Innovation
Most people know regular dental checkups matter, but many don’t realise healthy gums are just as important.
A specialist in periodontics, implantology and oral medicine explains more about this multifaceted field.
Why periodontics is a complex field
Dr Suzette Stander, a specialist in periodontics, implantology, and oral medicine at Mediclinic George, says periodontics is still a highly specialised field in South Africa. She is the only periodontist serving the Southern Cape, Eastern Cape, and Free State, and one of only 40 in private practice nationwide.
Periodontics is an intricate speciality that goes well beyond gum health. Patients may be referred to Dr Stander after a dental checkup because they’re experiencing persistent bleeding gums, which has not been helped by intervention from an oral hygienist, or if teeth are painful, have become mobile, or are drifting in the mouth.
She may also see patients with oral medicine conditions; for example, the presence of lesions or growths in the mouth may require screening or biopsy to rule out conditions like oral pre-malignant or oral cancer or auto-immune conditions. Patients may also need a consultation if they have a tooth that needs to be replaced with an implant, perhaps because it has been fractured or because there is an abscess.
Aesthetic aspect
“In this way, periodontics has an impact on aesthetics, too, because when we rebuild the foundation for a crown of a tooth, we’re able to give a patient back their smile and return their confidence. That’s what I love about this profession.”
Dr Stander explains that her patients generally spend longer with her than they would at a dentist; the average consultation is between one-and-a-half and two hours.
During the appointment, she takes a full medical history and uses digital scans and images to understand the patient’s condition. These include photos of the mouth and face, 3D X-rays, and digital impressions of the teeth. This helps her plan the new tooth position and check the patient’s bite. She also educates patients on how to clean their teeth properly.
If an implant is required, Dr Stander considers several factors before making a recommendation for tooth placement. These include contra-indications: “For instance, if there’s active gum disease that might compromise the longevity of the implant and surrounding teeth, you’d have to wait until the gum tissue is healthy.”
Evolution in implantology
Dr Stander says implantology is evolving rapidly, thanks to technology. She is helping new entrants to the field master new developments through her work as a proctor and mentor at the Implant Aesthetic Academy (IAA) and as lecturer and study club director of the International Team of Implantology (ITI).
“We’re seeing improvements not only in the available hardware, but also in techniques we use to gather information and guide surgery,” she observes. “As a result, our procedures are becoming less invasive, treatment is shorter and there are fewer complications.”
For example, it’s now possible to provide an option for implants even if the patient doesn’t have enough bone or soft tissue remaining in that area. Other innovations include 3D digital planning software, which guides implant placement in the correct 3D position within the dental arch for crown placement.
“It’s vital to keep abreast of developments and to keep growing and learning,” says Dr Stander. “Ten years ago, partial extraction therapies and digitally guided implant placement were considered brand new; now, they’re standard practice.”
Dr Stander continues to build on her expertise and is currently completing in a PhD. Her research focuses on using platelet-rich fibrin – a substance made from the patient’s own blood – to help repair defects in the teeth and surrounding tissue.
She is also studying how disinfectant medicine – treatment that helps kill or control harmful bacteria – can be added to these blood products. This could provide a simple, cost-effective way to carry medicine directly to the damaged area and support tissue regeneration.
Restoring patients’ confidence
The constant advances in implantology and periodontics continue to fascinate Dr Stander and fuel her passion for her work.
“I love sharing knowledge with my colleagues, just as I love assisting my patients. I walk a long, difficult road with them, and it’s tremendously satisfying to see the improvements we can make to their lives through periodontics and implants. It gives me great joy to play a role in restoring their confidence in their smile.”