Saliva as a Diagnostic Fluid
Salivary diagnostics is a dynamic and emerging field utilizing nanotechnology and molecular diagnostics to aid in the diagnosis of oral and systemic diseases. In this article the author critically reviews…
Dental Caries and Pulpal Disease
This article reviews the diagnostic process, from the first clinically evident stages of the caries process to development of pulpal pathosis. The caries diagnostic process includes 4 interconnected components–staging caries…
Differential Diagnosis of Temporomandibular Disorders and Other Orofacial Pain Disorders
There are many types of pain conditions that are felt in the orofacial structures. Most of the conditions treated by the dentist are associated with the teeth, periodontal structures, and…
The Influence of Systemic Diseases on the Diagnosis of Oral Diseases: A Problem-Based Approach
Although all dentists are taught about the importance of oral health to general health and that systemic disease can manifest in the oral cavity, the 4-year dental school curriculum does…
The Diagnostic Process
When first case examples presents to a dentist, a patient may have a specific complaint, be in need of routine evaluation, or arrive on referral from another health care provider….
Congenitally Missing Lateral Incisors—A Comparison Between Restorative, Implant, and Orthodontic Approaches
Tooth agenesis is one of the most common developmental dental anomalies. Successful and satisfying dental treatment is always the goal for patients and dental practitioners, meaning that a patient’s needs…
Minimum Thickness Anterior Porcelain Restorations
Porcelain laminate veneers (PLVs) provide the dentist and the patient with an opportunity to enhance the patient’s smile in a minimally to virtually noninvasive manner. Today’s PLV demonstrates excellent clinical…
All-Ceramic Systems: Laboratory and Clinical Performance
Several all-ceramic systems have been developed in dentistry to meet the increased expectations of patients and dentists for highly aesthetic, biocompatible, and long-lasting restorations. However, early bulk fractures or chippings…
Dental Crowding: The Restorative Approach
Crowded dentition is commonly found in the esthetic zone. Many forms of therapy can be used to treat the overlap of teeth caused by insufficient space within the dental arch….
Cements and Adhesives for All-Ceramic Restorations
Dental cements are designed to retain restorations, prefabricated or cast posts and cores, and appliances in a stable, and long-lasting position in the oral environment. Resin-based cements were developed to…
In-office Vital Bleaching with Adjunct Light
The use of light as an adjunct to in-office bleaching is a controversial topic in dentistry because of the equivocal outcomes of the research conducted in studies using light compared…
Soft and Hard Tissue Management Using Lasers in Esthetic Restoration
Laser technology has become preeminent in the evolution of appearance enhancements. Dentistry has seen a huge breakthrough with the introduction of a combination hard-soft tissue erbium wavelength. The conservative nature…
Creating Aesthetic Success Through Proper Clinician and Laboratory Technical Communication
High-quality aesthetic restorations that look great, function ideally, and last can only be predictably produced through implementation of excellent communication techniques and systems between the doctor and ceramist. With the…
Esthetic and Functional Consideration in Restoring Endodontically Treated Teeth
The selection of the best restoration for an endodontically treated tooth in the aesthetic zone depends on strength and the ability to recreate the form, function, and aesthetics of the…
Diastema: Correction of Excessive Spaces in the Esthetic Zone
The presence of a diastema or diastemata between teeth is a common feature found in the anterior dentition. Many forms of therapy can be used for diastema closure. A carefully…
Safety Controversies in Tooth Bleaching
Tooth bleaching using peroxide-based materials is an effective procedure in dentistry. Studies provide evidence on the safety of bleaching by dental professionals. However, concerns and controversy remain regarding the safety…
Smile Design and Treatment Planning With the Help of a Comprehensive Esthetic Evaluation Form
Even if a clinician possesses basic knowledge in esthetic dentistry and clinical skills, many cases presenting in modern dental practices simply cannot be restored to both the clinician’s and the…
Photographic-Assisted Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
The advent of digital photography allows the practitioner to show the patient the photographs immediately, to co-diagnose, and to work with the patient chairside or in a consult room while…
Whitening the Single Discolored Tooth
This article discusses the possible methods available for whitening of a single discolored tooth. Treatment options can vary from restorative procedures such as crowns, veneers, or bonding to more conservative…
Cone Beam Computed Tomography–assisted Treatment Planning Concepts
Computed tomography (CT) and cone-beam CT (CBCT) technology allows three-dimensional evaluation of each patient’s individual anatomy. This article highlights the presurgical planning phase of dental implant procedures that benefit from…
