The year 2015 saw many innovations in practicing dentistry, and we’re proud to share them with you. Here’s a look back at the Top 5 Clinical Articles of 2015, based on traffic at dentistrytoday.com.
Endodontic Shaping Procedures: The Past, Present, and Near Future
Root canal treatments are always evolving. L. Stephen Buchanan, DDS, explains how his experiences with non-tapered files led to the development of NiTi rotary files. Instead of 20 to 40 minutes of clinical time, shaping a root canal now requires just 5 to 10 minutes with no apical ripping, mid-root transportation, or apical blockage.
“Smart” Class V Preparation Design for Direct Composites
Stress on the gingival margin can make long-term restorations bonded to dentin challenging. Robert A. Lowe, DDS, uses 3 cases to detail how comfortable preparation, auxiliary retention, and correct placement of “smart” Class V composites that can release protective ions can help protect the gingival marginal seal.
Maintaining Facial Bone During Extractions
Tooth extraction can lead to significant trauma to facial and interseptal bone, prompting dentists to use the most noninvasive instruments and associated techniques to ensure optimal functional and aesthetic results. Timothy Kosinski, DDS, and Richard Golden, DDS, describe how they navigate these dangers in a detailed case report.
Optimal Shaping of Root Canal Systems: Demonstrating the Use of Controlled Memory Ni-Ti Files
Richard Mounce, DDS, explores how the technology behind NiTi files has progressed. He also explains the vital role that controlled-memory NiTi files played in treating a patient, step by step, with chronic apical periodontitis via endodontic therapy and a new crown.
Bonding Agents: So Many Choices
The myriad bonding choices in today’s market may seem like a good thing, but the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. Martin Jablow, DMD, walks readers through the types of bonding agents that are available and then describes, in 3 brief case studies, how to choose the right one for each individual patient.
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