Placing tooth colored direct composite restorations is a clinical challenge for even the most experienced clinician. Aside from the technique sensitivities involved in adhesive bonding, determining a shade (whether single or layered) that predictably and precisely matches the natural tooth each and every time can be extremely difficult. Shading for most composite materials relies on … Read more
Matching odd shades (particularly if they do not appear in shade guides) can be a challenging task for a dental professional. A skillful practitioner who is familiar with principles of colour (Value, Chroma, Hue and Translucency) and composite systems, colour modifiers and shade matching principles, can create and match a restoration to the existing dentition … Read more
We are tasked to help our patients attain a more desirable cosmetic outcome; often, there is a choice between direct and indirect procedures. Direct procedures are generally less invasive; the practitioner only needs to remove old restorations and any pathology present. Restoring to achieve a long-term desirable outcome requires proper planning and execution to create … Read more
Abstract The use and popularity of both zirconia and lithium disilicate have increased dramatically over the last several years (Fig. 1). In fact, if current trends hold¹ it is entirely possible that that the escalating use of both zirconia and lithium disilicate will soon lead to the demise of traditional PFM’s. This article will focus … Read more
Diode Lasers as a Tool in Tissue Management Diode lasers have been used for many years as an effective adjunct for management of the gingival tissues in many areas of restorative dentistry. Prior to the development of diode lasers, electrosurgery had been used exclusively for some of the same soft tissue management indications. While there … Read more
Over the last few decades, teeth whitening has become the foundation of cosmetic dentistry, representing one of the most cost effective, minimally invasive, entry level options for patients wishing to enhance the appearance of their smile. When looking at developing a complete intra- and extra-oral, Dento-Facial Aesthetic treatment plan for patients, teeth whitening should be … Read more
Oral appliance homecare has a major impact on continuing compliance, treatment success, and the patient’s overall experience with the process. Individuals utilizing dentures, sleep devices, retainers, aligners and mouth guards are at a significantly greater risk of developing oral infections. Clinical research consistently demonstrates that, in a majority of patients, these appliances become infected over … Read more
There is no doubt that the world of dental materials and products changes almost as fast as the wind changes direction. Presently, the focus on products seems to be on intraoral scanners, in-office milling and 3D printing. But what about materials and products for everyday “bread and butter” dentistry? Materials and equipment that are faster, … Read more
Curing lights have become an integral part of dental practice 1 where they are now used to light cure direct composites, provisional restorations, luting cements, sealants, and orthodontic bracket cements. When a restoration fails (Fig. 1), or a bracket falls off, most assume that there was a problem with the materials used. But what if … Read more
Introduction Over the past several decades, dentistry has come to realize that: (a) Periodontitis is the most common progressive, chronic inflammatory disease known to mankind – more common than rheumatoid arthritis, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, chronic inflammatory skin disease, etc., and (b) although the dental plaque, i.e., the oral microbial biofilm (and its metabolic products), … Read more
A variety of methods have been introduced to maintain veneer preparation integrity, tissue health, and overall patient comfort. While there are many approaches to the temporization process, both indirect and indirect-direct, one of the most efficient is the direct method. Most procedures involve indirect temporizing techniques, fabricating and polishing the provisional outside of the mouth … Read more
Once teeth are lost due to trauma and/or disease, such as advanced periodontitis and not replaced, the alveolar ridge resorption begins rapidly. 1 An average alveolar bone loss of 1.5-2 mm (vertically) and 40-50% (horizontally) occurs within first six months after tooth loss. 2 If no treatment is provided, then continued bone loss with up … Read more
The 8th annual Women in Dentistry Symposium was on Tuesday, May 15th. The night is an opportunity for women throughout dentistry to network, learn and share experiences. Hosted by Dr. Effie Habsha, founder of Women in Dentistry, the event aims to instill a balance of work and life for female dental professionals. The basement of … Read more
Re: May 2018 Oral Health Editorial I’m always a tad confused with this supposed popular topic in dentistry today… Since when did it become Endo versus Implants? Doesn’t versus imply against each other? Perhaps I’m in the minority but for me, if a patient needs a root canal, they need a root canal. And if … Read more
Today’s health standards mandate the retention of functional teeth (or their substitutes) throughout adult life. This is a colossal change of expectations in just less than half a century. In the mid-20th century, partial and complete edentulousness were common in people approaching their forties and beyond, even in the industrialized world. Science, research, materials and … Read more
Scroll through the dates, starting in 1867, to see the innovations and events that have led Canada and dentistry to where we are in 2017.
On July 1, 2017 Canada celebrated its 150 years of Confederation. The early struggles to bring our vast country together was indeed a wonderful achievement. John A. Macdonald was the leading figure which resulted in the British North America Act that gave birth to Canada as a nation and he was the first prime minister … Read more
Removal of wisdom teeth is one of the most common procedures performed in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. The most common postoperative complications of impacted lower third molar extractions are extended pain, trismus and facial swelling. These symptoms slow down the patient’s recovery and influence his or her ability to resume normal daily activities. 1-4 Many … Read more
Background Ineffective dental plaque removal has been shown to cause demineralization, caries, and periodontal disease. 1,2 This results in physical and cosmetic damage to both oral soft and hard tissues in the form of gingivitis, white spot lesions, enamel discoloration, the need for restorations, and potentially tooth loss. Prevalence of tooth decay and periodontal disease … Read more
Early analysis and diagnosis of soft tissue abnormalities and discrepancies enhances the clinician’s ability to attain the best possible outcomes with minimally invasive procedures. All too often, conditions are allowed to progress to their more advanced stages due to the erroneous thought process that the treatment is more disruptive than the pathologic condition itself. Today, … Read more