Choosing the correct instrumentation technique for any given clinical situation is a function of both the canal anatomy and the behavioral characteristics of the files being used. As clinicians, we are concerned about an instrument’s ability to shape the canal in as an ideal fashion as possible and its resistance to breakage while doing so. … Read more
The primary objective of endodontic therapy is to prevent and treat apical periodontitis.1 To effectively achieve this goal, proper cleaning and shaping of the canals, irrigation, and a coronal seal are essential. The objectives of restorative dentistry are to properly restore teeth to function, comfort, and in specific cases, aesthetics. Although the materials and methods … Read more
Resorption can be defined as a condition associated with either a physiologic or a pathologic process resulting in a loss of dentin, cementum and/or bone.1 Imfeld describes resorption as the process of biological degradation and assimilation of substances or structures previously produced by the body.2 Recorded observation of root resorption dates back as early as … Read more
Scope of Conventional and Contemporary Endodontic TreatmentsThe aim of endodontic therapy is to eradicate microbial growth and prevent or treat periradicular disease.1 Successful canal disinfection employs both bio-mechanical and chemo-mechanical means of cleaning. Mechanical preparation, termed bio-mechanical cleaning, prepares the root canal space for delivery of disinfecting irrigants and to remove vital and necrotic tissue … Read more
It seems to me that dentists are being bombarded from different directions with new technologies. And if we were to believe the claims and the hype that many of them claim, it would seem as if we are shortchanging our patients if we are not providing them with the newest and best(?). Granted, change is … Read more
Il me semble que les dentistes sont bombardés de toutes parts par de nouvelles technologies. Et, à en croire toutes les prétentions et tout le battage publicitaire entourant plusieurs de ces nouvelles technologies, il semblerait que nous escroquons nos patients si nous ne leur offrons pas ce qu’il y a de plus récent et de … Read more
AbstractThe cover model for Oral Health’s first Cosmetic Dentistry issue in April 1999, beautifully displays the calibre of dentistry that could be achieved at that time utilizing a multidisciplinary approach. However, any dental restoration, no matter how well it is placed, will experience the ravages of time given the hostile environment of the oral cavity … Read more
Minimally invasive dentistry is a buzz word that means different things to many clinicians. One dentist may think a ¾ porcelain veneer is conservative, where another thinks it is too destructive of tooth structure. Over the last several years technological developments have allowed clinicians to be more respectful of tooth structure. GV Black’s classification of … Read more
The New Bioclear 360° Veneer MatrixThe Bioclear Matrix System was launched in 2007 and became available in 2008 in Canada through early adoption by Clinical Research Dental (Toronto, Ontario). The Bioclear Matrix is popular for Class III composites, diastema closures, treating peg laterals, and black triangle elimination because of its myriad fully anatomic shapes. Additionally, … Read more
AbstractThis case involved a middle-aged female with a high lip line and small defects in the surface anatomy of teeth 11 and 21 as well as a gingival defect on tooth 21. The patient was not pleased with the appearance of her smile and her confidence to smile was affected. The nature and extent of … Read more
IntroductionCreating a beautiful smile can be arduous task for even the most experienced restorative dentist. With all of the wonderful materials and techniques that are available to the aesthetic dentist today … “beauty is still in the eye of the beholder!” For the patient looking for miniscule changes to improve tooth size discrepancies that are … Read more
When a full mouth rehabilitation is the necessary course of treatment due to severe breakdown of the dentition in its current state, one must keep in mind that as restorative dentists, we still have the ability to do things in a much less invasive way. We can always take out the drill and take away … Read more
Introduction As people get older, their teeth get worn out, making a person look older than they actually are. Most of these individuals end up having more issues with their overall occlusion, which result in their problems not being solved by just giving them some new veneers. When their occlusion is really studied over, one … Read more
Case Study: 2011–2012You could say that I live in a strange country. When people come to our practice, most of them have only a vague understanding of what they need or want. Of course they all want beautiful and healthy teeth but that is too limited to act on. This patient was not like most … Read more
IntroductionDentistry and smile design is an art and a science. Subtle variations can make a smile look unique and better match the personality of the patient.1 Creating smiles that all look the same is undesirable and should match the size and body type of the patient.2 When you begin to study and analyze smiles deemed … Read more
Recently I have been introduced to an emerging treatment modality called orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT). “Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is neuro-muscular re-education of the oral facial muscles through a series of exercises, to assist in the normalization of the developing or developed, craniofacial structures and function”. It is behavioral modification to eliminate dysfunctional habits. It works … Read more
Re: Articaine and paresthesia in dental anaesthesia: neurotoxicity or procedural trauma? (Toma et al., February 2015) It may seem odd for me to write a letter to you about an article that I recommended for publication, but that’s what I’m doing in order to provide some “sober second thoughts” to some of the assertions made … Read more
ABSTRACTThe use of a light-force oral mechanism to facilitate orofacial reorganization and optimize oral-motor function. INTRODUCTIONThis orofacial reorganization and optimized oral-motor function also allows for an enhanced genetic expression in cranial facial growth and development. Challenges to orofacial form and function have captured the attention and resources of the dental profession for decades. In 1982, … Read more
Chief ComplaintBoris (not his real name) is a young man in his early twenties who presented with constant uncontrollable and embarrassing masticatory and cervical muscle movement disorders. HistoryBoris is a 22-year-old male who resides with his family in Northern Maine (not his real location) and originally presented to our office in September of 2013. He … Read more
A Case Report Utilizing a Customized Transfer Abutment