Biomechanical planning for minimally invasive indirect restorations.

This paper explores the planning and execution of indirect partial-coverage restorations and will outline practical recommendations for maximising the outcomes for minimally invasive (MI) approaches to indirect restorations, with a special focus on vital teeth, endodontically-treated teeth and worn dentitions. Throughout the paper, the supporting evidence for each rationale for partial-coverage restorations will be considered, as well as the risks and benefits of adopting an MI approach to indirect restorations.

Crown Lengthening surgery: An overview.

The term 'crown lengthening surgery' refers to a variety of techniques which aim to expose a greater amount of tooth structure around a tooth or group of teeth. The decision to treat and which technique to use will depend upon: the underlying aetiology; a thorough history and examination; results of any supporting investigations and a clear understanding of the intended outcome of treatment. This paper aims to provide an overview of crown lengthening surgery and is illustrated with clinical cases.

Factors affecting decision making at reassessment of periodontitis. Part 4: treatment options for residual periodontal pockets.

This paper is the final in a four-part series outlining treatment planning at periodontal reassessment. The first article (part 1) focused on the information that should be gathered at the reassessment appointment. Parts 2 and 3 discussed systemic and local factors that can relate to residual periodontal probing depths. Treatment can involve a range of non-surgical and surgical approaches. A variety of general, practical and local site factors can affect the choice of one option over another in choosing the most predictable treatment option. Decision-making can be challenging and this paper aims to aid this process by discussing the assessment of prognosis, factors that need to be considered in decision-making and treatment options available. A flow chart to summarise this process is presented.

Factors affecting decision making at reassessment of periodontitis. Part 2: interpretation of clinical findings - systemic factors.

This paper is the second in a four-part series outlining treatment planning at periodontal reassessment. The first article focussed on the information that should be gathered at the reassessment appointment. Treatment can involve a range of non-surgical and surgical approaches. A variety of general, practical and local site factors can affect the choice of one option over another in choosing the most predictable treatment option. Residual periodontal probing depths can be associated with both systemic and local factors. This article (part 2) outlines systemic factors that need to be assessed when faced with residual periodontal probing depths.

Factors affecting decision making at reassessment of periodontitis. Part 1: history and examination at reassessment.

Periodontal therapy aims to arrest the disease while maintaining function and aesthetics. Reassessment allows an opportunity to assess the periodontal status and need for further treatment. This is distinct from initial assessment in that the patient's response to initial therapy will be apparent and many treatment options other than non-surgical therapy require consideration. This series of papers outlines the processes to undergo at periodontal reassessment in order to assess viable treatment options and decide on a plan. This first article focuses on the information that should be gathered at the reassessment appointment in order to allow a full view of a case to aid decision-making. Subsequent papers in this series discuss the systemic and local factors that can account for residual probing depths, assessment of prognosis and treatment planning. Reassessment should be undertaken in a detailed manner to establish the reasons for any residual periodontal probing depths which will lead to the appropriate treatment option.

Utilising Digital Dentistry for the Management of Patients With Hypodontia of Lateral Incisers.

Management of missing maxillary lateral incisors can involve joint restorative and orthodontic treatment planning and intervention. Digital dental technologies are contributing to better communication and precision of planning both between clinicians and patients and within specialists. This paper outlines the ways in which digital dentistry is facilitating this process with a focus on restoratively-driven treatment planning and delivery.

Biologically based restorative management of tooth wear.

The prevalence and severity of tooth wear is increasing in industrialised nations. Yet, there is no high-level evidence to support or refute any therapeutic intervention. In the absence of such evidence, many currently prevailing management strategies for tooth wear may be failing in their duty of care to first and foremost improve the oral health of patients with this disease. This paper promotes biologically sound approaches to the management of tooth wear on the basis of current best evidence of the aetiology and clinical features of this disease. The relative risks and benefits of the varying approaches to managing tooth wear are discussed with reference to long-term follow-up studies. Using reference to ethical standards such as "The Daughter Test", this paper presents case reports of patients with moderate-to-severe levels of tooth wear managed in line with these biologically sound principles.