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Biomedical subjects

Bruce W Small

Publications and source records attributed to Bruce W Small.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Gold foil and its use in modern dentistry.

Gold foil is the most underused restorative material in dentistry, and contrary to popular belief, it is still being used in many dental practices. As demonstrated, it can be used more easily than years ago and give the patient a restoration that may last a lifetime. Reasons for not using it have been addressed, and a simplified method of restoration has been explained in detail. It is the hope of the authors and the American Academy of Gold Foil Operators that this paper may stimulate some readers to investigate the use of gold foil as a restorative material. More information and educational opportunities may be obtained by contacting the authors or the Academy of Gold Foil Operators (goldfoil.org).

Dental Restoration, Permanent↗

Why not gold? Contemporary esthetics and restorative practice.

In today's dental world, there are many more options of materials and equipment than there was years ago. It can be very confusing for anyone to sift through the marketing and lectures and determine which of the new materials are best suited for our patients. Classic gold techniques have been around for over 100 years and have an obvious track record. Leinfelder (7) has stated, "Gold alloys are certainly the best materials by far in terms of maintaining a functional occlusion and longevity." Underutilized in the recent past, gold is undergoing a comeback in many areas. A major dental company recently introduced a new casting gold and recent advertisements for gold-related products have reappeared in dental magazines. It is incumbent upon the modern dental professional to be aware of all the restorative options available, learn how to perform them, and then choose the technique that will be the most appropriate for each situation. Longevity should always be a factor in the decision making process and gold is the answer in many applications.

Crowns↗

The gold standard.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Dental Restoration, Permanent↗

Alveolar distraction osteogenesis: a case report involving ankylosed maxillary central incisors.

Restorative dentistry, for the optimal esthetic and functional result, at times requires innovation, exacting techniques, and employment of various treatment modalities. A case has been presented here involving a large esthetic defect in the maxillary anterior. Traditional methods of restoration may have been successful but alveolar distraction osteogenesis was determined to be the treatment of choice due to time, predictability, lack of invasiveness, and cost. It is a relatively new surgical procedure that has many applications to restore esthetic defects, ridge augmentation, and large craniofacial abnormalities. Movement of osseous sections can be made in a vertical, labial, or lingual direction. When treatment planning restorative dentistry with vertical hard and soft tissue deficiencies, alveolar distraction osteogenesis can be considered to achieve optimal esthetics and a more ideal crown-to-root ratio. Further information can be obtained from any oral surgeon, orthodontist, or from the Internet. Dr. Martin Chin, a maxillofacial surgeon from San Francisco, has done much of the clinical work regarding distraction procedures on humans and continues to be an innovator in craniofacial distraction osteogenesis. His work can be found on the Internet at www.distraction.net; other interesting Web sites include www.klsmartin.com/distract.dir/indexdistract.html and www.seattle-implants.com/articles/distost.htm.

Adolescent↗

Direct resin composites for 2002 and beyond.

Photocured resin composites have come a long way since they were introduced in the early 1970s. Advances have been made in many areas and many general dentists are placing these types of restorations routinely. On the horizon are tooth-colored materials that may not shrink and may be able to withstand destructive occlusal forces. Currently, though, prudent case selection with very judicious use of posterior composites in molars and avoiding occlusal stops on the restorations or margins is highly recommended.

Bite Force↗

Interdisciplinary treatment for esthetic restorative dentistry.

Many of our patients have dental needs that general dentists cannot satisfy and may not even know about. Using an interdisciplinary team will expand the knowledge of all of the team members and can only enhance the restorative result, including function, long-term prognosis, and esthetics. Suggestions have been offered to help develop these teams, which may include general dentists, periodontists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, and endodontists. Team members are chosen based on individual skills needed for a particular case but all must be able to motivate and educate patients while providing excellent dentistry.

Adolescent↗

Clinical tips for improved composite resin inlays.

Indirect composite inlays have been used in clinical dentistry for many years. While there are more durable methods of restoring posterior teeth, these materials meet an esthetic need for some patients. To ensure the longest possible longevity, the operator must employ a meticulous clinical technique. These steps have been discussed above and, if followed, will help lead to a successful esthetic restoration.

Composite Resins↗

Refining the art of porcelain laminate veneers.

As with any other operative or restorative technique, the long-term results, both esthetic and functional, depend directly on [figure: see text] the effort made by the dentist. Attention to detail, allowing enough time, and a steady hand are necessary to obtain the desired result. A few operative tips have been provided to aid the dentist in achieving these sometimes-elusive maximum results. Proper diagnosis, canine-guided occlusion, and attention to detail will help you give your patients that dazzling new smile!

Cuspid↗

Putting it all together: my journey in dentistry.

I have grown and evolved as a clinical dentist primarily because I have been exposed to other dentists who have superior skills. It has been my choice to do this, and it has been very satisfying and professionally stimulating. Unfortunately, marketing hype and not understanding the total picture is influencing many of our younger, inexperienced dentists. The purpose of this lecture/paper was to help our younger colleagues realize some of the pitfalls in our profession and guide them in a direction where they may also see the benefits and rewards of our great profession.

Bicuspid↗

Esthetic evaluation and treatment of the maxillary anterior--a case report.

Achieving an optimal esthetic result can be very challenging. As in other dental disciplines, attention to detail must be followed at all stages, starting with thorough diagnosis and treatment planning. Better understanding and fewer potential problems result when dentists communicate with patients by educating them about their treatment options and keeping them involved. In this case, decisions regarding orthodontics and periodontics were made easily because of a complete understanding between the patient and dentist. Informing patients of the advantages and disadvantages of various treatment options allows them to make more informed decisions.

Crowns↗

The use of cast gold pinledge retainers with pontics as an esthetic and functional restorative option in the maxillary anterior.

A restorative technique for replacing congenitally missing lateral incisors was necessary when implants were not an option. Two three-unit bridges were considered but were rejected in favor of the much more conservative pinledge retainers. Only a relatively small amount of tooth structure was removed during the preparation of the canines, compared to the amount of reduction necessary for crown abutments. Maryland-type bridges (both all-ceramic and metal-based) also were considered but were rejected due to the tight occlusion and the need to prepare the lingual of both abutments in greater amounts than necessary for the thin gold castings. From an esthetic standpoint, there was a small amount of gold showing but not enough to bother the patient, his parents, or the dentist.

Adolescent↗

Successful dentist-patient communication for optimal esthetic results.

Dentist-patient communication must be at the highest level to ensure efficient, functional, and esthetic dentistry. Understanding the patient and his or her needs and helping that patient understand them as well is the first step to providing proper dental care.

Communication↗