Lubiju in Leith is regarded as one of Scotland’s leading dental implant practices and provides training for dentists from around the country. Now it is seeking volunteers to take part in a post-graduate training programme throughout 2010, which could see those selected getting advanced dental treatment for a fraction of the usual cost.
Leading Scottish dentist Biju Krishnan, who co-founded Lubiju, said: ‘This is a fantastic opportunity for patients to get treatment they might not otherwise be able to afford. The results of implant treatment are genuinely life-changing for many people. It is often referred to as the ‘Ten years younger’ treatment. However, it’s not just about looking younger, it is about restoring confidence and even making it easier to eat or speak.’
Implant technology is seen as the ultimate solution to replacing missing teeth with the many advantages over dentures, crowns or bridges. The technology works by drilling into the jaw bone and fixing in place a tiny titanium base which eventually bonds with the bone and becomes a new “root”. Individual, made-to-measure replacement teeth can then be screwed into place without any damage to neighbouring teeth.
A variation of the treatment is mini implants, for people who wear lower dentures. Lower dental plates are notoriously difficult to keep in place. However, with four simple implants and a ball and socket system wearers can have dentures fixed securely.
Biju added: ‘Mini implants require only minor surgery, yet it is absolutely life-changing for those people who live with constant irritation of loose dentures. We hear stories every single day of how patients lack confidence because their dentures make it difficult to do the most basic things, like eat or speak comfortably. It can make day-to-day life unbearable.’
Normally treatments range in price from £2000 to £50,000 with the average course of treatment costing £4000-£5000. A full set of 10 implants can take up to a year to complete. Mini implants, for fixing dentures in place, cost £1500.
Biju added: ‘Most people who would benefit from implants already know about the treatment and tend to have done their research. Usually the only thing preventing them from getting the treatment is the cost. This is a chance to get that treatment with up to 50 per cent off the cost, as long as they are prepared to have post graduate dentists perform the treatment under supervision as part of their training.’
It is the first time Lubiju has publicly appealed for volunteers and the team expect a sizeable response. Would-be patients will have to be screened and some will not be suitable for treatment.
Lubiju will be running post graduate training courses throughout 2010, so those who are not successful for the first course will have the option to wait for later training programmes.