Oral Health

Simplifying the Adhesive and Composite Placement Protocol for Direct Posterior Restorations: The Bulk-Fill Technique

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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

Root Canal Treatment of Maxillary Premolars With Three Roots: A Case Series

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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

The Cortical Window: Part One The Evolution of Endodontic Surgery

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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

Product Profile: GentleWave® System

GentleWave® System

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

Endo VS Implant: What is YOUR Hierarchy in the Decision Making Process?

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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

FDI Puts Focus on Global Prevention of Periodontal Disease

FDI World Dental Federation published two resources – a white paper and a practical guide – as part of its Global Periodontal Health Project (GPHP), which aims to bring attention to periodontal health as a priority area for policy worldwide. “Periodontal disease – or gum disease as it is often better known – is one … Read more

Youth Sports Season Sends 600,000 to the Emergency Room Each Year

Now that it is spring, even more children and teenagers will hit the field for youth sports. Unfortunately, that also means dangers to their mouths and faces. Research from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shows that sports-related dental injuries account for more than 600,000 emergency room visits each year. “Tooth fractures, chipping or loosening … Read more

Alcoholic Drinks Linked to Harmful Oral Bacteria

When compared with nondrinkers, men and women who had one or more alcoholic drinks per day had an overabundance of oral bacteria linked to gum disease, some cancers, and heart disease. By contrast, drinkers had fewer bacteria known to check the growth of other, harmful germs. These are the main findings of a study published … Read more

Pixels and Pictures: Photography 2018

Dental photography

As soon as I figure out how to use my iPhone, Apple releases the next generation. With the new one, I found out I couldn’t plug my old headphones into my new device without some wild adapter. Who decided to take the hole away without asking me? The world of technology has changed so fast … Read more

Communication: The Key to Esthetic Success

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Communication is defined as the imparting or exchanging of information or news; means of connection between people or places, in particular. There is no doubt that communication plays a vital role in human life. It not only helps to facilitate the process of sharing information and knowledge, but also helps people to develop relationships with … Read more

Success by Design: Elements of Planning for Restorative Excellence

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Introduction Since Dr. Charles Pincus invented the dental veneer in 1928, popular restorative materials used and techniques employed have changed numerous times. Trends initially dictated minimal to no tooth preparation, migrated to aggressive preparation, and have now returned to an emphasis on minimizing removal of healthy tooth structure. Esthetically driven dental consumers often present with … Read more

Shining the Light on Power Bleaching: A Review

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Introduction There is no arguing the fact that we live in a society where appearances are important. When I was growing up, I was told frequently, “you only have one chance to make a first impression, so make it a good one!” A smile is one of the most powerful tools for opening channels of … Read more

How To Avoid Occlusal Adjustments When Placing Final Restorations

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To ensure long-term success, a greater understanding of occlusal concepts needs to be incorporated into the restorations we provide our patients. We must ensure that the beautiful smiles we create today will hold up to the rigors of mastication and occlusal forces well into the future. Fixed restorations have come a long way since the … Read more

Developing a Cosmetic/Esthetic Practice

Cosmetic Esthetic

With the increase in awareness and popularity of cosmetic dental procedures, most general practices are offering some level of cosmetic and esthetic treatment to patients. There are many possibilities; from teeth whitening to cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers; as well as minor orthodontic procedures, tissue re-contouring and more. Patient demand has fueled the attention to … Read more

Transitional Bonding for the Severely Eroded Dentition

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Dentists are often faced with conflicting demands between function and aesthetics. Patients demand from their dentists an improved smile at a reasonable fee. Dentists want to not only meet the patients wants but also want to do that in a durable and evidence-based way. Thanks to the well-known improvements of enamel and dentin bonding, it … Read more

Pre-Orthodontic Set-Up for a Patient with Teeth Too Small for his Dental Arches

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In order to establish a comprehensive treatment plan, it is essential for the entire dental team to be able to visualize the final result before commencing treatment. A compromised or wrong treatment choice can affect a patient’s dental and medical health as well as their appearance. Orthodontists often are first in a decision-making process that … Read more

Botulinum Toxin: Not Just a Pretty Face

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Mention “Botox” (the neuromodulator Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A or “BoNt-A”) sold in North America as Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin (Fig. 1), and the average person thinks immediately of wrinkles. However, the January 16, 2017 issue of Time Magazine’s cover page article (Fig. 2) identified 800 medical uses of BoNt-A including depression, heart trouble, migraines, erectile … Read more

A New Smile for a Beauty Queen

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Introduction Wendy Jordan, a professional model, presented to my office for general care. After radiographic and clinical examination, it was determined that she needed only a prophylaxis. Her overall dental health was good with no periodontal disease or active caries. In a subsequent re-care appointment, we discussed the possibility of orthodontic realignment of her maxillary … Read more

Research Finds Link Between Fertility and Tooth Loss

Having a larger family is linked to a heightened tooth loss risk for mums, suggest the results of a large European study published online in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health The popular saying: ‘gain a child, lose a tooth’ suggests that fertility may be linked to tooth loss, but there are no hard data … Read more