By David Chan, DMD, AAACD
With contemporary direct composite systems, the clinician can now truly be a dental artist by conservatively and esthetically creating restorations that are so life-like that they virtually emulate the beauty of natural tooth structure.
By Bob Margeas, DDS
A 55-year-old patient presented to my office with tooth pain upon biting from his second bicuspid. Upon further examination a crack was noted on the mesial marginal ridge.
By Douglas Harvey, BSc., DDS and Bob Margeas, DDS
The scope of temporization goes beyond the protection of the prepared tooth. Maintenance of tooth position as well as gingival health and position surrounding the preparation during the provisional phase are just as important for optimal results.
By Fred Peck, DDS, FAACD
Obtaining a patient’s dental impression can present many challenges. One must keep the area free of saliva and blood, have good access to margins and often deal with a variety of viscosities of impression materials, that must be mixed and injected simultaneously to obtain an accurate impression.
By Devin McClintock, DDS
Achieving successful, long-term restorations is dependent on maintaining a clean, dry and isolated field during the bonding process. While many options exist for achieving a dry field, the rubber dam reigns supreme.
By Harald O. Heymann DDS, MEd
G5 is a time and research proven desensitizer that works to prevent post-op sensitivity when placed under virtually any type of dental restoration. Based historically on the formulation of a dentin primer, G5 contains 5% glutaraldehyde, 35% HEMA, and water: a simple but highly effective composition.
By Marcos Vargas, BDB, DDS, MS & Kayla E. Erps, Senior Dental Student, University of Iowa
While restoring the posterior dentition, natural proximal contours, contact size, position and shape are integral to the function and longevity of both the restoration and remaining tooth structure. Composite dentistry has progressed to the point where restorations disappear into the surrounding tooth structure yet despite considerable improvements in both technique and materials, inconsistent results continue to be a challenge for many clinicians.
The sheer volume of information on dental materials and techniques at our fingertips is staggering, but having the right information is vital to providing the best care possible.
Having the right technology in your office is essential for running an efficient, state-of-the-art dental practice. In some cases, it can mean the difference between referring a patient to a specialist and being able to deliver same-day-dentistry in the environment where your patient is most comfortable. On the business side, the cost of this additional technology must be weighed against its return on investment and the speed at which this occurs. From the clinical perspective, consider what advantages this technology will bring for the clinician and the patient, and how will it improve the procedural outcome.
By Bob Margeas, DDS
From the one-shade to the more complex Class IV requiring layering of opacities, the simple fabrication of a lingual matrix can greatly simplify your technique while minimizing finishing time. The lingual matrix establishes optimal incisal length and lingual contour, enabling more accurate placement of subsequent layers. This accuracy translates into procedural efficiency and a more predictable restorative outcome.
