Inside Dentistry CONTINUING EDUCATION

INSIDE DENTISTRY CE FEBRUARY 2012

Ceramics: Rationale for Material Selection

Edward A. McLaren, DDS, MDC; and Yair Y. Whiteman, DMD

CREDITS: 2

COST: $14.00

SOURCE: Inside Dentistry

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READ ABSTRACT All imaginable types of materials and techniques, from very conservative ceramic restorations to very complex restorations of either metal or high-strength crystalline ceramics veneered with porcelain, have been introduced and tried throughout the years, with varying levels of success. However, there is considerable misinformation and a general lack of published rational treatment planning guidelines about when to use the ceramics available in dentistry. This article provides a systematic process for treatment planning with ceramic materials. Specific guidelines are outlined for the appropriate clinical conditions for using the various ceramic materials.

READ LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• discuss the rationale for clinical evaluation and material selection.
• explain the systematic process for treatment planning with ceramic materials.
• discuss guidelines for the appropriate clinical conditions for using the various materials available.

INSIDE DENTISTRY CE JANUARY 2012

Classification System for Root-Surface Quality

Pamela M. Maragliano-Muniz DMD; Dona R. Roberts RDH; and Robert J. Chapman DMD

CREDITS: 2

COST: $14.00

SOURCE: Inside Dentistry

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READ ABSTRACT When infected with dental caries, a root surface undergoes various changes as the caries process progresses. These changes include alterations in the surface color, texture, hardness, and consistency. When caries progresses beyond a surface lesion, cavitation of the surface will occur. In addition, a patient may present with concerns regarding dentinal hypersensitivity and diminishing esthetics on teeth with gingival recession. As practitioners, it is difficult to efficiently, accurately, and effectively monitor the root surface for changes between dental visits. In addition, patients who are at a high or extremely high risk for caries may present with an intact root surface that has progressed into a severely carious lesion between routine dental visits. As a result, it is common to place glass ionomer, composite, or amalgam (in non-esthetic areas) restorations to minimize these concerns or treat early-to-severe dental caries. Since its implementation in private practice and university settings in 2007, caries management by risk assessment (CaMBRA) has offered a practical and effective approach to planning treatment and minimally invasive dental procedures. This has proven to not only have a positive impact on the management of dental caries, but also on patient education and overall patient care. In addition to arresting the caries process on high- or extremely high-risk patients, predictable and positive changes on the root surfaces have been routinely observed. There is a limited amount of literature documenting the changes to the root surface after a patient is treated with remineralization therapy and risk management. This simple and efficient classification system for the diagnosis and monitoring of demineralized and remineralized root surfaces is designed to aid the practitioner when making decisions regarding planning treatment and restorative therapies for these root surfaces.

READ LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Learn a new classification system for the remineralization of root surfaces.
• Recognize the usefulness of this classification system in caries diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Realize the potential of remineralization therapy on root surfaces.
• Learn a practical approach for the assessment of the outcome of remineralization therapy.

Duane Keller, DMD; and J. William Costerton, PhD

Thomas C. Abrahamsen, DDS, MS

Michael Silverman, DMD, DICOI; and John Hexem, MD, PhD