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