Do lasers cure periodontitis?
While lasers offer certain benefits, it is important to note that lasers alone do not cure periodontitis. The use of lasers as a standalone treatment for periodontitis has not been proven effective in the long term. To fully understand the role of lasers in periodontitis treatment, it is necessary to examine studies that have evaluated the combined use of lasers with traditional periodontal procedures.

Conflicting Data and Types of Lasers:
One of the challenges in assessing the effectiveness of lasers in periodontitis treatment is the conflicting data and the wide variety of lasers used in different studies. Specifically, diode lasers have not shown any significant benefits in the treatment of periodontitis. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the specific type of laser when evaluating the efficacy of laser therapy.

The Potential Benefits of Laser Therapy:
Laser therapy has demonstrated some promising results in reducing bacterial counts, promoting gum tissue reattachment, and improving clinical parameters such as pocket depth and clinical attachment level. Lasers possess antimicrobial properties and can selectively target and remove diseased tissue while preserving healthy tissue.

Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses:
Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses have been conducted to assess the efficacy of laser therapy in comparison to non-surgical and surgical treatments for periodontitis. A 2018 review by Sgolastra et al. found limited evidence to support lasers as a monotherapy for periodontitis, suggesting that they may provide additional benefits when used in conjunction with conventional non-surgical periodontal therapy.

A 2019 review by Javed et al. compared the effectiveness of lasers with scaling and root planing (SRP), a commonly used non-surgical treatment. This review found no significant differences between laser therapy and SRP in terms of clinical outcomes.

Regarding surgical treatments, a 2020 review by Chambrone et al. concluded that conventional surgical therapies, such as flap surgery and guided tissue regeneration, were more effective in terms of clinical outcomes when compared to lasers.

Treatment Considerations:
While lasers show promise as a treatment modality for periodontitis, it is important to consider individual patient needs and factors such as disease severity, patient preferences, and overall oral health status. Treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with a dental professional who can provide personalized recommendations based on comprehensive assessments.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, while lasers offer potential benefits in the treatment of periodontitis, the current evidence does not support their use as a standalone treatment. Further research is needed to establish their long-term efficacy and compare them to surgical treatments. In the meantime, lasers may have some additional advantages when used in conjunction with traditional non-surgical therapy. However, it is crucial to consult with a dental professional to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for each individual case.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dental advice.

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But why is this technique so important? One of the main benefits is that it helps preserve the bone and gum tissue around the implant site. By leaving a socket shield, the natural bone volume is better preserved, reducing the risk of bone loss. This is especially important if you’re considering future implant placement or additional dental procedures.

Another benefit of the socket shield technique is that it can lead to improved aesthetic outcomes. When a tooth is extracted, the bone in that area tends to resorb or shrink over time. By preserving the natural bone volume, your final dental restoration appears more natural and blends in seamlessly with your existing teeth.

In addition to these benefits, the socket shield technique offers a more comfortable and shorter recovery period compared to larger bone and gum graft procedures. This means less discomfort and a faster return to your daily routine.

It’s important to note that not all cases are suitable for the socket shield technique, and the decision to use it depends on factors such as the condition of the tooth and the patient’s oral health. That’s why it’s best to consult with a qualified oral surgeon to determine if a socket shield is an appropriate option for your specific situation.

At our dental practice, we’re committed to providing our patients with the latest and most effective treatments available. If you’re interested in dental implant surgery or have questions about the socket shield technique, please don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with our experienced team. We’re here to help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.

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– Implant with crown average is 33 000 including consultation
– All on 4 Full Arch with immediate Prosthesis Average is R150 K
– Full Arch Prosthesis starts at R90 000

Dental implants are a popular option for those looking to replace missing teeth. They offer a permanent solution that looks and feels like natural teeth, and can improve oral health and overall quality of life. However, dental implants can come with a higher upfront cost than other tooth replacement options. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the costs involved with getting dental implants and why they may be worth the investment.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Dental Implants

The cost of dental implants can vary depending on a variety of factors, including:

• Location: The cost of dental care can vary based on where you live. Even within South Africa, it will vary between dental practices.
• Dentist’s expertise: An experienced dentist may charge more for their services. At Matrix Dental Specialists, our doctors are qualified specialists in cosmetic dentistry and dental implants.
• Number of implants needed: The more implants you need, the higher the cost.
• Additional procedures: If you need additional procedures like bone grafting or tooth extraction, this will add to the total cost.
• Materials used: The type of materials used, such as porcelain or ceramic, can affect the price.

Understanding the Total Cost of Dental Implants

The total cost of dental implants typically includes the following:

• Consultation and treatment planning: This involves an initial consultation fee, during which our dentist assesses your oral health and develops a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
• Implant placement: This includes the surgical procedure itself, which involves the placement of the dental implant into the jawbone. The cost encompasses the specialist’s expertise, surgical instruments, anesthesia, and any necessary follow-up appointments.
• Abutment and crown: The abutment, which connects the implant to the crown, and the custom-made dental crown itself contribute to the overall cost.
• Additional procedures: If additional procedures are required, such as bone grafting to enhance the jawbone structure, extraction of damaged teeth or treatment of gum disease they will add to the total cost.

Why Dental Implants are Worth the Investment

While dental implants may have a higher upfront cost compared to other tooth replacement options, they offer significant long-term benefits that make them a worthwhile investment. Here are some reasons why:

• Durability and longevity: Dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution. With proper care and oral hygiene, they can last a lifetime. This makes them a cost-effective option when compared to other alternatives that may require frequent repairs or replacements.
• Improved oral health: Dental implants not only restore the appearance of your smile but also help preserve oral health. They prevent bone loss in the jaw, maintain proper alignment of neighboring teeth, and minimize the risk of further dental complications.
• Natural look and feel: Dental implants closely resemble natural teeth in both appearance and function. They provide a comfortable and secure bite, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
• Enhanced quality of life: Dental implants offer significant improvements in chewing ability and speech clarity compared to removable dentures. They eliminate the discomfort and inconvenience associated with ill-fitting dentures, giving you a better quality of life and increased self-esteem.
• Preservation of facial structure: When teeth are missing, the jawbone can deteriorate, leading to a sunken facial appearance. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, preserving its structure and preventing facial sagging.

It’s important to note that the cost of dental implants can vary depending on your individual needs and situation. It’s best to consult with a dental professional to discuss the specific costs involved and understand the value they offer in your individual case.

In conclusion, dental implants may have a higher upfront cost than other tooth replacement options, but they offer long-term benefits that make them a worthwhile investment. They can improve oral health, provide a natural look and feel, enhance quality of life, and preserve facial structure. If you’re considering dental implants, it’s important to understand the costs involved and to consult with our dental professionals to determine if they’re the right option for you.

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This article aims to breakdown the costs and demystify the complexities associated with dental implants. We have even included links to some of our tools and equipment. A dental implant is not a ‘one-size-fits all’ scenario.  Each individual will present with varying clinical presentations.

The first phase is diagnosing the problem and your overall state of oral health; The Diagnostic Phase.

Cost 1: The Diagnostic Phase

It is considered unethical for a dental professional to place an implant without first making sure you are healthy.  The consultation fee at Matrix Dental specialists is all inclusive at R1987 . Great value considering it involves 2 dental specialists and a complete treatment plan!

We can’t place a dental implant unless any disease activity such as gum disease, dental decay, and dental abscess are detected and treated beforehand. Chances are, if you require a dental implant due to missing/decaying teeth or gum disease, it is likely that other teeth may present with problems.

Treating these conditions aims to create an environment that will favor healing and regeneration. If conditions (like periodontitis) remain untreated,  you could risk the bacteria infecting the future implant and losing more teeth. Thus needing more implants.

Here at Matrix Dental, you have a team of specialists to collaborate on your case even after you have left the dental office. The implant team includes the restorative dentist/prosthodontist, the implant surgeon/Periodontist and the laboratory technician.

This is where costs tend to vary. Remember that a dental specialist has an average of 4 additional years and a Master’s degree above the basic degree in dentistry that is focused on either the surgical or restorative aspects of dentistry. As Specialists, we look at planning for the next 15 to 20 years ahead, minimizing the need for future complex procedures and giving you the more cost effective treatment.

So be wary of the dentist looking to make a ‘quick buck’ by giving you a new tooth, which later down the line needs to get removed, due to poor planning like an untreated infection or decay with other teeth. It is unethical for doctors not to disclose these details to you but will often omit it rather than the possibility of ‘scaring you away’ due to higher treatment costs.

So, if you care about the lifespan of your existing teeth and to prevent or delay future dental complications, it is always advised you visit someone who can be honest with you and give the full picture of your current and future oral health.

Let’s talk about equipment. This diagnostic stage often requires models, radiographs and photographs so that your dental team is able to design and plan your future teeth before any implant is placed.

A 3D X-ray, known as Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT  average cost of $86000 USD) is essential for all implant surgeons to determine the amount of bone available, locate anatomic limitations and plan the ideal position of the implants in relation to the future teeth. The average cost of a single CBCT scan is R1470. Plus an intra-oral scanning device (average cost of $30000 USD) to directly create a 3D digital scan of your mouth. Which will also later be used to create your new tooth/teeth. We offer this service at no cost
https://www.planmeca.com/imaging/3d-imaging/planmeca-promax-3d-classic/
https://www.3shape.com/en/scanners/trios-4

Also keep in mind that, even if you have 3 teeth missing, you may only need 2 implants to close the gap/space and if you have all 16 upper teeth missing, you may only need between 4 and 8 implants to support a full upper or lower jaw prosthesis.

Furthermore, as you may not want to walk around with gaps in your smile, your team would further incorporate the inclusion of temporary teeth to keep you smiling as you progress through your implant journey.(More on that below)

Cost 2: The Treatment Plan

Consider the time spent. Here at Matrix Dental Specialists, we will go through our curated treatment plan with you (this is a collaborative process after all) and we want you to fully understand every aspect and the reasons behind our decisions. The goal is always to have you leave feeling empowered, with more education around oral health and the journey that lay ahead.

An important consideration for the patients during these discussions is to decide if surgical procedures should be completed under general anesthesia within a hospital setting versus having the surgery performed within the dental office.

We also offer an additional service called ‘conscious sedation’; you can enjoy your procedure without feeling anxious, discomfort and the stronger side effects of general anesthesia. These decisions are often made after considering the nature and extent of the surgical procedure,your health and state of anxiety as well as your medical insurance coverage.

Cost 3 : Pre-operative planning, design templates and surgical guides.

Yay! So you are happy with the treatment plan and have decided to go ahead.

We go the extra mile to create ‘custom guides’ for you based on your exact anatomy that perfectly fits over the surgical site area during the implant procedure. This design template is based on the design of your final prosthesis (teeth/tooth). We plan with the end in mind!

If implants are placed without guides. This could lead to you requiring a removal and replacement of the dental implant. Therefore, it is important to ask your dentist if they plan to use surgical guides or not.

These surgical guides allow the periodontist to place the implant in the ideal position, making the procedure minimally invasive, more precise, SAFE and efficient. Meaning less recovery time for you.

It is important to note that this stage involves collaboration between your clinical team (dentists) and the dental labs who design and manufacture these surgical guides, as well as your new teeth/prosthesis . This collaboration often goes unnoticed as it is done behind the scenes.

Although some dental offices have incorporated in-office 3D printing or milling units to manufacture the items mentioned above, the quality of the product is usually inferior to the products produced by the professional laboratory.

Cost 4: The Surgical Procedure.

Periodontists are highly trained implant surgeons .They apply minimally invasive surgical techniques to reduce overall tissue trauma, create a natural looking appearance, reconstruct bone and gum tissue to help you heal and create a solid foundation that will support and sustain your smile; be it on natural teeth or implants.

Examples include:

1. Implant brand, design , type and materials of the highest international standards from renowned brands such as: Straumann , Neodent, Southern Implants, Dentsply Sirona, Megagen.

2. Biomaterials: Bone replacement graft materials, Tissue scaffolds and membranes, Biologic agents

3. Blood products. The use of platelet rich fibrin and the associated growth factors and stem cells may be required for your case. This would involve drawing blood from the patient and placing it into a specialized centrifuge to produce the biologic product in the form of a membrane or gel. These are used to enhance local healing within the surgery site

Ethical dental professionals will explain exactly what implant brand and materials will be used and the warranties that are available. So, if your implant seems cheap, think about what is being placed into your body to ensure it is sufficiently licensed and certified by the US FDA and the EU.

Cost 5: Temporary tooth

We also design a temporary tooth, which may be a part of your plan and placed immediately after surgery. This allows you to smile and protect the implant, while the bone heals and fuses to the implant over the next 3 months. This puts a lot of our patient’s minds at ease, especially for extracted anterior teeth (teeth situated towards the front) where aesthetics are important because they are easily seen. Molars or teeth not in the ‘aesthetic region’,  often do not require a temporary crown.

The temporary crown not only is critical for you as a patient for aesthetics but it allows us to test function, occlusion (your bite) and also most importantly, train the soft tissue and gum to heal and take shape to mimic a natural tooth. These are termed immediate load temporary teeth and preserve the natural appearance of your smile

Cost 6: Manufacturing and Fitting of your Final Tooth

Finally, once you are healed after 3 months, there will be a visit to the dental practice to verify that the implant has integrated and commence with impressions to proceed with the manufacturing of the final and permanent porcelain/zirconia crown.

Let’s consider the equipment and materials needed to manufacture a high quality dental restoration.

This final crown (tooth/teeth) are made with a Cad/Cam E2 scanner from Ivoclar and high end PC to design your tooth digitally. Ivoclar’s programildry ‘carves’/mills your tooth out of high end zirconia, which is finally placed in the sintering furnace (ivoclar programat S1 1600) . (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_nz/shop/p/ivoclardigital/3shapee2redscanonly/p/746441) (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_li/products/digital-equipment/programill-dry)
(https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/shop/p/furnaces/programats11600118240v5060hz/p/680534eu

The zirconia we use is Ivoclar prime. It has unique multilayered properties, using gradient technology that gives a highly esthetic and natural looking end product. As well as being very strong and durable. We want your dental implant(s) to look as natural as your own teeth. (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_li/products/digital-processes/ips-e.max-zircad-prime-family)

A Prosthodontist has special training so that the crown can be shaped in the chair when you visit, to ensure it fits perfectly. As well as a visit from the dental technician to confirm the shade matches the rest of your natural teeth, giving a seamless blend.

As you can see, every step of a dental implant treatment is customized and as unique as you are. So, the next time you ask yourself ‘why are dentists so expensive’ , hopefully this blog post springs to mind. It’s not that ‘all dentists are expensive’ , but that those who care about your health and the finest details of your treatment usually are slightly more costly.

Some ‘honorable mentions’ that we didn’t get to fit but definitely are worth mentioning:
– Our Qualified Dental Nurses, Receptionists and Cleaning Crew who work tirelessly with us to ensure you have a pleasant and safe experience.
– Technology from air purification,  water purification and world class sterilization processes are all unseen components of your dental care.
https://slowdentistryglobalnetwork.org/

– The Dental Facilities: High-tech dental chairs from Planmeca for optimal patient comfort.
– Dental Loupes and dental microscope which allow us to get a closer and more precise view
https://bryant.dental/loupes

– Our various imported dental tools from Germany, Switzerland and Brazil.
– The Cleanliness of our facilities and protocols we have in place to disinfect instruments using our Class B Autoclave for full surgical sterilization and individual instrument wrapping.
https://dxp-sterilization.com/en/dxp-domina/
http://www.haetmed.com/en/#/home
https://www.dentsplysirona.com/en-za/explore/infection-control-systems/siroseal-premium.html

Please note these costs may vary between dental/clinical practices and based upon a number of non clinical factors associated with your geographic location.
Examples would include:

1. Local implant market: Are implants locally manufactured or imported?

2. Implant brands available within your market

3. Dental insurance coverage

Baseline Fee structures vary between countries as the cost to function as a dental professional will differ.

At the end of the day, we believe information is power and think it’s important to equip patients with the information necessary to feel empowered to make a choice that is right for them.

Interested in booking an appointment with us?
Call us on: 021 110 5764
Or whatsapp us: 066 255 88 10

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If the problem is persistent, or there has been advanced bone loss, then there is little alternative but to remove and replace an ailing implant, which will also mean the loss of the implant restoration..

Implant treatments are a lifelong commitment (just as natural teeth), it is important to also consider the potential for short-term failure or longer-term problems, and to do your utmost to maintain your implants with daily care and regular hygiene appointments. These highly biocompatible materials and precisely engineered implant parts make a great difference to the long-term outcome of your implant treatment.

The post Oral Medicine: Treating peri-implantitis appeared first on Matrix Dental Specialists.

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If you have one or more missing teeth, a single implant or implant supported bridge is an effective solution that will also help preserve your remaining teeth and bone. A single implant looks and functions like your own tooth.

Replacing a single missing tooth is a highly conservative treatment with the implant and its crown implant appearing as a normal tooth and without the need to “cut down” neighbouring teeth. The alternative non-removable tooth replacement option, “a tooth supported bridge” would require teeth adjacent to the gap to be “cut down” and shaped to support a bridge.

The single implant procedure itself is often straightforward and it is best to allow us to plan your implant before you have your tooth removed. This will provide you with more options and often will save you money over time.

Missing multiple teeth

If you have lost multiple teeth, an implant-supported bridge is an option. Instead of replacing each missing tooth with an implant, strategic positioning of implants allow them to support multiple teeth. For example, two implants can support a bridge to replace three or four teeth.

The decision is based upon specific case details including your biting force, habits and condition of bone support. Once again, treatment is highly conservative as it is not necessary to prepare teeth to support bridgework; the implant construction simply replaces the missing teeth without further compromising any remaining teeth.

Missing or going to lose all your teeth?

The “All-on-X” Implant technique may be an option and will help you regain your quality of life. This treatment is often referred to as “Teeth in a Day”, “Smile in a Day”, or “Same Day Smile”. If you are a suitable patient, the implants and a temporary full arch resin bridge can be fitted on the same day or within 48 hours.

The technique uses a minimum of 4 implants in strategic positions per jaw to make use of the available bone, protect nerves and avoid extensive bone grafting procedures.

Prior to your surgery, our prosthodontist will begin the process of “designing your smile” so that, if appropriate to your treatment, you can have a functional temporary bridge fitted a few hours after your implant surgery.

The temporary bridge is fitted to allow time for bone and tissue healing which is usually about 3 months. During this period, you will meet with our prosthodontist to refine your final restoration, which will be a beautiful and robust bridge based on a ceramic or titanium structure.

Are you tired of your uncomfortable dentures? Struggling to keep your dentures from falling out of your mouth: Implant supported dentures offer more stability, comfort and retention.

Traditional Dentures 

The gum and jawbone were never ‘designed’ to support dentures. Typically, dentures rest upon the gums, and any remaining teeth, and for many patients, dentures will adversely affect these tissues. In time, the bone will shrink, and the gum covering the jaw will become frail which can lead to the loss of more teeth. Inevitably as these supporting tissues are lost, the dentures become less steady and more difficult to wear.

This loss of tissue causes the denture to irritate to the gums, increases the risk of the dentures slipping out,  causes difficulty in chewing, creates unwanted sounds and most of all, patients lose confidence.

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Dental Implants are like artificial ‘tooth roots’ made of biocompatible titanium or zirconium that are inserted into the jaws to support one or more missing teeth. The implants therefore forms the foundation under the gums, which support the prosthetic teeth above the gums. Dental Implants are also very effective in stabilising loose or uncomfortable dentures that impair speech and eating.

Dental implants are successful in most healthy adults; however, smoking, certain medications and underlying disease may affect their survival. For this reason, our MDS specialists carefully review all aspects of your medical history and current state of health.

Implants vary in design, length and width and at MDS we select the implants according to your unique clinical and 3D imaging studies. These biocompatible devices, resembling a screw, are surgically inserted into the jawbone by our specialist periodontist.

The biologic process known as ‘osseointegration’ takes place in which the implant and bone fuse together over a period of at least 3 months. During this time, the conventional approach is to leave the implant buried under the gum to allow bone fusion. However, the MDS team are specialists in modern techniques known as “immediate loading”.

This term simply means that, in selected cases, temporary teeth are placed directly onto the implant immediately or within 48 hours. Book a consultation and allow us the honour of restoring your smile.

Implant Treatments – From Simple to Life Changing

Dental implants used to be thought of as a ‘last resort’ treatment for people who could not tolerate their dentures. We see it differently and consider dental implants to be the ‘standard of care’ approach to replacing missing teeth, for nearly any situation.

We have a great deal of experience in treating patients who have very challenging circumstances and we continue to develop ourselves to implement new techniques, new implants and new treatment concepts to benefit all our implant patients.

To avoid problems later on, there is also a commitment from our patients, to keep their teeth and mouths healthy and protect their dental investment. We will help with the best possible maintenance protocol structured to maintain your smile.

Our patients often tell us that our dental implant treatment has been life changing, by improving their appearance, self-esteem and bringing back joy when dining.

They are delighted at being able to eat, speak, socialise and have a quality of life they have not had for years. It is astonishing what a difference it makes to life when we rid ourselves from poorly fitting, irritating plastic teeth!

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