In First Impressions George Freedman, DDS, gives readers a brief summary of products that have recently been introduced to dentistry, based on his clinical experience.
|
Traxodent Hemodent Paste Retraction System |
  Virtually every crown and bridge impression requires some hemostasis and retraction at the peridental tissues in order to expose the margins for effective visibility and access. If the laboratory technician cannot clearly identify the margins, the restoration will not fit and the dentist will, at best, spend valuable chair time adjusting the marginal area. A lack of marginal adaptation can cause redecay and early crown failure. Originally, hemostasis and retraction were 2 separate procedures. Hemostasis was required to stop fluids that could interfere with the set and the accuracy of the impression material from entering the sulcus. Retraction of the gingival tissue was needed to develop adequate space for the impression material to deposit in sufficient thickness to create a stable impression for the lab technician. Premier Dental Products has introduced the Traxodent Hemodent Paste Retraction System, which provides both predictable hemostasis and soft-tissue management in just minutes. Traxodent paste contains 15% aluminum chloride, an effective hemostatic and astringent that does not irritate or discolor surrounding tissues. The absorbent paste displaces the tissues around the margin and works synergistically with the astringent aluminum chloride to effect predictable retraction of gingival tissues. Traxodent expands to several times its original size but avoids pressure on sensitive gingival tissues. The soft paste produces gentle pressure on the sulcus while at the same time wicking extra crevicular fluid. While Traxodent occupies the sulcus, fluid is concurrently absorbed. After 2 minutes, the material is rinsed away, leaving an open, retracted, and dryable sulcus. No expensive guns or cartridges are required. Each ergonomic Traxodent syringe is supplied with replaceable, bendable tips providing excellent access into every area of the mouth. Traxodent Hemodent Paste Retraction System facilitates impressions.For more information call (888) 670-6100 or visit premusa.com. |
|
GC Dry Mouth Gel |
  Many practitioners are seeing more patients who complain of dry mouth. These patients have difficulty eating and speaking due to their condition. They typically complain of the tongue sticking to the roof of the mouth, causing discomfort and impairing normal oral functions. Dry mouth is seen quite often in individuals who have an impaired saliva production due to medications, radiation, or diseases that have damaged the salivary glands. Dry mouth can also be secondary to decreased water intake, physical activity dehydration, smoking, mouth breathing, and caffeine- or alcohol-induced dehydration. GC America’s new GC Dry Mouth Gel is a substance specifically designed to decrease the very uncomfortable symptoms of dry mouth. The Gel has a neutral pH and a pleasant taste (available in fruit salad, lemon, mint and raspberry). The GC Dry Mouth Gel is sugar-free and thus unlikely to contribute to the progress of caries in the patient’s mouth. Very importantly, it is alcohol-free as well. (Alcohol is a desiccant.) The application of the gel is straightforward: simply place a generous amount of the gel onto the tongue or a clean finger. The patient then uses his or her finger or tongue to spread the gel over the buccal and lingual sides of the teeth, extending to the oral mucosal tissues. The gel can be applied any time during the day and as often as required. For night applications, it is best applied after normal tooth brushing. The GC Dry Mouth Gel lubricates the oral cavity and makes it easier for the patient to undertake routine functions such as speaking and eating (and even resting) without the discomfort of oral dryness.For more information, call (800) 323-7063 or visit gcamerica.com. |
Dr. Freedman is a founder and past president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a co-founder of the Canadian Academy for Esthetic Dentistry, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Aesthetic Dentistry. He is a visiting professor at the Universita di Firenze, Florence, Italy. He is the Special Advisor of First Impressions and Buyers’ Guides for Dentistry Today. He is the author or co-author of 11 textbooks, more than 600 dental articles, and numerous Webinars and CDs, and is a Team Member of REALITY. He lectures internationally on dental aesthetics, adhesion, desensitization, composites, impression materials, and porcelain veneers. A graduate of McGill University in Montreal, Dr. Freedman maintains a private practice limited to aesthetic dentistry in Toronto, Canada. He can be reached at (905) 513-9191 or epdot@rogers.com.
