This paper was written to detail, with clinical rationale, the various steps in orthograde first time endodontic treatment of adult teeth with closed apices. The steps detailed are principle driven and will work with virtually any rotary nickel titanium (RNT) instrumentation system. The above notwithstanding, this article describes the use of Twisted Files* (TF) and … Read more
When I pay one of my infrequent visits to my primary care guy, I make certain to get my $10 co-payment’s worth by saving up symptoms until I’m sure I have enough to command his attention for at least 10 minutes. These are carefully recorded on a list I bring with me. My left knee … Read more
The evolution of endodontic instrumentation from stainless steel hand files to the intricacies of rotary nickel titanium has advanced the efficiency and predictability of the enlargement of root canals. In recent years, other improvements in instrumentation methods and materials have produced even better results. These advancements include the use of hand and engine driven files … Read more
I find it interesting as well as frustrating to read guest editorials such as this one. Interesting because they often provide insight in to what other practitioners are doing and what can be learned from them. Frustrating because some of the guest editorials provide yet more evidence of the deterioration of the practice of general … Read more
After reading Dr.Serota’s articles on the endodontic vs. implant controversy, I felt compelled to comment and elaborate on some of the assertions made in those articles. Dr.Serota states that the purpose of his paper “is to ensure that all variables in the treatment planning equation are understood and given equal weight in the comprehensive care … Read more
The New Jerusalem – William Blake I will not cease from mental fight, Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand Till we have built Jerusalem In England’s green and pleasant land. Thank you for your commentary on Part II of the Endodontic Implant Algorithm. A response in this modality is complicated, like one hand … Read more
I would like to make several points. Firstly, there will always be people within the profession who feel that treating the appearance of the smile is frivolous and simply a money-making scheme, despite the important benefits it provides the patient (ask any of the recipients of the AACD’s Give Back a Smile program!). Modern dentistry … Read more
Several parameters should be considered in shaping root canal spaces, these include choosing the correct: • working length • master apical diameter • taper. With regard to working length, while there is some divergence of opinion among clinicians, the natural termination point for endodontic cleanings, shaping and obturation is the minor constriction (MC) of the … Read more
The SLSA program is based on current, referenced literature and consists of 40 questions, answers, rationales are in the following issue at the end of each quiz. Dentists who complete the 15 question quiz in the November, 2010 issue of Oral Health may be eligible for continuing education points. The names and license numbers of … Read more
Albert Einstein once said, “Creativity is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited, creativity embraces the world”. Often, when we think and speak about esthetic dentistry we are mistaken to believe that its concepts are well-defined by rules and recipes. Surely, it is fundamental to understand the principles and parameters that are the foundation of … Read more
Bone grafting is often considered one of the most challenging procedures to undertake in a dental office. Numerous factors have to first be considered to ensure a predictable outcome, devoid of post-operative complications. Fortunately, the success rate of such procedures can be greatly improved with a good basic understanding of the different materials and techniques. … Read more
Are you a dentist? Oh no, I’m “just” a dental hygienist! I’ve often heard that disparaging remark, such a short sentence but so infinitely revealing of a person’s perception of his or her profession. Unfortunately, it conveys a negative image of a highly important and comprehensive profession that is far from being a mere accessory … Read more
Introduction Part one of Dental photography: A New Perspective (Oral Health, December 2009) described two types of photographs used in dentistry. The traditional dental photograph “record keeping”; with prescribed poses, magnification ratios, and lighting is a factual record of a dwental subject. The second type of photograph described is used to communicate a dental message, … Read more
A new decade and new challenges for the restorative dentist. We continue to pursue our quest for natural esthetics and minimally invasive dentistry to conserve tooth structure. This issue of Oral Health illustrates what is happening at the dawn of this new decade. The rules of the dental game are constantly changing and practitioners must … Read more
Abstract Many patients today seem to have an increased sense of awareness when it comes to smile cosmetics. Failure to plan correctly while understanding patient desires can lead to unhappy patients and subsequently a less than happy staff. When patients can see color and shape in the mock-up and temporaries, un-realistic expectations can be tempered. … Read more
All oral implant systems rely on the abutment part of the implant to provide stability for the dental prosthetic. The concial cone connection of the Ankylos implant offers precisely machined, tapered-cone abutment (Morse taper) connection. This tapered abutment connection provides high resistance to bending and rotational torque during clinical function, which significantly reduces the possibilities … Read more
In dentistry, the best asset to a dental operatory is a dental assistant who makes organization a priority. A dental assistant’s first approach to treatment planning is to predetermine and pre-prepare what has to be accomplished. I begin by verifying the chart, complete treatment plan, study models and establish an action plan that is going … Read more
Recently, the RCDSO published new guidelines for “sedation and general anesthesia” in dental practice. Having been in practice for 40 years and using sedation in practice on a very frequent basis, I knew that I should be taking the course in medical emergencies and sedation to be up to today’s standards. The RCDSO has put … Read more
Introduction Aesthetic results come from the practitioner’s combination of clinical smile design principles and artistic judgments. Each practitioner has their own vision of the final smile. The main goal is to provide a natural and pleasing appearance for the patient’s newly restored smile. For the last decade, most of the published articles in aesthetic dentistry … Read more
Introduction I recently received a gift from one of my patients with a note on the front that said not to open it until I got home. When I got home, I opened the card and in a box was a small angel. On the foot of the angel was the date 11/08/08. The card … Read more