Introduction The use of digital planning in the practice of oral and maxillofacial surgery has afforded clinicians with enhanced treatment planning capabilities through the fabrication of surgical stents, which results in reduced intra-operative time and improved predictability of surgical outcomes. This method of pre-operative planning utilizes digital imaging data to plan surgery and construct the … Read more
Abstract A new class of anticoagulants known as ‘NOACs’ (novel or non vitamin K antagonist Oral Anti Coagulants are replacing the more traditional Vitamin K inhibitors – coumadin (warfarin). Other names given to these drugs include direct oral anticoagulants or “DOACs”. These drugs have the same basic effect to reduce the likelihood of clot and … Read more
Approximately 300,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed annually worldwide1 with an overall mortality of approximately 40 percent in the United States2, predominately because of diagnosis at a late stage3 (Fig. 1). Early diagnosis of localized disease significantly reduces the mortality rate. FIGURE 1. Carcinoma on the right maxillary tuberosity. The most common form of oral … Read more
I suffer from a metacognitive inability known as the Dunning-Kruger effect. I was working with a keen and knowledgeable intern who was suturing a wound in the posterior maxilla. Now, it was a rather difficult area but I gave the intern the room and time to practice this skill. During the 10 minute excursion to … Read more
As I return from the hospital emergency room (ER) after seeing yet another patient in dental pain (my fifth this week while on-call and that’s not counting the infections and fractures!), I wonder how we can do better as a dental community by these patients while easing the burden on the emergency department at the … Read more
The 46th Annual meeting of the Ordre des dentistes du Québec will take place this spring May 27th to 31st at the Palais des congrès de Montréal. Billed has Canada’s largest dental meeting in 2015, over 13,000 delegates from around the world are expected to attend. JDIQ features a scientific program with over 125 lectures … Read more
When it comes to pain and dental professionals we know two things. One, pain is almost inevitable, due to the taxing nature of the job on the body; and two, that common imaging studies (X-rays and MRIs) often do not show significant findings that would explain the experience of pain. But the pain is definitely … Read more
The clinical practice of endodontics is subject to some paradoxes. One of these paradoxes involves examining the apical extent in order to evaluate root canal debridement and filling. The conventional assessment method evaluates the result of the endodontic treatment by the apical position of its obturation, even though it has been proven that the location … Read more
Cracked teeth present both diagnostic and restorative challenges to any dentist. A cracked tooth can present with varied signs and symptoms based on the location and extent of the crack, which can be difficult to determine and visualize. Treatment of cracked teeth has been controversial in recent literature. Previously, stainless steel bands were often used … Read more
Introduction The objective of preclinical dental training of undergraduate students is focused towards orientation, improvisation of performance and spatial perception of learners. These abilities combined with application of preclinical training to clinical practice are essential.1 Preclinical training offers enhancement of dexterity (motor skills) along with cognitive development. One of the main specialties wherein this dexterity … Read more
ABSTRACT Purpose: Several aspects of irrigation have recently changed due to extensive research in the area. Research demonstrating preferences in irrigation practices among endodontists is limited, therefore, this study sought to assess current practices in root canal irrigation among endodontists using a web-based survey. Methods: Endodontists with a membership with the Canadian Academy of Endodontics … Read more
ABSTRACT The aim of this paper was to analyse the cleanliness of root canals prepared with the use of Revo-S, ProTaper Next and Twisted Files Adaptive instruments. After preparation and thorough irrigation, the roots were notched transversally and split into three even parts. The cross-sections were then analysed using a dental microscope. Irrespective of the … Read more
The ultimate goal of endodontic treatment is the prevention and/or treatment of apical periodontitis, such that there is complete healing and absence of infection1 while the overall long-term goal is the placement of a definitive, clinically successful restoration and preservation of the tooth.2 Successful endodontic treatment depends on a number of factors, including proper instrumentation, … Read more
Finding the Holy Grail. Grabbing the Brass Ring. Finding the MB2 canal in maxillary molars! Pie in the sky? We think not! With all the technological advances that have occurred in dentistry, certainly in endodontics, the biologic objectives have remained the same, those being to eliminate and/or prevent apical periodontitis. How does one do this? … Read more
The Annual Spring Meeting (ASM) is the Ontario Dental Association’s signature dental conference and trade show. Now in its 149th year, the ASM continues to be a prominent gathering place for all dental professionals. The ASM offers an unparalleled education program featuring the best and brightest minds in the dental industry. Year-after-year, dentists and their … Read more
Cosmetic procedures like bleaching and porcelain veneers result in that today people are more conscious about the appearance of their smile than ever before. Often though, people with dentures are deprived of cosmetic outcomes. This is strange. Because it’s like saying that people with no teeth are not influenced by the cosmetic revolution of today, … Read more
Missing or impacted teeth can often accompany a patient throughout their lifetime. A maxillary lateral incisor is the third most common congenitally missing tooth in the dentition and affects nearly two percent of the population. Esthetics and function can easily become compromised due to the change or minimized spatial dynamics of the arch when this … Read more
Introduction In the academic year of 2014 to 2015, a new continuing education program, Residency in Cosmetic Dentistry, was introduced to the dental community. This program was meant to provide opportunity for practicing dentists who are interested in enhancing their knowledge and skill in the subject of esthetic dentistry to join. The program included teaching … Read more
Do no harm. We as dentists understand this statement to a T. Our patient’s? Well that’s another story. Cases do fail. Sometimes they fail because we make errors. Sometimes they fail due to unforeseen circumstances. In any event, a failed case is just that… a failed case. I can certainly speak for myself when I … Read more
Introduction The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) launched “The Smile Story Contest” in April 2014. The purpose of the contest was to raise awareness of the benefits of cosmetic dentistry. Entrants submitted their smile story explaining why they deserved a new smile, along with their photo. The contestants were chosen by the public through … Read more