Resin cements: into the 21st century

Current trends in dentistry are largely dependent on adhesives. The use of indirect restorations in cosmetic dentistry often requires predictable adhesive luting systems. This article discusses the properties and performance of today's resin luting systems. Solubility, wear resistance, strength, and microleakage play an important role in the performance of a cement. Some critical handling issues are addressed and information about current resin cements is provided.     

21st century endodontics. Part 5

This series of papers has attempted to present the latest principles in root canal treatment. It is hoped that by comparing the techniques described with their own clinical procedures, the reader will have considered whether changes may be appropriate. These may have been immediate, for example introducing an EDTA solution as an additional irrigant, or more long-term, perhaps by planning to attend hands-on courses to perfect a new procedure before using it in vivo. Professor Dick Walker, an excellent and eminent endodontist, once said that he would not even think of doing something to a patient that he had not done at least twenty times, (and probably more), on an extracted tooth. Wise words indeed! Unfortunately even with practice and persistence, problems may arise during or after root canal treatment. The focus of this paper is on some of the more common problems that may be encountered and how endodontic treatment failures may be addressed.     

21st century endodontics. Part 2

The first paper in this series considered the subject of diagnosis and treatment planning for patients with endodontic problems. One of the factors to be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not to prescribe root canal treatment is the morphology of the root canal system of the root in question. Some information may be gleaned from the pre-operative radiograph, but much will be part of the practitioner's own knowledge. An understanding of the root canal morphology is also essential when cutting efficient and effective access cavities, remembering the endodontic cliché that 'access is success'. This paper will review canal morphology and access cavities, and then consider how teeth under treatment may be isolated from the oral environment to maintain a sterile operating environment.     

21st century endodontics. Part 1

Root canal treatment techniques probably develop and change more frequently than any other area of dental practice and it can be hard for the busy general dental practitioner to keep up to date. The aim of this series of five papers is to give a thorough review of current teaching and practice. This will encompass the rationale of root canal treatment, guidance on the latest technical procedures for preparation and obturation of the entire root canal system, and consideration of how these principles may contribute to successful treatment. The series will address the following issues: diagnosis and treatment planning; root canal morphology and access; control of infection by effective isolation and anti-microbial agents; the philosophy of modern canal preparation techniques; single- or multi-visit treatment with relevant canal medication; obturation; diagnosis of failure and considerations in re-treatment. It is hoped that readers will be encouraged by the series to question their own techniques, audit their outcomes, and adopt new techniques only after careful reflection of the underlying principles involved.     

21st century endodontics. Part 4

The prime objective of this series of papers has been to focus the attention of the reader on the biological principles of root canal treatment. Accurate diagnosis, knowledge of the root canal morphology and the principles of modern preparation techniques are all essential so that appropriate chemical cleaning and disinfection of the entire root canal system may be accomplished. This paper will consider two further aspects of root canal treatment. First, whether the root canal system should be prepared and obturated in a single visit, and, if not, which intervisit medication is appropriate. Secondly, the modern concepts and techniques for obturation of the root canal system.     

Orthodontics in the 21st century. Authoritative conference 21 May 1998

The lecturer develops his ideas on the future of the special field emphasizing the importance that communications, perfection of new techniques and the realization of a more complete diagnosis concerning the human being as a whole, will assume.     

Evidence-based dentistry for the 21st century

Evidence-based clinical dental practice relies upon the best available research evidence to formulate novel or improved modes of intervention specific to the needs of each patient. Evidence-based dentistry is a complex field. It is essential that its elements are clearly defined and understood for it to serve adequately and appropriately in clinical decision making. This paper discusses salient issues in evidence-based dentistry and examines the modality by which evidence-based dentistry will become the instrument for the integration of certain cutting-edge areas of science in dentistry in the new millennium.     

Orofacial infections in the 21st century

In the 21st century, most orofacial infections are routinely managed with proper clinical assessment, selective diagnostic imaging, appropriate antibiotic therapy and timely surgical intervention. A thorough understanding of contemporary microbiology, pharmacology and surgical anatomy will enable the clinician to minimize the morbidity and mortality of orofacial infections.     

Conscious sedation in the 21st century

Most (99%) patients treated at this university clinic do not need any form of sedation as rapport and behavioral management skills are more than sufficient and are safe. Those aged 1 to 5 years, who needed the use of oral sedation (Midazolam), showed 70% success. Those who needed nitrous oxide / oxygen ranged in age from 8 to 18 years and were later treated without any sort of conscious sedation after one or two sessions of nitrous oxide / oxygen sedation.