Moving beyond classical shade guides to achieve natural restorations

Color results from the relationship between light and an object and, therefore, restorative composite materials must show optical properties similar to those of the natural dentin and enamel. Enamel is surely the most important structure for this relationship with light, because it covers the dentin structure as a fiber-optic system.

Feb 7, 2012 | IMPLANTOLOGY

Champions Implants: An ideal solution for the general dentist

Given the great success and ease of use of the Champions one-piece implant system, the question of why the development of a two-piece implant system was necessary has been raised. More than 2,000 dentists and clinics have found the one-piece system provides great results, particularly when used with Prep-Caps, which compensate for any insertion divergences. So, why the addition of a two-piece system?

Jan 30, 2012 | PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

The filter principle: Is every patient a finals patient?

You remember finals, don’t you? Of course you do. Your examiners carefully selected a patient(s) for you to examine and diagnose and for whom to present a treatment plan. The finals patients were unlucky enough to have more than one dental problem and you were marked on finding all of them and your ability to determine a set of solutions for the patient.

Jan 25, 2012 | DENTAL HYGIENE

Guidance evolving on cleaning dental implants

As a dental implant sales rep, I speak with many clinicians on a daily basis about implants. Coming from a background of 28 years as a dental hygienist, the topic of cleaning dental implants always seems to come up in conversation. These communications suggest that the majority of dentists and hygienists are experiencing a great deal of frustration and misunderstanding about the biology and the armamentarium used when maintaining dental implants.

Jan 18, 2012 | GENERAL DENTISTRY

Case report: Internal root resorption rules out restoration

For decades, case reports and scientific studies have described the condition of internal root resorption. A recent web search related to internal root resorption revealed 247 results in PubMed and more than 1 million results in Google. According to many of the studies, internal root resorption is infrequently detected in clinical or radiographic examinations of teeth, but is a frequent finding in teeth with pulp inflammation or necrosis.

Jan 17, 2012 | PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

HR 101: Tees and tats causing a stir

Amber is an assistant in Dr. D’s office. She’s what you picture when you think “free spirited.” She likes to color her hair a new shade every month: bleach blond, jet black, fiery red, etc. She has a few ear piercings. It’s a somewhat edgy style but not offensive … until recently.

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