Tried and True

So often we want to know what’s new, and boast about having the “latest and greatest.” Whether it’s a technique, technology, or methodology, there’s something appealing about it being new. But, as many clinicians know, sometimes there is no substitute for things that are established, tried, and true.

In this issue of Compendium, our continuing education curriculum highlights two areas of dentistry that, while not novel, are critical to the profession. The first CE article examines the intricacies of a papillae-sparing incision technique for implant placement. It is not a new technique, however it is effective in preventing interdental tissue recession and facilitating gingival architecture restoration. As you’ll see in several cases presented, papillae-sparing incisions can be used to accomplish diverse tasks.

Our other CE takes a detailed look at calcium hydroxide-based root canal sealers. Ca(OH)2 was introduced to the field of endodontics nearly a century ago as a pulp-capping agent. This updated literature review surveys the sealing ability, biocompatibility, antibacterial activity, solubility, and toxicity of Ca(OH)2-based root canal sealers.

Speaking of endodontics, we present research that evaluates histopathologic changes in dental pulp of teeth with chronic advanced periodontitis. After studying 30 teeth in 22 patients, the authors concluded that radicular pulp of teeth with chronic periodontitis presents characteristics compatible with pulp changes resulting from pulp aging. Thus, in such cases, endodontic treatment may not be indicated to enhance periodontal treatment results.

Of course, a variety of other topics are covered in our case reports, our Special Report on tooth preparation technologies, and our roundtable discussion (p.310).

Because education is central to our mission at Compendium, I’d like to direct your attention to a series of regional live CE events currently under way from our partner CDEWorld. Under the banner “Updates in Clinical Dentistry,” these full-day events are happening around the country and offer a comprehensive program in contemporary dentistry. Please visit https://cdeworld.com/events for more information. As always, thank you for your interest.

Sincerely,

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