The science base in oral health has been evolving at a staggering pace over the past half century. Initial research in this area was primarily in the basic sciences, investigating mechanisms of normal development and pathology in relation to dental caries and periodontal diseases. Prevention research has included controlled clinical studies, with and without randomization,…
There is more than ample evidence, garnered from numerous studies in various populations, to support a conclusion that in adult smokers periodontitis is found some three times more than in non-smokers. There’s ample evidence smoking affects dental health, increasing rates of periodontitis. If you just account for the most severely affected patients, the connection between…
Outside of techniques like whitening, and general dentistry, dental implants are one of the hottest topics in the dental sphere. For that reason, I’m presenting a case from Sweden, where a study was conducted on adults with resorbed mandibles. Material and Methods: A new, 4-mm long Straumann SLActive supporting a fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) in…
Implants have been around, in some way or another, for centuries. Only recently did they become a seriously viable option for restoring a smile. A lot of patients aren’t aware of the benefits of implant dentistry, or come into the practice with misconceptions. I’ve drawn up an FAQ, which could be helpful to patients and…
The IPS e.max system lithium disilicate ceramic (LS2) clearly demonstrates you can achieve aesthetics and strength in a successful combination. Particularly true in single-tooth restorations, this innovative ceramic, while two and a half to three times stronger than other glass-ceramics, consistently produces aesthetically pleasing results. Lithium disilicate indication spectrum ranges from thin veneers (0.3 mm)…
Oral health is what we do. While I work personally in the lab, the restorations we at Biterite contribute to are an important piece of the oral health jigsaw puzzle. For this reason, I’m going to be discussing oral health, including how we define it, it’s place in our general health, and we maintain it…
If you want to get the most of out your lab work, it all starts with an accurate, reliable impression, but even the most experienced practitioner can encounter difficulties when taking one. I’ve got special permission from 3M ESPE to share with you a number of tips developed by that company. 1. Tearing/rough surfaces: Rough…
When you’ve been wading through root canals, extractions, restorations and even implants, your perceptions change; what’s totally commonplace to a dentist can be mysterious and even frightening to a patient. Take, for example, a dental veneer procedure — you’ve done this dozens, if not hundreds of times, but it’s likely the patient you’re performing each…
Quick-fix dentistry is becoming more popular, especially on the back of six month smiles, television coverage, and ‘one day’ implants. Unfortunately the patient’s desires and expectations can outrun the capacity of modern quick-fix dentistry. Absent an overall comprehensive care plan, there is the distinct chance of overlooking other things which may be affected; the quick-fix…
Yesterday I was talking about the ethical problems of being asked to replace a functioning, healthy tooth restoration. Today I’d like to talk about the ethical obligations involved in ensuring proper isolation. Specifically, using a rubber dam. I think this subject is important enough to merit its own discussion. Even today there are dentists who,…
