Click here to enlarge imageQ: How about the immediate dentures? How long do they last and are they still considered the temporary disposable prosthesis?
A: If you had asked me that question two years ago, I would have told you that the first immediately placed prosthesis on the day of extraction was a very temporary and inaccurate replica of the second denture that would be made six months to one year later. But due to recent advancements in this field, I can now confidently say that the immediate dentures are equally as accurate and well-fitting as the replacement prosthesis. This is provided we follow a protocol of staged refitting after placement.
Q: Does it take you more time to make a denture or partial than the average practitioner, or are there shortcuts?
A: I am asked this question at every presentation, and the answer is yes and no. In general, the overall treatment may take longer, but ultimately the completion time and number of appointments are usually much fewer. I believe that spending more time in the assessment and treatment planning stages will shorten or eliminate postoperative adjustment visits. If a patient returns more than twice in need of an adjustment, the dentist will not only add to the overall appointments, but will see the patient's attitude change in his or her perception of the quality of the prosthesis and the experience of the dentist. The amount and time of each appointment can vary due to several factors, but typically I take four appointments to deliver the prosthesis and one to two visits for postoperative adjustments. In general, shortcuts are not that predictable for optimum prostheses.
Q: What makes the curriculum for removable prosthetics offered by the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry unique as compared to other educational facilities?
A: In a nutshell, the live patients on whom each participant will train create an optimal learning experience. In our two-day hands-on training, we plan on having 36 dentists with 10 patient models and four faculty members. These are very good ratios for private training.
Q: Is there any money to be made on removable prosthetics, especially when compared to all other procedures in dentistry?
A: Of the more than $100 billion spent by U.S. consumers on dentistry, it has been reported that $13 billion of this amount is spent on removable prosthetics. So, you tell me who is keeping this secret to themselves.
References available upon request.