Roger Oliver talks dentures

&Q A

WITH Roger Oliver

THE DENTURE MAN

Roger Oliver has more than 33 years dentistry experience and has loved every minute of it. Dental prosthetics is his passion and he’s been trained by masters in the field. His initial dental qualifications were obtained at Cape Peninsula University of Technology in South Africa. He also qualified in clinical dental technology at the University of Otago, New Zealand whereby some of his techniques have been passed to other clinical dental technology students. Roger has managed large commercial dental laboratories both in New Zealand and abroad and has been involved in the training of dentistry students. SOUTH magazine asked him about his work.

Healthy, wealthy or wise – if you could be only one of these, which would you choose and why?

Wise! I believe a wise person could lead a healthy and wealthy lifestyle. Therefore gaining knowledge is so important.

Aren’t all dentures created equal? Are there different types suited to different people (and mouths!) and can you cater for everyone?

All dentures are not created equally. Each individual has different needs. Therefore our range of exceptional dentures, which we design and create, caters for every patient’s need.

Who typically needs dentures and what are they made of?

Dentures are prosthetic devices which replace missing teeth and are therefore often required by people from many walks of life. They are made of acrylic, nylon or metal which can be fi tted over the gums to improve chewing and enhance aesthetics.

In addition to full dentures, what are partial dentures?

Full dentures replace both upper and lower arches whereas partial dentures replace the missing teeth with some natural teeth remaining.

What are immediate dentures and are they suitable for everyone?

Immediate dentures is an option for having your teeth fi tted on the day you have extractions. The dentures are made prior to extractions, hence you won’t be walking around toothless.

What does it mean to reline a denture and does this have to be done regularly?

Relines secure a tighter fi t for loose fi tting dentures. We provide a same day treatment for this service

Are a patient’s dentures made on site or elsewhere?

All our dentures are designed and fi tted in-house for our patients’ convenience.

Typically, how long does it take to adjust to dentures and using them comfortably?

Depending on tissue sensitivity, dentures usually settle in within several days. In some cases, patients may require some adjustments due to some tight-fi tting areas caused by the pressure of new prosthesis. This all forms part of our after care which is included in our treatment therefore, there are no hidden costs.

What’s the best strategy to avoid ever needing your services (ie: to keep our own teeth throughout our lives)? What tips would you offer?

To avoid our service you may need to enjoy a healthy diet by consuming far less sugar and brush and fl oss regularly. Regular check-ups with your dentist to ensure a healthy dentition is also an important factor to help retain one’s own teeth.

In what way do technology advances and digital practises impact on the world of dentures in general and on your own practice.

Technological dental advances allow us to provide a quality product directly to clients in a short amount of time so, no more tedious treatment plans. In fact, at THE DENTURE MAN, with certain criteria we can manufacture and fi t dentures on the same day.

If you could be Minister of Health for one day, what would you do fi rst and why?

I would most certainly provide subsidised dental funding for ALL New Zealanders across all spectrums of society. Oral health is so crucial to having a healthy society.

What activities do you enjoy outside of your profession?

Much of my time is focused on my beautiful wife Natasha and my awesome children, as well as my beloved German shepherd, Boomer. My other passions include boating, fi shing, motorcycling and reading.

CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

THE FACTS

DR NIKKI FROST, senior vet at Franklin Vets Pukekohe, explains what to look for when it comes to chronic kidney disease, how it is diagnosed and how it is managed.

At least 10 % of dogs and 30% of cats over the age of 10 will have some degree of chronic kidney disease. In cats this percentage increases to 50% by the time they are 15 and 80% of those who are 18 years old.

The kidneys are responsible for maintaining water, electrolyte and acid balance in the body as well as excreting waste and producing some hormones.

The main clinical signs seen with chronic kidney disease are weight loss, drinking and therefore urinating more. Later in the disease we can see poor appetite, weakness and vomiting.

Diagnosis of kidney disease is made by blood and urine tests. Newer blood tests can pick up when 40% of kidney function is lost (traditional tests only increased when 75% of kidney function was lost) which gives us a chance to intervene.

The mainstay of treatment involves diet change. Kidney diets are:

• Lower in protein as the kidneys have to work to excrete the

waste products of protein break down • Lower in phosphate as in kidney disease this builds up and higher levels of phosphate hasten the progression of kidney disease • Higher in potassium as renal animals tend to be low in potassium, which can lead to weakness and the diets are also designed to try and maintain pH balance of the blood.

Other interventions depend on the individual animal. Some have high blood pressure and some have increased protein in the urine, both of which need to be addressed as both can speed up the progression of kidney disease.

Prognosis depends on how advanced the kidney disease is when it is diagnosed. As it is a progressive disease, function does decline over time. If diagnosed early, however, survival time from diagnosis is years.

Senior blood tests screen for kidney disease and the earlier we can intervene, the better the life expectancy and quality of life expected from these animals.

Is your pet 7+?

Regular health checks are important.

Talk to us today.

KIDS BOOKS

I’M AN INKY OCTOPUS

Frolicking in an undersea world, Inky the Octopus is keen to play. Along with friends, including a turtle, seahorses and crabs, Inky delights in a fun-fi lled game of tag in this colourful picture book, which is sure to appeal to little ones.

Stephanie Thatcher: I’m an Inky Octopus | RRP $19.99 | Scholastic

PARTNERS IN SLIME

Some would say there’s money in muck but, as Jake and Cooper discover, there’s plenty of scratch in slime too! Selling homemade slime might be a great way to fund rollercoaster rides at Adrenalin World, but their new ‘magnetic neon gloop’ (devised with the assistance of a scientist uncle) could cause havoc and send their entire venture off the rails. Ideal for readers aged 8-10, this book promises ‘a rollicking recipe for disaster’.

Belinda O’Keefe: Partners in Slime | RRP $18.99 | Scholastic NZ

THE BENCH

Some seats are most regal indeed, others less so. It may be a simple bench but the story which develops in this book is deep and rich, following the evolving relationship between a son and his father. A heartwarming tale, The Bench shows how love survives the test of time.