F E A T U R E

To be honest , when I started dental school at 17 , I did not know much about dentistry . My interest grew during the later years of dental school by realising there ’ s so much science and art involved in dentistry . Also , helping patients to get out of pain or treating their dental-related issues was very satisfying . After graduation , I set up a clinic for handicapped patients and then went back to university for further specialist training . There is so much to learn in terms of both theory and practice .

Can you tell us how technological advancements , such as Cone Beam Computed Tomography ( CBCT ), have transformed the field of dentistry during your career ?

In the past dentists had to rely on 2D X-ray images for diagnosis which is not very accurate . Since the invention of CT scans , CT scans in dentistry provide detailed 3D images of the oral and maxillofacial region , aiding in the assessment of complex dental issues , accurate implant placement planning , detecting pathology and guiding surgical procedures with higher precision .

You have previously mentioned the role of CBCT in enhancing dental implant procedures . Could you elaborate on specific cases or experiences where this technology made a significant difference in patient care ?

CBCT has assisted in our dental implant procedure enormously . We can measure the available bone for placing the implant and position some vital anatomical features such as lower alveolar nerve ( IADN ) or maxillary sinus to be avoided during implant placement .

CT scanning has enabled us to plan implants so precisely that in some cases we place the implant without raising a flap . Preplanning implant placement reduces the risk of error , shortens surgery time and makes surgery much more comfortable for patients . Using CBCT images , we can plan to place multiple implants in a patient with no tooth and restore them on the same day .

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