Restorative dentistry clinical decision-making for hypodontia: retained primary molars.

Primary molar teeth that are retained beyond their exfoliation pose a clinical decision-making challenge for dental teams. The retention of these teeth may be due to absence of a permanent successor. As a result, careful planning is required to determine if retention or extraction is necessary. This article aims to discuss the prevalence of retained primary molars, assessment and treatment planning considerations, from both orthodontic and restorative perspectives.

Relationships between tooth wear, bruxism and temporomandibular disorders.

This article will provide an overview of the diagnosis of common temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and bruxism, along with their relevance in management of tooth wear. When assessing and managing a tooth wear case, the teeth should not be considered in isolation, but as part of the articulatory system, which has three inter-related elements: the teeth, the temporomandibular joints and the masticatory muscles. The presence/absence of bruxism and TMD are highly relevant, although there may not be a causal relationship between these. A consideration of TMD and bruxism, together with the potential impact these may have on the patient during and after any management of tooth wear, will form part of patient education and the informed consent process.

Occlusion: is there a third way? A discussion paper.

This paper does not set out to describe the reasons why a new concept of dental care should be deemed as acceptable and recognised as mainstream. Rather, the starting point of this paper is the belief that some dentists who are increasing the overall vertical dimension for worn dentition patients are not using the protocols of the traditional 're-organised approach'. If adhesive direct restorations are used, there seems to be anecdotal indication that despite not restoring in the terminal hinge axis, it can have a successful outcome.So, while not criticising this approach simply because it does not follow orthodoxy, the paper has two objectives. It hopes to stimulate some debate and research on this subject. Furthermore, by suggesting some parameters for what might be considered a new approach, it aims to improve patient outcome.

How to assess and manage external cervical resorption.

External cervical resorption (ECR) is a type of pathological resorption which starts below the epithelial attachment to the root of a tooth. Various aetiologies relating to exposure of root dentine have been proposed. However, this is poorly investigated in the literature. Due to the nature of this lesion, early detection via thorough examination is essential to maintaining restorability of affected teeth. This article aims to summarise the available literature and describe management strategies for ECR, highlighting the role of clinical findings and patient-related factors in treatment planning.

Dentin dysplasia: diagnostic challenges.

Dentin dysplasia(DD) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder associated with disturbance of the dentin. While the crowns appear clinically normal, on radiography, the pulp spaces appear partially or completely obliterated, with short blunted roots, and multiple periapical radiolucencies affecting the apparently sound teeth. Clinical signs include spontaneous abscess formation or increased tooth mobility which can lead to exfoliation. DD can therefore have a significant impact on the patient's dentition, and treatment is often challenging. Shields' classification of dentin disorders has been recently criticised for failing to consider differential variations and expressions of these disorders. This paper describes a case of a 23-year-old woman with previously undiagnosed DD, who presented with clinical and histological features belonging to several of these diseases, thus highlighting the potential diagnostic challenges faced with Shields' classification.

'The last post?': assessment of the failing post-retained crown.

Failure of a post-retained restoration can provide a challenge to the general dental practitioner (GDP) in terms of diagnosis, treatment planning and communication with the patient. The cause of failure must be identified, and a thorough assessment of the restoration, remaining tooth and its functional and aesthetic demands carried out in order to plan treatment to provide the most reliable result. Clinical Relevance: This article discusses the assessment of failing post-retained crowns, with discussion of reasons for failure, thereby assisting the GDP in decision-making and treatment planning for such teeth.

Making sense of sensitivity.

UNLABELLED: Our professional understanding of the causes and treatment options for dentine hypersensitivity should now allow the dental profession to manage this condition reliably. This paper reviews the aetiology and explains the scientific basis for what has become a confusing number of products and methods available to patients and dental clinicians. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dentine hypersensitivity appears to be an increasing problem for patients and the dental profession alike. Clinicians need to have up-to-date knowledge of this condition and the products available to treat patients presenting with this troublesome complaint.

Layering composites for ultimate aesthetics in direct restorations.

UNLABELLED: A number of modern materials are available which allow placement of highly aesthetic anterior restorations. However, some systems are complex and technique sensitive. The authors describe a layering technique for the provision of direct aesthetic anterior composite restorations suitable for a general practice setting. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Aesthetic restorations can be provided directly and in a conservative manner using composite resin, often avoiding the need for more destructive indirect techniques.