Crown dependency satisfied

GROUNDBREAKING dental treatment is now available in Alderney.Rian Cloete, of Alderney Dental Surgery, is offering Shatkin First mini implant technology, which replaces teeth and secures dentures in just a single visit to the dentist.

Rian and Guernsey's Paul Zietsman, of Bridge Dental Surgery, are the first dentists in the Channel Islands to offer the service, which has yet to be rolled out in the UK and Europe. South Africa-born Rian recently attended a mini implant course in the USA and describes the technology as the future of dentistry.

'This is phenomenal - there hasn't been anything as exciting in dentistry,' he said.

'I was amazed when I first saw the technology - this really is the future. I'm so excited - when I got back from America I felt I was ready to go again. I'm 60 years old but this has given me a new lease of life.'

Rian, who previously ran a practice in Sasolburg, South Africa, went on to outline the benefits of mini implants, which are fitted using 'immediate loading' technology.

'The big advantage is that you can immediately fit the implant and crown on the same day. Before this came along you had to place an implant, open it six months later, take an impression and then send it to the lab. It was a nine-month affair. The mini implants, which are like a tap-in screw, are also much easier to fit.

'Another advantage is the amount it costs. At the moment an average implant would cost between £2,500 and £3,500. This better implant can be done for £1,500, so it's much more affordable.'

The technology also secures dentures, much to the relief of numerous local residents.

Rian, who moved to the island in 1996, said: 'People will do anything not to have a denture. I've already booked in three local people who want the treatment.'

Rian said the technology suits modern life.

'This is the now generation - people don't want to wait nine months to replace a missing tooth.'

The technology has received rave reviews and is now commonplace in the USA and Australia.

'Dr Gordon Christensen compiled a very favourable report and he is one of the most respected dentists in the world.

'The technology is without doubt the best thing I've seen in 40 years.'

Rian struck a friendship with Shatkin First mini implant inventor Todd Shatkin after meeting him at the American Dental Association's yearly meeting in Florida. He is currently organising for Dr Shatkin to visit the Channel Islands and offer a mini implant course for local dentists.

'I've organised for Todd to come to Jersey and hold a conference. I would urge every dentist in the Channel Islands to take advantage of his visit - if they don't, they are losing out. This guy has fitted 10,000 implants and has a success rate of more than 96% over five years. He's also an amazing speaker.

'This is a big thing for the Channel Islands. Todd's never been to the UK before, so this is a big coup. It's also a first for the Channel Islands, as we're getting this before the UK.'

Rian is planning to make a return trip to Dr Shatkin's surgery in February.

'I'm going to spend two weeks in an American lab doing advanced cases. It will help with the work I do in Alderney.'

l For further information on mini implants, or to book a place on the Jersey course, call Julie or Bonnie on 823131 or email info@vegafirstimplants.com.