Woodborough House dental implant surgery goes live via facebook broadcast

Woodborough House recently undertook a live surgery broadcast over facebook. Dr Nick Fahey explains how it went and why this was a ground breaking move for the dental practice.

Q:  Woodborough recently did a live surgery broadcast via facebook. Can you explain how it went/why this was a ground breaking move for the practice?

Dr Nick Fahey: Considering this was the first time we had done this and it was done a little on the fly, we were very pleased. We were planning on doing the live surgery for a few dentists for our final ITI study club of the year. However, demand meant that we needed to organise it so we could show the surgery on a big screen as we had 20 or so people attending. It seemed a logical progression that if we were doing this, then why not pump it live onto the world wide web.

Q:  During the live surgery, you used an Ostell mentor. Can you explain why you prefer using this kind of equipment?

Dr Nick Fahey: The Ostell is a resonance frequency device. In effect it measures the stiffness of the implant in the bone. This is one of the tools we use in deciding on our loading protocols or whether we plan on digitally scanning the patient at the time of surgery. Let’s face it, it is better for everybody if the treatment can be completed in as few steps as possible.

Q: Why did you choose to specialise in dental implants?

Dr Nick Fahey: I am a specialist prosthodontist, who is heavily involved with dental implants. I came from a surgical back ground so I feel I offer the best of both worlds, someone who can restore dental implants as well as do the surgery to place them.

Q: How long does the implant surgery procedure take to complete?

Dr Nick Fahey: On the night it was just under an hour to place two dental implants, however we were explaining what we were doing and a simple case can usually be done in 20 minutes. More complicated cases where we place 18 dental implants with immediate loading (teeth-in-a-day) can take all day to deliver.

Q: Explain about the various Straumann dental technology which is used throughout the dental implant procedure

Dr Nick Fahey: We used an iTero digital scanner to intra orally scan the patients dentition, a scanning template was then made on the cadent milled model. This scanning template was worn by the patient when we took the CBCT. This information as well as the digital scan of the teeth were imported into coDiagnostiX, a virtual planning tool for dental implant placement.

Then once the surgery was planned a set of coordinates where transferred to the lab for use of a gonyX to fabricate a guided surgery template. This was used for guided surgery, using special Straumann instrumentation.

At the time of surgery due to the high ISQ reading from the Ostell and the subjective feel of the density of the bone, the decision was made to scan this patient at the surgical appointment using the iTero. The advantage of this being we can then have temporary restorations ready for her uncover appointment.

Q:  After the live surgery broadcast – what kind of results did the patient achieve?

Dr Nick Fahey: Fantastic! The patient had no bruising or swelling. She had experienced minimal discomfort and did not even need any sutures removed as it had been a totally flapless procedure. The patient even returned to work the next day! The implants were all stable and we have booked the next appointment for the provision of her temporary restorations.

Dr Nick Fahey attended the International Team for Implantology Congress in Liverpool last week. The three day event which was held from the 1-3 December attracted a variety of speakers from the dental profession with a special interest in implantology.

Woodborough House is connected to the ITI as Nick is the host and member for his local ITI Study Club. He has been involved with dental implants since 1994 and has been using Straumann implants since 2000.

The three day programme of events at the ITI Congress included notable and high profile speakers such as Urs Belser and Daniel Buser who spoke about treatment planning in aesthetic sites and implant placement with GBR in complex cases on the Thursday morning. The afternoon programme saw implant restorations in extended edentulous spaces in the anterior maxilla and how to handle cases where the aesthetic implant fails.

Ken Hebel spoke about the role of dental implants in a restorative practice and how to market dental implants as a restorative treatment on the Friday morning, which was followed by a series of sessions based on the topic of ‘Is my patient ready for implants?’

On Friday afternoon Stephen Barter demonstrated an introduction to computer guided implant placement. With particular interest to what Nick does, on Saturday, the last day of the event, there were talks from Alessandro Devigus , Daniel Wismeijer and Daniel Thoma on the role of digital photography, digital imaging and computer technology in surgical and prosthetic implant dentistry.

Nick has recorded a vlog at the event and this will be posted in due course.

Dental implants are a big decision for patients who want to replace missing or rotted teeth. Dr Nick Fahey from Woodborough House specialises in dental implant surgery and as a Specialist Prosthodontist and Implant Dentist, both at his own practice and in Harley Street, he has significant experience of carrying out these procedures. Here, Nick examines the details that patients should be looking for to ensure they get the most professional and long-lasting results.

When choosing dental implants, what should I be looking for?

Nick: I always suggest that as we live in a global community you should be having dental implants fitted by one of the global leading implant systems. That way you will be able to get parts from all around the world and in the years to come if required.

Why do you use Straumann Guided Surgery for dental implants?

Nick: It is essential for flapless surgery, especially when we are doing immediate loading. It is also the best way to get the most accurate implant placement. If I was having an implant I would have a Straumann implant and have it placed using guided surgery.

Explain the benefits of SGS?

Nick: SGS results in more accurate implant placements and better immediate loading. It also results in shorter treatment times and reduced surgical trauma.

Will the dental implants procedure hurt?

Nick: No, you will be given sedation and a local anaesthetic. Post-op discomfort is usually minimal.

Is there anything I will need to be aware of prior to surgery?

Nick: You should reduce or stop smoking and make sure you are fit and well and eating a balanced diet. Getting your oral hygiene sorted out too will also help.

How can I protect my dental implants once the procedure is complete?

Nick: Insurance is available and a bite guard is recommended.

Explain about the various Straumann dental technology which is used throughout the process of the dental implant procedure.

Nick: We have a digital work flow, starting with an iTero scan and then use that to make a stent for CT scanning. This scan is then overlayed onto your CT scan to allow for the very best planning. We then do Straumann Guided Surgery (SGS) to place the implant(s) and then, in appropriate cases we scan at surgery for the final restorations which are taken with a Cad Cam and immediately loaded.

What results can I expect to get compared to the conventional process of a dental implant procedure?

Nick: All of these digital procedures are really about making the conventional process much easier, faster and overall the result is better dental implants.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants, why not call the Woodborough House on 0118 984 3108 for more information.

Dr Nick Fahey to present topic at ADI National Members Forum

Dr Nick Fahey is presenting ‘Digital Implant Dentistry – Is it time to move out of the stone age?’  at the ADI National Members Forum this weekend.

The presentation is designed to stimulate debate amongst implant dental professionals and gather discussion about the advantages that digital technology can bring to the arena.

Nick will be showcasing his work to national members of the Association of Dental Implantology and explaining how to convert conventional procedures into digital solutions, including how this can be applied to dental work during the process of planning, impression taking and the design of crowns and bridges.

Nick is to demonstrate some examples of his own work using coDiagnostix planning, iTero digital impression technology and Straumann Guided Surgery software. He will be explaining the benefits that each of these digital devices has brought to the advancement of his own dental work.

The advantages of digital dentistry are clear and Dr Nick will be discussing how these devices can improve patient comfort, efficiency in implant planning, give accurate fabrication and delivery, improve esthetics and reduce the need for  more expensive components to correct manual work.

The presentation will also include a Q&A session and is to be held on Saturday 12^th November from 11.00- 11.30am at King’s College London.

For more information please visit: http://www.adi.org.uk

Dr Nick Fahey is in Japan this weekend to lecture at Straumann’s CARES Guided Surgery workshop. On the 1^st and 2^nd October, Dr Nick Fahey will be involved in a series of workshops with other surgeons and dental technicians about the future of guided surgery.

Along with Martin Schafer, Straumann’s Head of Training and Education of Digital Solutions, Nick will present a case study about the benefits of using Straumann’s digital scanner – coDiagnostiX and gonyX and how effective these devices are as a guide to fitting dental implants in his role as an oral surgeon working in a UK dental practice.

Nick will also be involved in a first case planning study of the coDiagnostiX implant planning software, giving examples of how the digital software works by showcasing his work in a case by case presentation. This event gives Nick an excellent opportunity to showcase his best work using Straumann technology to other dental professionals.

Implant software such as Straumann^® Cares^® Guided Surgery benefits dentists because it allows for local template fabrication, along with an open system which gives greater freedom of choice in terms of software and hardware. It also provides effortless and seamless communication possibilities across various dental disciplines whilst offering optimal outcome for patients.

The aim of the weekend is to showcase the digital Straumann software as an ‘integral and flexible solution’.  On the 2^nd October, Nick will also be involved in a discussion and question and answers session. Nick does dental implant treatment at Woodborough House and the Harley Street dental practice.

Be warned! When you watch the above video you may find yourself saying ‘Yikes!’ due to its quite graphic content. While it may look a bit scary, what this footage actually shows is Dr Nick Fahey carrying out a minimally invasive and super precise dental implant surgical procedure which is being performed using the latest technology from Straumann, i.e Straumann Guided Surgery (SGS).

Here at Woodborough House we can and have placed and restored most types of dental implants. Straumann comes highly recommended and Nick himself claims that he if was going to have a dental implant fitted he would have a Straumann implant.

So what is Guided Implant Surgery’?

Virtually placing the implant using a 3d x-ray (CBCT)and specialist software coDiagnostiX, we then use a special instrument called the gonyX, which allows us to transfer the coordinates created in the virtual world with the coDiagnostiX back into the real world.

The coordinates are then used to make the guide for guided implant surgery by our techinicians. The surgery is then carried out following a recipe with special instruments in the Straumann guided surgery cassette.

This form of guided implant surgery is preferred because it provides enhanced security, greater planning accuracy and also makes for better implant placement.  While improved patient comfort and efficiency during the implant treatment planning process are just some of the extra benefits, along with shorter treatment times and improved aesthetics.

Results

At Woodborough House, we have been producing phenomenal results using SGS, especially in crucial treatment areas such as teeth in a day, immediate loading and all-on-4. There are many benefits to these procedures including less appointments, shorter healing times after surgery which results in less time off work, less discomfort and overall better results.  There are less risks involved too compared to other forms of dental implant surgery as there is far more planning required with conventional surgery.

Preparation

As with all oral surgery, there are things you can do to prepare for your upcoming procedure. These include reducing or stopping smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and careful and thorough cleaning of the oral cavity. Eating a balanced diet along with taking supplements such as multivitamins and Vitamin C are just some methods in which you can prepare for this procedure.

What to expect

Guided implant surgery will be a lot less sore or sensitive than traditional surgery, particularly if the procedure carried out is flapless as in the video above. Think of guided implant surgery as the oral equivalent of keyhole surgery.

Costs

The costs of this form of guided implant surgery depend largely on the individual cases involved. For example, in larger cases the benefits probably mean that the cost is ameliorated. But in smaller cases the cost is slightly more. However it all has to be taken into consideration against the costs of this opportunity and whether you will have to take extra days off work and make extra appointments, so there is no ‘one size fits all’ in terms of price.

Are you considering dental implants? Why not try ‘All-on-4’? The procedure involves the placement of four dental implants and an immediate fixed acrylic bridge. This treatment is of benefit to anyone who has lots of missing teeth in the upper and lower arches or already has removable dentures. This innovative procedure was first documented by Paulo Malo in Portugal and the ‘All-on-4’ is in reference to the specific type of dental implants used during the procedure. The main difference between the All-on-4 dental implants and that of similar treatments is the immediate loading of the bridge.

Here at Woodborough House dental practice, Specialist Dentist and Prosthodontist Dr Nick Fahey can help you to decide if you are a good candidate for this procedure. To be suitable for this treatment, you will need to have dense enough jawbone and being a non-smoker is also a good start.

You can prepare for the All-on-4 dental implant procedure by cutting down on smoking as well as taking Vitamin C and reducing your alcohol intake if you are consuming more than the government’s recommendation. You should also maintain a well-balanced diet and maintain a good oral hygiene routine at home.

Results

From the feedback received from patients who were treated with the All-on-4 procedure, 95% say they were satisfied. The remaining 5% decided to use All-on-4 as a platform to more sophisticated and costly treatments which included more implants, grafting and porcelain bridges.

With the All-on-4 treatment you can expect to see an immediate cost effective solution to multiple missing teeth. To maintain your All-on-4 dental implants you will need to see a dental hygienist 3-4 times a year. Keeping your mouth healthy and clean will also ensure it remains disease free. Our hygienists at Woodborough are specially trained to care for patients who have implant treatment to ensure their mouths stay disease free.

Risks

As with any surgery, there are always risks and the All-on-4 dental implants procedure is no different. The risks involved are very similar to that of conventional dental implants.

Costs

The costs of these treatments start from about £12,000.

To find out more information about the All-on-4 procedure, or to contact Dr Nick Fahey please visit: Dr Nick Fahey and his blog.

‘Teeth in a Day’ is the latest innovation in dental implants which reduces the need for numerous dental visits and surgical procedures usually involving bone grafts. Traditionally, receiving dental implants is a long process, but with the Teeth in a Day procedure the need for extra surgical procedures is reduced, therefore saving on time.

This procedure is an alternative to using conventional dental implants. It’s ideal if you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the dentist’s chair. Here at Woodborough House Dental Practice, Dr Nick Fahey can carry out this treatment using Straumann dental implants.

What does the ‘Teeth in a Day’ procedure involve?

Initially, a CT scan and digital models will be taken of your mouth. Planning is made and implants are placed with a long term provisional restoration. It is flapless surgery, i.e. involving no stitches at the end of the treatment.  You will also only have to visit the dentist three times. Once for the initial scan, a second time to have the entire set of implants fitted and the third time for a final check-up.

Is it right for me?

The ‘Teeth in a Day’ procedure may be right for you, but it is always determined on an individual basis. Every candidate is different and as this is a very specific treatment option, you will need to be reviewed by an expert first to be assessed for your suitability.

Benefits

There are many benefits of using ‘Teeth in a Day’. Some of these include spending less time in the dental practice, which therefore makes it both easier for the dentist and the patient.  There is also less pain, less swelling and immediate tooth replacement, meaning that it is the ideal solution for people who want a relatively painless and quick alternative to having new teeth fitted.

Preparation

Patients can prepare for this procedure by quitting smoking and having immaculate oral hygiene techniques prior to treatment.

Costs

While the costs are slightly higher for this procedure than traditional dental implants, the many benefits it can offer patients far outweigh this small premium.

Safety

The procedure is very safe as it is the most carefully planned of any dental implant surgical procedure and patients can expect to receive phenomenal results from the latest innovation in dental implants. It does exactly what it says, i.e. ‘teeth in a day’.

If you have any questions about dental implants you can ask Dr Nick Fahey here or at his dental implant blog.

Yes I know. I keep banging on about iTero but…………….. ITS GREAT! The dentists at WH are now all fighting to use it. Nick was scanning 2 patients yesterday, and then Sarah was fighting for it in between.

We are starting to notice (now that we know how to use it) exactly the kind of things it can do to help us and our patients. Yesterday, we had a lovely lady who is having some extensive cosmetic work done with Nick. She has only a few teeth left in the upper jaw, and between having teeth extracted and implants placed, we needed to make her a temporary bridge. We have tried the conventional temporary bridge, but we keep having breaks and it becomes loose, as there such a large space it has to fill. But no fear……. iTero is here! Good old ”Lucy Laser” as the girls at WH have come to name her, was able to scan the remaining teeth in the upper jaw, soft tissues and areas where there are missing teeth.With this cad-cam information, the laboratory is then able to make us a much stronger temporary bridge. The patient is happy. We are happy.

We are so excited about the new technology and we love to talk to our patients about it. We are very proud to have this amazing software at Woodborough House and will be using it now and in the future to help make our patients smile one to be proud of.

If you are interested in iTero or would like to know if this technology is suitable for you, please talk to one of our team.

We are all very excited at Woodborough House, as we have a new bit of kit coming to the practice! We have many patients in the dental chair having treatment that requires us to take impressions using putty materials and alginate. We all know this is not much fun. Its especially difficult for patients that have a bad gag reflex or find it stressful having dental impressions taken.It is also an invasive procedure. Well don’t fear……………… Itero is here!!

The Itero is a scanning device that enables us to take accurate dental records and impressions. Itero features parallel confocal imaging which uses laser and optical scanning to digitally capture the surface and contours of the tooth and gingival structures. An accurate impression is the foundation of an accurate study model required for effective treatment planning. After scanning, the machine gives us 3D images to help with treatment planning, crown preperations,  and orthodontic treatment.  Its also a great way for patients to see their dental work on a screen.

Woodborough House is very excited to be able to use this pioneering equipment, and to be one of the first in the UK to have one. No more goop, gagging or discomfort! That is something to be proud of