“It was amazing how you could get so far from where you’d planned, and yet find it was exactly where you needed to be.”
― Sarah Dessen, an American writer

One of the plans made by Dr Ansgar Cheng (Dental Specialist in Prosthodontics) and his family was to visit a ski resort during their trip to Toronto in December. However, this year, the opening of the ski slopes was delayed, as temperatures were relatively mild and there was a lack of snow due to the El Nino effect. There needed to be a change of plans and Dr Cheng and his family found themselves at Dr Milan Sombarac’s office instead.

Dr Milan has been practicing dentistry for more than four decades and is very experienced in placing dental implants. He even set a world record after placing two dental implants in the oldest patient ever, who was almost 95 years old during then. It was at University of Toronto (U of T) that Dr Cheng and Dr Milan became colleagues.

At his office, the family was treated to Dr Milan’s fascinating private collection.

One of it includes a tooth of a Narwal, a type of whale that has the longest tooth in the animal kingdom.

The Tenax Dental Implant System that was invented by Dr Milan.

Dr Milan holds four dental implant patents (US and Canadian) and has been awarded fellowships in four honorary dental academies.

A tool that was used by Dr Stefan Sombarac, father of Dr Milan, in the past.

Dr Milan is not only good at fixing teeth, but he is a professional violinist as well. (:

Dr Cheng examining Dr Milan’s 250 year old violin

Subsequently during the trip, Dr Cheng also had the opportunity to share his experience with the residents and staff of the Graduate Prosthodontics Programme at the U of T on implant-supported overdentures.

Dr Cheng and his family at dinner after his presentation, together with Dr Aaron Fenton, who is instrumental in developing the implant system that we are using today; Dr Limor Avivi-Arber, Assistant Professor of Prosthodontics at U of T; Dr Izchak Barzilay, Chief Examiner for Prosthodontics at the Royal College of Dentists of Canada; and Dr David Chvartszaid, Director of Graduate Prosthodontics Programme at U of T.

At the end of the trip, there may not be any skiing done but it was equally rewarding to have spent time catching up with friends and colleagues. Dr Cheng looks forward to continuing the meaningful conversations when he is back the next time and hopefully, some skiing too!

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