CONTEST WINNER!
When using a matrix to fabricate temporary crowns, it is critical that the temporary material stays seated in the matrix when removing from the mouth. This means it should be perfectly adapted and not pulling away from the inside of the matrix. To assure a perfect separation from the prep(s) and adjacent teeth, there is a simple technique. Using inexpensive, water-soluble glycerin mixed 50/50 with water, I liberally apply the solution to all surfaces (including soft tissue) that the matrix comes into contact with. This is especially important around fresh composite cores and undercuts. When used, the temporaries come out perfect every time!
Mitchell Milan, DDS
Birmingham Center for Cosmetic Dentistry
Birmingham, Michigan
Making the Cut
Many practitioners first consider using diamonds when preparing a tooth to accept a crown, reserving the use of carbides for removing old filling materials and preparing teeth for direct restorations. However, diamonds may not be the most efficient rotary instrument for crown preparation. Diamonds grind away tooth structure, and the grit of the diamond—fine, medium, coarse, or super course—determines how quickly tooth structure is removed. In contrast, carbides “mill” away tooth structure using blades rather than the rough surface of the diamond to cut. Because a very hard substance (enamel) is overlaying a softer material (dentin), efficiency relates to how quickly the enamel can be removed from the tooth.
Gregori M. Kurtzman, DDS, MAGD
Silver Spring, Maryland
Well Wishes
All patients whom I refer to my surgeon for implants get some flowers and a note from the surgeon and our office together. Patients absolutely love it and tell everyone about it.
Amanda Seay, DDS
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Keeping it Clean
Use a wide (such as “Wider Curve”) matrix band to isolate a tooth when bonding in indirect restorations (inlays and onlays) in posterior teeth. Confines resin cements...no
interproximal cleanup needed.
Gary Alex, DMD
Huntington, New York
Submit Your TIP AND WIN!
Do you have a clever solution for a common problem? Inside Dentistry invites you to share the tips that make your practice run smoothly—ideas for better staff/patient relationships, clinical techniques, organization, and everything in between. You could win a $25 Starbucks gift card and have your tip published in an upcoming issue! Enter your submission of 250 words or less by going to www.surveymonkey.com/s/YH9XRT7 today!
Follow us on Facebook for “Practice to Practice Fridays” to read more tips from your peers!