Wellbeing

Talking Dentistry

This month we’re talking restorative dentistry with Dr Andrew See who combines passion, artistic flare and extensive knowledge of dentistry to answer any questions you may have. He has advanced training in aesthetic and implant dentistry.

Reader’s question: “Most of my teeth are loose and I’ve lost a lot of bone around them. I’ve been told I can only have a denture, but are there any other options?”

Dr See says: Fantastic question. Severe bone loss around teeth is difficult to treat and often you may need to start thinking about life after losing those teeth. Losing a lot of teeth can impact function, aesthetics and general wellbeing because the diet is often limited from a nutritious diet to a soft, mushy diet. Dentures have been around since 700 BC! It is definitely an option to replace missing teeth and one that is still often used as a temporary option. Modern dental implants as we know it is nothing new as the first one placed was in 1965. In situations where extensive bone loss has occurred, bone grafting is required which will extend the healing period. So to your point, you may require extensive bone grafting when most of your teeth have bone loss. However, there is a treatment concept called All-on-4®. This is a full arch of teeth, fixed onto a minimum of four dental implants and provides immediate results that was created to avoid bone grafting, so bone loss isn’t a barrier to treatment with this option. Patients can walk away with a new set of teeth within two days. Let’s look at a recent case that we completed with All-on-4® implant treatment. Susan came to see us because she was embarrassed by her teeth, experienced pain and was worried that her front teeth were so loose that they would fall out at any moment. She worked in a people facing, management role and felt that her teeth were affecting her confidence. Susan wanted quick results to achieve healthier and more beautiful looking teeth. After careful diagnosis and planning, All-on-4® implant treatment was performed and she now says she can’t believe she waited so long to get it done.

THE PROBLEMS:

• Loose, broken, painful and infected teeth and gums. • Spontaneous draining pus out of her gums. • Discoloured and uneven teeth that created large gaps.

THE SOLUTION:

• Removal of all upper teeth that had hopeless prognosis. • All-on-4® implant treatment with Nobel Biocare implants. • Full arch of new, fixed teeth within two days of the procedure. Advanced qualifications and experience ensured that we achieved the results that Susan wanted. Visit www.advanceddentistrysydney.com.au/all-on-4 for more information and watch our All-on-4® patient video at www.advanceddentistrysydney.com.au/eva

** Any surgical or invasive procedure caries risk. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner **

9816 4885 dr.andrewsee advanceddentistrysydney.com.au DR ANDREW SEE

BDS Hons (Syd), FRACDS, MSc(Lond), PGDipDentImplantology, MFGDP(UK), FICOI, MFDS RCSEng

HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT?

Dr Andrew See has dedicated the last 19 years to Aesthetic Dentistry and has unique qualifications in cosmetic dentistry and rehabilitation.

This includes a 3-year Masters in Aesthetic Dentistry from the prestigious King’s College London and a Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Implantology.

Dr See completed his Fellowship by primary and secondary examinations for The Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (FRACDS). FRACDS is the mark of professional achievement in dentistry and demonstrates attainment of an advanced level and skill in Dentistry.

If you have any questions you have always wanted to know about aesthetic or implant dentistry write to us at: info@ advanceddentistrysydney. com.au

Enjoy our beautiful Australian weather, but be careful!

BY DR CARL WONG

DR CARL WONG IS A LANE COVE-BASED GP AND SITS ON THE BOARD OF SYDNEY COMMUNITY SERVICES

“I love a sunburnt country.” Many would know this classic line of poetry from Dorothea Mackellar’s My Country, likely one of the best-known poems in Australian history, written around 1904. More than a century later her words still ring true. In Australia, our skin can get sunburnt in as little 11 minutes on a fine sunny day.

Our sun has helped give us the record of having the highest rates of skin cancer, particularly melanoma (the most aggressive skin cancer type) in the world. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, skin cancers account for the largest number of cancers (80%) diagnosed in Australia each year. Melanoma is estimated to be the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in 2021, and is the commonest skin cancer in those aged 20-40 years. At least 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before the age of 70. So why does Australia hold the crown of skin cancer capital of the world? There are a number of reasons. It’s often mistakenly blamed on average temperature. Our sun does play a significant factor but not for the reason that we might think. What we see is the sun’s visible light, and what we feel (heat and temperature) is the sun’s infra-red radiation. But the real reason why the sun can be so deadly is that it is specifically the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from exposure that is linked to sunburn and at least 95% of our skin cancers. Australia has one of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world. UV radiation levels are affected by a number of factors including geographic location, altitude, time of day, time of year and cloud cover. UV radiation is higher in summer compared

to winter and thick cloud is a good filter. UV radiation can be high even on cool overcast days. And this is the key: UV radiation CANNOT be seen or felt. We cannot simply rely on clear skies or high temperatures to help us decide whether we need sun protection. So how can we tell when our sun exposure is getting dangerous? The UV index is a tool you can use to protect yourself from UV radiation. It is online and can also be downloaded via the SunSmart app. It provides real-time data for all Australian capital cities. When the UV index is forecast to reach 3 or above, prolonged sun exposure will damage your skin and can lead to skin cancer. Other important factors are your skin-type and your cumulative life-long duration of sun exposure. Fairer complexions burn more easily, especially those who have immigrated from countries where their youth was not spent acclimatizing to Australian weather. Outdoor occupations and those who love the outdoors are more prone as well. MY SKIN CANCER PROTECTION TIPS ARE: • Sunscreen, and more sunscreen. Use a SPF 30+ formulation. Apply at least 15 minutes before planned sun exposure, and reapply every two hours (despite labelling that might advertise longer protection times). Do not rub into the skin completely - it works better when there is a greasy layer on you. Be careful around eyes as some brands can be very irritating if it gets inside. Don’t use spray formulations – they are too dilute and have been shown to not effective on windy days. • Slip (on a shirt), slop (on sunscreen), slap (on a hat) – this was the famous and effective ad campaign I remember when I was growing up. Seek (shelter) and Slide (on sunglasses) have been added to this famous catchphrase now. • UV radiation is traditionally highest from 11-3pm each day. Try to do outdoor activities/exercising

At least 2 in 3 outside of these periods when possible. Australians will be • Skin cancers can occur on any part of diagnosed with the body, not just the typical more sunsome form of skin exposed sites. If you have someone who cancer before the can, have them monitor your back as its hard age of 70 to see your own. That goes for men who are balding as well. • Have regular doctor skin checks. All adults should have one every 12-18 months. Make a habit of doing a personal skin check of your body every three months. Like a self-breast exam for women, the more you are familiar with your skin and what’s normally on it, the more you will notice any changes. Look for new skin lesions or changes in existing ones, especially colour and shape. A bleeding lesion is not a reliable sign of cancer. Hair growth in a skin cancer lesion is a myth. Australia is the best country to live in, but it can come at a price. Enjoy the sun but look after yourself when under it.

Are you living with, or worried about, someone suffering with BACK PAIN?’

If that is you or a loved one, it’s time to request our FREE report. We have detailed what could be the real solution to your pain that you have been looking for - a solution that could help you or a loved one keep active, maintain independence and avoid having to take painkillers. In this report we detail:

• Discover the secret to being able to walk further for longer with much less backache! • The single biggest back pain mistake everyone makes each and every day and how to avoid it • The changes you can make in the bedroom to get a better night’s sleep • A simple remedy for easing back pain which will cost you nothing - perfect to stay active and mobile • Discover how to move more freely and improve posture with some tips you can do in the comfort of your home • If you are currently held back and restricted from things like: • Getting a good night’s sleep, being able to work, walking with friends, playing golf or enjoying time with the grandkids then this easy reading report “How to end Back pain and Stiffness” will help you.

Request your FREE copy of “How to end Back Pain and Stiffness” by calling 9427 8333 or emailing lanecove@weareswitch.com.au

Burns Bay Physiotherapy 9427 8333

161 Burns Bay Rd, Lane Cove E: info@burnsbayphysiotherapy.com.au www.burnsbayphysiotherapy.com.au

James Becerra Harrison Brown

Acupuncture for the relief of pain, inflammation, and anxiety

WORDS: CLARE DONNELLY

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treats the mind and body as a whole system – not separate parts. Conventional Medicine has come to accept that the mind affects the body.

Acupuncture can relieve the physical symptoms of pain or stress that tend to accumulate in your body

Stress is a perfect example of the interrelated connection between the body and mind – any perceived threat triggers a fight or flight response in your mind as well as the body. The holistic approach – like acupuncture – for pain, stress, and anxiety relief, is thus very suitable for treating stress related health conditions. Headache, high blood pressure and insomnia are afflictions which can also result from high levels of stress. Pain is your body’s reaction to trauma, including physical injury, overuse, stress, or even emotional upset. It is the number one reason that people come for acupuncture treatment because Chinese medicine gives fast and lasting relief without surgery or medication. Your pain may be sharp or dull, steady, or intermittent; localised – such as in low back pain – or all over (such as in muscle aches from the flu) Firstly, acupuncture can relieve the physical symptoms of pain or stress that tend to accumulate in your body – in the neck, shoulders, back etc. – causing pain and tension. Secondly, it leaves the body/mind feeling calm and relaxed, so can help your anxiety too. An added benefit is that it improves the circulation of blood throughout the body. TCM assesses the symptoms to find the cause. For example, whether the pain is worse in cold, wet, or windy weather; worse after activity or rest, whether recent or long term, and is treated accordingly. Another tool, a warming technique called moxa- where a cylinder of compressed herbs is ignited and held over the site – is used for coldaffected pain. In some cases a gentle electric current may be used to strengthen the effect of the needles. Certain points that are not located near the site of pain are known to be beneficial such as ‘the master point of tendon/ muscle problems’ may also be used. Generally needles are inserted in the local area and also at a distal point on the same meridian. Regular acupuncture treatments can help strengthen your body and calm your mind, so you are better able to deal with the dayto-day stresses of life, rest better and thus leave you feeling refreshed and energised. In some cases, acupuncture that is being used to treat one condition may actually help detect another more severe illness that has not been previously identified. Thus by alleviating stress and strengthening the body, it acts as a preventive measure against further illnesses developing. So why not book in for a relaxing treatment soon? If this is something that’s causing you a problem at the moment, call us to talk about how we can help prevent your pain and anxiety disrupting your life further. Clare Donnelly is a Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Herbalist and Acupuncturist who practices out of the Health Space Lane Cove clinic.