Excited to see my latest article in the October 2021 edition of the NSW Dentist magazine of the Australian Dental Association. The problem of loose or fractured implant components is a problem that every implant clinician encounters at least once during their career.
Dr Steven Stratis' new teaching appointment
Congratulations to Dr Stratis on receiving an offer of appointment with Charles Sturt University. His role would primarily involved with the Prosthodontic Department at the Dental Faculty. Dr. Stratis has been involved with teaching under and postgraduate students for over 15 years in the various capacities as clinical demonstrator to Adjunct Senior Lecturer positions.
Robert Santosa Inducted As A New Fellow Of Academy of Dentistry International
Robert Santosa traveled to Adelaide to be inducted into the prestigious Academy of Dentistry International (ADI) this week. This accomplishment is awarded to nominees who are truly outstanding and epitomize excellence in the dental community. According to the ADI's website, a Fellowship in the Academy of Dentistry International is a distinctive honour that is bestowed only if the accomplishments of the nominee are truly outstanding. In order to maintain the stature of the Fellowship, the Academy's Committee on Credentials and Fellowship studies and evaluates each nominee.
Membership is by invitation to those dentists who have distinguished themselves in the dental profession. ADI includes in its membership many outstanding individuals in the dental profession who have a desire to give back a portion of what they have reaped.
The ADI's mission statement is: "The Academy of Dentistry International is the international honour society for dentists dedicated to sharing knowledge in order to serve the dental health needs and to improve the quality of life of people throughout the world. Through the development of fellowship and understanding, the Academy endeavours to create opportunities for service in order to assist in the establishment of a world at peace."
Robert is honoured to have been chosen to be inducted as a Fellow for this incredible organization. He looks forward to actively participating, learning and growing from its resources and from his new peers in the Academy.
More information on the Academy here.
ADA NSW CPD and ITI Foundation Implant Dentistry Program
For the past 2 years, Dr Robert Santosa has been coordinating the ADA NSW CPD and ITI Foundation Implant Dentistry program. This is a part of our practice's philosophy of giving back to our profession by providing quality dental education for our dental colleagues.
This foundation level program is intended for dental practitioners wishing to develop their theoretical knowledge and practical clinical experience in the treatment planning, surgical placement, restoration and maintenance of dental implants.
Knowledge is developed using distance learning modules and study days with hands-on components. This course is a clinical, multi-system, dental implant course which will enable the participants to make informed evidence-based decisions in their day to day dental implant practice and will train participants to understand the surgical and restore phases of dental implants therapy.
The modules consist of blended online learning platform based on an internationally recognised curriculum, live lectures to consolidate the online materials and a hands-on practical component. The importance of the restorative dentist and a restoratively driven treatment plan in dental implant therapy is emphasised.
Module Dates - PLEASE NOTE EACH MODULE IS OVER 2 DAYS.
Module 1: Introduction and Implant Treatment Planning
Friday 15 - Saturday, 16 February
Module 2: Surgical Aspect of Implant Therapy
Friday 24 - Saturday, 25 May
Module 3: Prosthodontic Aspects of Implant Dentistry
Friday 16 - Saturday, 17 August
Module 4: Maintenance and Complication
Friday 25 - Saturday, 26 October
ADA NSW Centre for Professional Development is the leading provider of professional development activities for dentists and their teams in Australia. The CPD Clinical Training Centre provides a world-class venue for lectures and hands-on workshops. Our expert personnel and commitment to quality contribute to CPD's reputation as the leading dental education provider in Australia.
For more information, click on the following link.
New appointment for Dr. Robert Santosa
Dr Robert Santosa was recently appointed as the new International Team For Implantology (ITI) Australasian Section Chair during the annual meeting held in Adelaide.
ITI’s purpose is to serve dental professionals by fostering learning, networking, discussion and exchange. We provide comprehensive, quality education in implant dentistry and support and facilitate cutting edge research in this field. Our aim is to be the authoritative resource on current and emerging issues in implant dentistry for dental professionals globally.
The ITI was founded in 1980 by 12 experts planning ahead for the future of their field. Their objective was an alliance of specialists to pursue research and development in an important and as yet untapped medical area on a voluntary and idealistic basis. Today, the ITI has more than 17,000 Fellows and Members. Through its growing number of national Sections, the ITI ensures the exchange of expertise and know-how via a modern, quality-conscious and efficient network.
Over more than 35 years the ITI has built a reputation for scientific rigor coupled with a strong patient focus. The organization supports the premise of well documented treatment guidelines backed by extensive clinical testing and long-term results. The ITI's more than 1,000 Fellows, who form the core of the organization, contribute their time, energy and skills and are driven by a strong sense of responsibility and idealism.
The Australasian Section is one of the most active section in ITI. Dr. Santosa has been an ITI Fellow for the past 10 Years, and held various positions in the Section Leadership Team for the past 6 years. The ITI Australasian Section has 51 Fellows and about 800 members across Australia and New Zealand.
Dr Robert Santosa thanking Dr Simon Jensen of Copenhagen at the recent ITI Australasian Section Education Day in Adelaide.
Membership in Specialist Dental Practice from the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeon (MRACDS)
Dr Robert Santosa has attained Membership in Specialist Dental Practice from the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeon or MRACDS (Pros) in short. The title is granted in recognition of a candidate's standing as a specialist in Prosthodontics.
The Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS) is a postgraduate professional education college established in 1965 to provide a broad range of activities to enhance the professional development of both general and specialist dentists through individually actioned studies and examinations which lead to Membership or Fellowship of the College.
RACDS members and fellows are engaged in research studies through our Education Board and Boards of Studies in general and specialist dental practice. The RACDS have conjoint arrangements with four of Australia’s top University dental schools.
Fixed complete arch implant solutions ("screw-on teeth")
Fixed implant-supported dentures are a type of overdenture prosthesis that is supported by and attached to implants.
Fixed implant-supported denture prostheses are recommended for patients having trouble keeping their prosthetics in place. Since they utilise dental implants for support, this tooth replacement option allows you to comfortably chew and laugh without worrying that your dentures will fall out. In most cases, patients will find it easier to speak and function. Patients reported improvement in being able to eat foods they could not eat before. However, we don't recommend chewing hard or sticky foods because they can damage the prosthesis.
If you have an implant-supported denture in the upper jaw, it can be made to cover less of the palate (roof of your mouth) than a regular denture.
There are two types of fixed implant-supported denture prosthesis: Fixed hybrid overdenture or a fixed implant-supported bridge.
Fixed hybrid overdentures
Fixed hybrid implant overdentures consist of acrylic dentures that are fixed onto implants. Just like regular dentures, fixed hybrid implant overdentures use a full set of acrylic denture teeth. But unlike regular dentures, fixed hybrid implant overdentures are fixed into patients' mouth using a set of four or six dental implants. The dental implants support a titanium or gold bar that anchors a set of acrylic teeth in place. The bar is permanently fixed in one place and won’t move around.
Note that they are usually a bulkier option than the fixed implant-supported bridge options, due to the metal framework embedded in the denture. Plus, they’re usually made of acrylic, which is more porous and therefore more difficult to clean than porcelain. Although acrylic is much more affordable than porcelain.
Fixed implant-supported bridge
Fixed implant-supported bridges are prostheses that are fixed onto dental implants. These bridges are usually made of porcelain, meaning the denture looks more natural and it’s more durable.
The prostheses are supported by around 6 to eight dental implants.
Often the prostheses are made in segments across the arch, allowing easier cleaning between using dental floss.
With this option though, the treatment is usually more expensive than other options because more implants are involved and the porcelain materials used.
Every patient is different and every mouth is not identical. Each treatment plans are customized for each patient, hence it is important to discuss your needs with your prosthodontist to find the best denture implant option for you.
To find out more about the above treatment, please contact us on (02) 9232 5438 or via the website here.
Removable implant overdenture
What's in toothpaste?
What's in toothpaste? National Geographic's chemist George Zaidan tries to create his own homemade toothpaste. Ancient toothpaste used stuff like rocks and bones -- and modern toothpaste isn’t all that different.