In this month’s issue, we have placed a particular emphasis on endodontics with our cover-featured article, written by Dr. Cliff Ruddle, and a Viewpoint by Dr. James Gutmann, both revolving around endodontic topics. As in other areas of dentistry, many things have changed in the field of endodontics and will continue to do so into the future. I read Dr. Gutmann’s Viewpoint with particular interest during the editorial review process. It struck me how we as a profession comprising mostly general practitioners (GPs) tend to think (like our patients) of our endodontists as only the “root canal specialists.” So, it was interesting to read the quote provided in this Viewpoint from the American Association of Endodontists explaining the approved scope of endodontics. Dr. Gutmann rightly points out that endodontists are trained and capable of doing much more in dentistry than just root canal preparation and beautiful fills. His short article is a timely reminder that GPs should keep in mind that our colleagues in this specialty can provide a myriad of important services for our patients. These caring men and women who make up the specialty of endodontics are among some of the most dedicated in the profession, and we can proudly hold them up as a shining example of what is right in dentistry. We also want to take this opportunity to thank all the endodontists who contribute articles to Dentistry Today. Their efforts in sharing expertise with our readers, in a magazine emphasizing content for the GP, are much appreciated by our entire editorial team.
We have a great lineup of articles this month. Dr. Parag Kachalia discusses near-infrared transillumination, a technology that can assist the clinician in locating caries at an early stage; Drs. Tim Kosinski and Richard Golden stress the need to maintain facial and interseptal bone when preparing the patient for implant placement; Dr. Gregori Kurtzman with Mary Hughes, RDH, in part 3 of a 6-part article series, will continue the discussion on how periodontal and hygiene treatments have evolved; Dr. David Little emphasizes the importance of thorough diagnosis, treatment planning, and excellent communication to achieve optimal clinical results; Dr. Robert Lowe introduces an innovative direct composite veneer technique; Victoria Patrounova, RDH, presents an update on e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products (with the full article available on dentistrytoday.com); and in our peer-reviewed selction, available for 2 FAGD/MAGD CEUs, Drs. Gerald Wank and Paul Springs present 2 clinical case reports addressing the use of the circumferential splint as a long-term treatment for periodontally compromised anterior teeth.
Please enjoy this issue of Dentistry Today!
