It is interesting to think about the world we live in today versus just a relatively short time ago, when there were notably fewer choices in every aspect of our lives. For example, if you wanted a car in the 1960s, with a typical American income, you chose from just 4 major US car manufacturers. If you wanted to go to a grocery store to shop for some canned food for dinner, there was usually one aisle committed to a limited number of products. If you wanted the latest in phones (as there were no computers available to the average consumer), you could choose from a wall-mounted or desktop land line instrument manufactured in only a few basic colors. Think of the communication choices available today with the amazing instruments and tech-savvy methods made possible with advanced and miniaturized computers.
Dentistry was no different not so long ago, as the choices in materials and equipment, by today’s standards, were extremely limited. Compared with the modern practitioner, material decisions were much less complex, requiring less energy, time, and monetary commitment to stay up to date. Of course, the clinicians practicing years ago still dealt with their share of challenges (and joy) in successfully providing the best services available, in much the same way dentists do today.
Many of the articles in this issue, and for that matter, regularly in Dentistry Today, deal with new materials, techniques, and treatment concepts in an effort to help everyone stay informed of the many choices and treatment possibilities now available. Our cover-featured article is a great example of how a seemingly traditional process can be looked at differently as Dr. Joe Massad et al introduce the “cameogram” technique. In deliberate conjunction with this article, Dr. Tony Daher et al describe a detailed protocol for state-of-the-art custom denture fabrication. The information in these 2 articles will serve to help any clinicians wishing to deliver quality dentures for their patients.
In other articles, Dr. Rella Christensen covers tooth remineralization; Dr. Tim Kosinski discusses the advantages of implant-supported overdentures; Dr. Rafael Mondelli et al share a composite case involving internal staining; Dr. Ross Nash demonstrates why pre-restorative orthodontics helps achieve optimal aesthetics; Dr. Paresh Patel demonstrates the use of monolithic zirconia with implants; Dr. John West describes how to achieve consistent and predictable endodontic results; and Dr. Warren Jesek, in our Viewpoint, shares his take on occlusion. In the formally peer-reviewed CE selection, available for 2 FAGD/MAGD CEUs, Dr. Dale Rosenbach discusses delayed implant abutment placement versus immediate abutment placement.
We hope that you enjoy and benefit from this issue of Dentistry Today!
