GUEST COLUMN
Dr. B. Karthikeyan, M.D.S.,
Oral and Maxillolacial Surgeon.
Formerly Professor & Head Dept. of Surgery Govt. Dental College, Pondicherry.
Ex-Professor, Annamalai
University.
Now in full time practice.
Clinic
73, Kamatchi Amman Koil St.,
Pondicherry - 1.
Ph : 2344351, 2223699
Dental Implants - the future of dentistry
Dental Implants are a revolutionary way to replace missing teeth. They offer an excellent alternative to the limitations of conventional dentures, bridges and missing teeth. Dental implants act as a secure anchor for the replacement teeth and eliminate the instability associated with removable bridges.
Dental implants are basically root shaped substitutes made of titanium. They are biocompatible with human bone and tissue. Titanium has been scientifically prooved to bond with the bone-a phenomenon known as osseointegration. The implants are surgically placed directly into the jaw bone. Small posts are then attached to the implants which protrude through the gums. The posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
The placement of implants usually involves a two-stage surgical procedure. In the first stage, the titanium is embedded in the jaw bone and left buried for about 3 months. This facilitates osseointegration. In the second stage, the implant is uncovered and the posts are attached. Based on patient needs, a single tooth, a partial bridge or a full set of replacement teeth are fitted to the implants and locked in place over the protruding posts.
In appearance and function, implants are the closest thing to natural teeth and a good alternative to conventional dentures. They eliminate the day-to-day frustration and pain of ill-fitting dentures. They allow people to enjoy a healthy and varied diet without the restrictions many denture wearers face.
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ENDOSCOPIC
DACRYOCYSTORHINOSTOMY
This is a procedure done for Epiphora (watering from the eye) due to a block in the lacrymal apparatus. Now with the advent of endoscopes, the procedure has become more aesthetic and the results more guaranteed.

A patient with
lacrymal abscees.
Local anaesthetic infilterated at the site of lacrymal sac.

Intervening bone
removed and the medical
wall of the sac opened to
drain the pus.
Stent passed
through the lower
lacrymal canaliculus.

Stent passed through the upper canaliculus.
The Stents are
tied together.
The advantages of Endo DCR are :
  1. No external scar near the eye.
  2. Preservation of the pumping action of the Orbicularis Occuli.
  3. The medical canthal ligament is not cut.
  4. Direct visualization of the nasal mucosa to be removed.
  5. Insertion of a silastic stent to keep the passage patent.
  6. No need for post-operative syringing of the duct.
  7. The stent also gives excellent results in case of revision cases and in lacrymal abscess.
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