Conservative Values

Last month, I discussed how science and technology have changed the dental profession over the years. New products and techniques have been ushered in, altering the way we perform dentistry. One of the byproducts of technology development and innovation has been an enabling of conservative dentistry. The push for a more conservative, less invasive approach has been a growing, and worthy, mantra in recent years.

In this issue of Compendium, conservative dentistry is a common theme, beginning with one of our two CE articles, which describes the treatment of patients with amelogenesis imperfecta (AI), an inherited disorder of enamel that has a debilitating effect on teeth. In this review, which contains a case report of a 21-year-old patient, the author explains how conservative management of AI, including the use of contemporary materials, is crucial to maintaining the structural integrity and vitality of affected teeth.

Conservative dentistry is also in play in the Kois Center Case of the Month, in which a patient with esthetic concerns believed orthodontic treatment and jaw surgery were needed to correct his cross-bite problem. However, using a simple restorative approach, the case was treated by equilibration of the dentition with the use of a Kois deprogrammer. Significant esthetic improvement was achieved in a highly conservative manner.

Another case report this month focuses on guided bone regeneration to facilitate implant placement. The author describes a novel clinical method of inserting cortical bone pins for support of grafted materials and leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) to enhance wound healing in augmentation procedures. This approach, as is noted, has numerous benefits, including the elimination of the need for reentry surgery to retrieve materials.

Additionally, we provide a thorough review of dental ceramics, followed by a case report discussing restoration of a single central incisor that highlights esthetic shade matching combined with layered porcelain.

Please enjoy this issue. As always, your feedback is welcome. Also, keep in touch with us online at www.compendiumlive.com or www.facebook.com/CompendiumDentistry.

Sincerely,

Louis F. Rose, DDS, MD
Editor-In-Chief
lrose@aegiscomm.com