Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to Gordon J Christensen.
There is an obvious tendency in dental practice to place more full crowns than may be necessary. This article has discussed some of the reasons for this increased use of full crowns, and for a reduction in the use of full crowns. I have supported the desirability of placing more conservative restorations, and I have discussed the financial and longevity implications offered by more conservative restorative dentistry.
Minimally invasive dentistry, in cases in which it is appropriate, is a concept that preserves dentitions and supporting structures. In this column, I have discussed several examples of minimally invasive dental techniques. This type of dentistry is gratifying for dentists and appreciated by patients. If more dentists would practice it, the dental profession could enhance the public's perception of its honesty and increase its professionalism as well.
Many dentists report increased activity in endodontic therapy. Although retention of teeth through most of life by many patients and the aging population are potential reasons for this increase, it is possible that some of the new dental procedures, instruments or materials that have become popular in recent years also are significant causative factors. Several potential preventable reasons for increased pulpal death and the resultant need for endodontic therapy are discussed in this article.
Several forms of restorative techniques are used for posterior teeth. They vary significantly in cost and longevity. The following restorative concepts are the most commonly used: amalgam, resin-based composite, PFM, cast gold alloy restorations and all-ceramic restorations. I suggest that patients be informed about the potential longevity of restorative treatment for posterior teeth as they make decisions about treatment for their oral restorative needs.
Impressions for crowns and fixed prostheses could be better. I have offered several suggestions to improve their quality. None of the suggestions is difficult or time-consuming. The result of making better impressions will be greater longevity for the resultant restorations and happier patients, dentists and laboratory technicians.
Observation of occlusion, providing patient education about occlusion and treatment of occlusal conditions sadly are neglected in the profession. Occlusal equilibration is one of the major treatments for occlusally oriented diseases, and I estimate that this procedure is not accomplished frequently by many practitioners. I have discussed the conditions needing occlusal equilibration and suggested procedures for the conditions. I encourage practitioners needing education in occlusion to seek it.
Undoubtedly, the four challenges facing dental technology we have described in this article are not the only ones, but they are the major ones as identified by the participants in the Dental Technology Summit. The attendees conducted active discussion on all of these points and developed potential solutions. It was gratifying to see the various political and organizational factions agree on the challenges, and the participants felt at the conclusion of the conference that the described challenges are, in fact, those that need immediate attention. We will discuss suggested potential solutions in a column in the June issue of JADA.
The dental laboratory industry appears to need immediate change to face many challenges, the four most significant of which are described in this column and in our column in May JADA. The first article on this subject described the current challenges facing the laboratory industry, as determined by conference attendees representing all aspects of the dental industry and related professions. This article reports on the suggestions made by attendees of this conference to solve the identified challenges.
Properly accomplished, bleaching or whitening teeth is a highly positive behavior-changing procedure that is not going to go away. It has been one of the major encouragements for patients to accept upgrades in their smiles. However, bleaching has some negative challenges. Dental practitioners who are aware of these can help ensure that the patient's bleaching experience is a satisfying one.
Many dental patients have special preventive needs related to dental caries and periodontal disease, and most patients with intellectual or physical disabilities have specialized needs. This article suggests that these needs often go overlooked. To best care for patients with these needs, the dental practitioner should identify special oral hygiene needs among his or her patients, provide them with oral hygiene instruction and implement the specific oral hygiene preventive and treatment procedures described here.
Bonding to acid-etched enamel is well-known, effective, predictable and long-lasting. Bonding to dentin has had a less satisfactory history to date, but it has been highly recommended and researched. This article discusses the controversies in this subject and blends research and clinical observations to make some logical conclusions about how and when to use the various enamel and dentinal bonding materials that are available today.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
I apologize for making some of you nervous, and perhaps even resentful, but I HAVE HAD ENOUGH! I do not like the new unethical face of my profession, where incessant seeking of more money has replaced service to the public, honesty, and self-respect. Numerous areas of major ethical concern in dentistry are identified in this article. The ongoing, if not accelerating, degeneration of professional ethics in dentistry is clearly evident to even casual observers. Improvements in professional ethics are necessary to regain our self-respect and the respect of the people we serve. All of us need to improve, including practitioners, speakers, dental schools accomplishing research, manufacturers, editors, and evaluating groups. It is time to return to honesty and to dealing with our fellow men and women in the way we would want to be treated ourselves. I do not think it is too late.
I apologize for making some of you nervous, and perhaps even resentful, but I HAVE HAD ENOUGH! I do not like the new unethical face of my profession, where incessant seeking of more money has replaced service to the public, honesty, and self-respect. Numerous areas of major ethical concern in dentistry are identified in this article. The ongoing, if not accelerating, degeneration of professional ethics in dentistry is clearly evident to even casual observers. Improvements in professional ethics are necessary to regain our self-respect and the respect of the people we serve. All of us need to improve, including practitioners, speakers, dental schools accomplishing research, manufacturers, editors, and evaluating groups. It is time to return to honesty and to dealing with our fellow men and women in the way we would want to be treated ourselves. I do not think it is too late.
Dentistry can offer its dedicated practitioners a wonderful, productive, service-oriented life, with an acceptable income. However, numerous circumstances can turn what could be a happy life into a nightmare of frustration and negative feelings. This article has identified several of the challenges facing practitioners. If these challenges are faced and solutions implemented, the possibility of the practitioner's maintaining a happy life is greatly improved.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.