

This “trial smile” is unique in that before committing to treatment the patient is able to see before and after photos. It allows for the doctor and patient to analyze the smile and make any improvements if necessary before beginning with treatment. The patient can then accept the case and make appointments to start work on their new smile.

Happy 44th UAE National Day

"As we celebrate the national day, we salute our heroes of the armed forces and stress our pride of the martyrs."
- H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan