Effect of masticatory simulation on the translucency of different types of dental zirconia.

Statement Of Problem: Translucent zirconia has been marketed to dentists seeking to provide esthetic monolithic dental restorations. Evidence on differences in translucency between recently introduced translucent zirconia and conventional zirconia before and after fatigue testing with thermocycling is lacking.

Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of fatiguing and thermocycling on the translucency of 5 mol% yttria partially stabilized zirconia (5Y-PSZ) and 3 mol% yttria partially stabilized zirconia (3Y-PSZ) at clinically relevant thicknesses.

Teaching Silver Diamine Fluoride in U.S. Dental Schools' Predoctoral Curricula.

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF), a low-cost topical agent used in many countries to arrest dental caries, was cleared as a desensitizing agent by the Food & Drug Administration for the U.S. market in 2014.

Education About Dental Erosion in U.S. and Canadian Dental Schools.

Dental erosion (DE) is a well-accepted multifactorial form of tooth wear involving acids. Due to its irreversible nature, recognizing the early signs is important to develop appropriate preventive strategies. However, its place in dental curricula remains unclear.

The erosive potential of additive artificial flavoring in bottled water.

Acidic beverage consumption is a well-recognized contributor to extrinsic dental erosion. Although the pH values of some commercially available bottled waters are below neutral pH, water is still considered to be a safe and healthy choice. Artificial flavoring liquids or powders, known as water enhancers (WEs), have been introduced to the market to modify the taste of water.

The quality of fixed prosthodontic impressions: An assessment of crown and bridge impressions received at commercial laboratories.

Background: The authors evaluated and quantified clinically detectable errors commonly seen in impressions sent to commercial laboratories and determined possible relationships between finish line errors and other factors involved.

Methods: The authors visited 3 large and 1 small commercial dental laboratories over a 12-month period. Three calibrated examiners evaluated the impressions.

Survey of dentists to determine contemporary use of endodontic posts.

Statement Of Problem: Although the scientific literature provides sound decision-making tools for the restoration of endodontically treated teeth, dentists have different opinions on the rationale for the use of endodontic posts (dowels) and selection of post systems. The decision to place a post is at times contrary to the literature. Updated information on the treatment of endodontically treated teeth among general dentists is lacking.

Gingival displacement: Survey results of dentists' practice procedures.

Statement Of Problem: A high percentage of fixed prosthodontic restorations require a subgingival margin placement, which requires the practice of gingival displacement or a deflection procedure to replicate the margins in impression.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to learn the different gingival displacement techniques that are currently used by dentists in their practice and to compare the current concepts of gingival displacement with previously published articles.

Materials And Methods: A survey of questions pertaining to gingival deflection methods was distributed as part of continuing education (CE) course material to dentists attending CE meetings in 7 states in the U.

Selection of luting agents, part 1.

The clinical success of indirect restorations is dependent on multiple factors that include preparation design, mechanical forces, restorative material selection, oral hygiene, and selection of a proper luting agent. The selection of the luting agent is dependent on the specific clinical situation, the type of restoration utilized and the physical, biologic, and handling properties of the luting agent. Although it is important to choose the best luting agent for each clinical situation, far greater variations in physical properties result from improper manipulation of a given luting agent than exist between different types of cements.

The selection of contemporary restorative materials: anecdote vs. evidence-based?

The contemporary practitioner is faced with a bewildering number of options from which to choose when selecting restorative materials. There are not only many different types of materials available, but also numerous options for any given group of materials. For example, many manufacturers offer their customers three or even four different dentin bonding agents.

Longevity of the tooth/restoration complex: a review.

The contemporary dentist has a wide variety of materials to utilize in the restoration of defective teeth. The decision as to which restorative approach should be utilized in any given clinical situation is a joint one between the patient and the treating dentist. The dentist's primary obligations are to understand the indications and contraindications of various materials, understand how to optimally manipulate those materials, and educate the patient so that they make intelligent decisions and give proper informed consent.

Promising indeed: the role of "experts" and practitioners in the introduction and use of new materials and techniques in restorative dentistry.

Contemporary general practitioners are facing enormous challenges. Whether they want to or not, they are forced to manage a complex small business and are often ill equipped educationally and emo- tionally to do so. They also have to manage a substantial number of staff members, often with complex emotional interactions.