At the time of writing this article, the Check Your Mouth™ campaign is growing exponentially. The North American launch of the public campaign in February of this year has been a long awaited aspiration of the Oral Cancer Foundation and specifically of the founder, Brian Hill, a stage IV oral cancer survivor himself. The emergence … Read more
Okay, you have a dental practice, you have all the best equipment, a great computer system, a beautiful building, and all the protocols in place. Now what? You need a dynamic dental team to get you to the next level. Have you ever worked with a team member who had a negative attitude? Negative attitudes … Read more
Ever wonder what organ really controls our body? Most assume it is the heart. The heart pumps blood to the lungs, which is needed to breath efficiently. Both heart and lungs are vital to the human body’s machinery – but consider the tongue! Medical communities are surprised at this possible revelation. Is the tongue a … Read more
Despite the fact that degradation and dissolution of gutta-percha (GP) and sealer (SE) jeopardize positive treatment outcomes, these legacy materials are still used in diverse protocols for root filling canals. 1 This paper reviews the historical cognitive dissonance in endodontics; the biochemical seal created by GP and SE diminishes over time with negative sequelae and … Read more
Errors accumulate during procedures. That’s the reason botching the access at the start of an RCT is so much more devastating than say, problems that come from misfitting a gutta percha cone just before finishing the case. Miss a canal and the case is going down regardless of how brilliant the remaining procedure is carried … Read more
IntroductionAs a practicing endodontist and a clinical endodontic educator for more than 30 years, the most frequent question I am asked about technique is, “Is it predictable?” While every dentist wants his or her endodontic treatment to be easier, more efficient, simpler, and profitable, in the end, it is predictability that trumps all considerations. As … Read more
Innovations in the micro-armamentarium, techniques and materials used for endodontic microsurgery are seminal to enhanced predictable outcomes by comparison with historical microsurgical procedures. The superior magnification and illumination of surgical operating microscopes heightens identification of root peripheries, ensures a lesser degree of root reduction and diminishes the size of osteotomies thus retaining greater residual bone. … Read more
Introduction Among the most frequently performed procedures in dentistry are posterior direct composite restorations. Traditionally requiring the incremental placement of composite layers in order to prevent polymerization shrinkage, postoperative sensitivity, and marginal leakage, direct posterior restorations can be difficult and time-consuming treatments. 1-3 Their location in the mouth can oftentimes hinder the precise placement of … Read more
Abstract The successful outcome of endodontic treatment depends on an appreciation of the internal and external tooth morphology. Teeth with unusual root canal anatomy present a unique challenge even to experienced clinicians. This case series describes the endodontic treatment of maxillary premolars with three root canals. The identification and management of this uncommon anatomical variation of the … Read more
Non-surgical endodontic therapy requires access preparations that uncover entrances to the labyrinthine tunnels of the root canal system. The era of bio-minimalism has altered the traditional configuration of endodontic access cavities. These bio-minimalistic trends are also transforming endodontic surgery. 1 The use of surgical operating microscopes (Global Surgical Corporation, St. Louis, MO) facilitates smaller crypt … Read more
The GentleWave® Procedure effectively cleans and disinfects while conserving more precious tooth structure. Simultaneous cleaning of all canals, deep into dentinal tubules, isthmi, lateral canals and other complex anatomy is accomplished through a proprietary technology that leverages multisonic energy, advanced fluid dynamics, and accelerated chemistry for improved patient outcomes. The GentleWave® System’s mechanism of action … Read more
One of the most controversially debated topics of modern dentistry has been whether to retain a tooth with endodontic treatment or to extract it and replace it with an implant. In the 1980s, implant dentistry became the mainstream treatment modality, with the purported promise of a maintenance free, definitive and long term solution for a … Read more
When it comes to current trends in dental office design – adjectives such as: professional, relaxing, polished and sophisticated may come to mind. Presentation and initial impression are paramount for establishing and retaining a solid client base. In the case of Lux Dental – it all started with the practice name. The client wanted to … Read more
Merely contemplating oral and/or maxillofacial surgery is often stressful and worrisome to patients about to undergo procedures. To reduce such anxiety and apprehension, the Davis Clinic in Vaughan, Ontario, was designed to exude a contemporary, inviting, and reassuring ambience. The clean, uncluttered design is evident immediately upon entering. Three-dimensional wall panelling behind the reception desk … Read more
Recognizing a recent shift in the way patients engage with their healthcare providers should play a significant role in the future success of any individual private medical practice, especially dentistry. The old adage that a patient will merely follow the advice and recommendations of their healthcare providers is no longer relevant. This shift in patient … Read more
LinkedIn’s CEO, Jeff Weiner, has developed a reputation as one of the “most beloved CEOs in the world”. Two sentences in one simple tweet proves just this – “Inspire, empower, listen and appreciate. Practicing any one of these can improve employee engagement; mastering all four can change the game”. My previous editorial in the March … Read more
Dentistry has long been a dynamic industry defined by ever-evolving technologies and trends. Managing to stay abreast with the latest treatments, technologies and practice management ideologies can be a full-time job. All too often the adoption of new technologies, designed to increase efficiency and to simplify processes for your practice, seem to have the opposite … Read more
Picture yourself about to begin the process of renegotiating your dental office lease with your landlord. It seems straightforward enough, right? You are going to propose a decrease in rent because your dental colleague next door is paying $2 less per square foot than you – now, this just doesn’t seem fair! You believe you … Read more
“I don’t know what the dentist expects of me” Has anyone in your office ever uttered this phrase? It is one of the most common statements we hear when working with offices struggling to achieve their full potential. When team members are unsure about your expectations, the result is usually too much open time, … Read more
