Spreading smiles

Spreading smiles

DR SANDEEP KHANNA, periodontist and implantologist, talks to
Kavita Nair
about dental implants and their growing popularity in India

Q. IMPLANTS ARE THE LATEST IN DENTISTRY. WHAT DO YOU EXACTLY MEAN BY A DENTAL IMPLANT? 

 A. It is an artificial replacement for the root portion of the natural tooth and is anchored into a predrilled socket in the jaw bone to support a crown, bridge or secure a denture firmly in place  

 

Q. IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS, THERE HAS BEEN AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE GOING FOR DENTAL CORRECTIVE SURGERIES. WHAT HAS BROUGHT THIS CHANGE?  

A. Smile is the first thing a person notices about you. So in today's world, where the mantra is ‘look good, feel good’, a smile plays a very important role. A good smile enhances looks and increases confidence. Awareness, exposure and constant contact with the media, social networking sites and internet have opened up minds to cosmetic corrective dental surgeries. Also with the latest developments in dentistry, we have more options like dental lasers, veneers and implants, which not only beautify the smile but also improve the function of your teeth  

 

Q. IS THERE ANY AGE RESTRICTION WHEN IT COMES TO CORRECTING YOUR TEETH? IF YES, THEN WHAT IS THE IDEAL AGE?  

A. Well, age is not really a factor. In other words, there is no age restriction for correcting your teeth. If proper care is taken, teeth generally don't fall off or decay with ageing. With the recent advancements in dentistry, we have corrective options for all age groups. Even treatments like dental implants, veneers and braces can now be done at any age. In cases where jaw bone is inadequate to place implants, procedures like bone grafting can be done. But to get optimum results, it is advisable not to wait for too long.  

 

Q. INDIA IS EMERGING AS A DENTAL TOURISM DESTINATION. COMMENT?  

A. Getting dental treatments done abroad is an expensive proposition. India is at par with the developed nations when it comes to providing dental care. We are now the first choice for dental tourism because we have extremely competent doctors and the latest technology from all over the world at affordable prices. The fact that we follow international standards for sterilization attracts and assures foreign tourists. We make special efforts to promote dental tourism as it also brings in foreign revenue to the country.  

 

Q. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OUR READERS? A. Corrective surgical dental treatments like dental implants are extremely successful when performed by a trained clinician. Not every dentist has extensive training and experience to deal with the potential complications that can occur. So, make sure you are comfortable with the dentist and that he/she has the experience to take care of you. Ask your dentist as many questions as you want. If you really want to change your smile, don’t wait. Go for it now.