Post-graduate residents in the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) Advanced Education in General Dentistry program will present table clinics on Thursday, May 9 from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM. One CE credit available.
Dr. Yvonna-Marie Barrientos: Class II Restorations: Direct Composite versus Indirect Ceramic Inlays
With ongoing innovations in digital dentistry, over 50% of dental practices have adopted intraoral scanners, and this figure is projected to rise. While 90% use these scanners for single tooth-supported crowns, a simple addition would be the fabrication of a ceramic inlay. An inlay serves to indirectly restore preparations that are confined within the cusps of a posterior tooth, such as Class II cavity preparations. While these interproximal preparations are traditionally restored directly with composite or amalgam, indirect ceramics can be considered for more than just esthetics. This table clinic will discuss the risks, benefits, and considerations in choosing between a direct composite or indirect ceramic inlay for restoring a Class II cavity preparation.
Dr. Gabriel El-Awik: Anterior Esthetics: Gingivectomy, Crown Lengthening, and Other Surgical Modalities for Smile Improvement
Anterior teeth and soft tissue contour play a major role in the appearance of a person’s smile. Some patients present with short appearing teeth and “gummy smiles”, while some may require lengthening of teeth to allow for placement of dental restorations without irritating the nearby gingiva and bone. While the causes and presentations of an unesthetic smile may vary, the result is the same; an appearance that can destroy self-confidence and prevent a well-functioning dentition. Hard and soft tissue surgery to improve or correct this condition can be completed using a variety of modalities, such as scalpels, specialized hand instruments, surgical handpieces, and lasers, resulting in a more esthetic, functional smile, as well as a happier patient.
Dr. Kathleen Marinelli: The Mini Dental Implant: An Overview
Five million implants are placed in the U.S every year. With more than 150 million Americans missing at least one tooth, that number is only expected to rise. Mini dental implants have the same structure as regular implants, but they’re much smaller. Unlike conventional implants, they're comprised of a one-piece screw that's less than 3mm in diameter and a ball-shaped end that protrudes from the bone. Placement of mini implants is less invasive than conventional implants, and can often be completed in one visit using local anesthesia. Due to this decrease in chair time and their low cost, the popularity of mini-implants is on the rise. This table clinic aims to explore the techniques, risks and benefits, and indications for placement of mini dental implants.
Dr. Emily Phelan: Immediate Implant Loading and its Implications in Modern Dentistry
Implant-supported restorations are an attractive option for patients seeking to replace teeth lost to trauma, caries, or periodontal disease. While implants can be the gold standard in certain scenarios, a major disadvantage is the increased amount of time needed for a site to go from edentulous to functional compared to non-surgical treatment modalities. This extended timeline is important to allow the bone to heal completely around the implant before placing the final restoration, however newer research is challenging that convention. The goal of this table clinic is to explore the benefits, success rates, and case selection requirements for immediate implant loading to expedite the process to a functioning implant.
Dr. Alix Schneider: External Cervical Resorption Diagnosis and Management
External Cervical Resorption (ECR) is a dynamic phenomenon involving destructive and reparative mechanisms. ECR involves both periodontal and endodontic tissues making diagnosis and management challenging. While etiology is poorly understood, various classification systems have been established, primarily based on radiographic findings. This table clinic aims to present the current classification systems for ECR along with diagnosis and management guidelines. With this information, dentists will hopefully be able to counsel patients with ECR, integrating management into comprehensive treatment plans.
Dr. Colin Smith: Bonding Indirect Restorations to Composite Margins
Traditionally, dentists have been trained to place their indirect restoration margins on natural tooth structure. While bonding to enamel is still the gold standard, there are cases when bonding to composite may serve as a great option. This table clinic will discuss the evidence-based research that supports bonding an indirect restoration to a composite margin, the circumstances that warrant it, and the risks and benefits in doing so.
Dr. Alexis Till: Clear Aligner Therapy: Current Trends and Indications
Clear aligner therapy (CAT) has emerged as a popular treatment option since Invisalign’s debut in 1998. Clear aligners are defined as orthodontic appliances formed from transparent thermoplastic materials. CAT’s success can be attributed to patients’ satisfaction regarding esthetics, comfort, and oral hygiene. As CAT is expected to reach a market size of USD 7.62 billion by 2030, dentists and orthodontists should consider how CAT fits into their dental practices. This table clinic explores CAT’s current role in the orthodontic market and indications for use by general dentists.
Dr. Dillon Wasko: Is there still a role for opioids in dentistry?
Acute dental pain is often managed with a combination of oral analgesics. The most common medications utilized are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, and opioid analgesics. This table clinic will talk about the paradigm shift, the pros and cons of various oral analgesics, and the clinical implications.