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Biomedical subjects

B W Small

Publications and source records attributed to B W Small.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Laboratory communication for esthetic success.

There is no single or simple answer for effective communication between laboratory technician and clinical dentist. Doing the lab work oneself or having an in-house technician may be a distinct advantage to some albeit labor- and perhaps cost-intensive. If the goal of the practicing dentist is to aspire to excellence, it is incumbent upon him or her to produce restorations that fit the teeth well, are shaded correctly and, when indicated, are the same color as the surrounding teeth. Effective communication with the laboratory is critical if any degree of success is desired.

Color↗

Rubber dam--the easy way.

Rubber dam use can only enhance a dental procedure by allowing better access, visibility, and dry field isolation. The reasons offered by many dentists for not using the dam can be overcome by additional training and clinical use. Suggestions are given that have made rubber dam use routine for the author and have facilitated much improved dentistry.

Dental Restoration, Permanent↗

Seating, finishing, and polishing of ceramic restorations.

The insertion, finishing, and polishing of ceramic restorations can be arduous even for the most skilled operator. Attention to details as described above and refinement of all steps can lead to clinical success (Fig. 8-12). At this time composite and ceramic margins cannot equal those of cast or direct gold but with care and patience, clinically adequate results can be achieved.

Crowns↗

Indirect provisional restorations.

Many methods of provisional restoration fabrication are available to practicing dentists. The indirect method has been found to be the most accurate and least time consuming for the author as well as many other clinicians. After a little practice and familiarity with the methods and materials the restorative dentist will realize the benefits for both the dentist and the patient.

Acrylic Resins↗

Evidence-based dentistry and esthetics.

Separating hype from the truth in dental marketing can be frustrating and it is difficult at best for the average dentist to evaluate the safety and efficacy of new products and techniques. Keynote clinicians are presenting information and influencing other dentists without the scientific evidence to support their claims. For the benefit of our patients, the system needs to change. It will not come soon, but until more evidence-based testing is commonplace and made readily available to the practicing dentist, most dentists will continue tradition-based practices.

Dental Materials↗

The importance of contacts and embrasures and their effect on the periodontium.

Operative and restorative dentistry are challenging disciplines of dentistry. When esthetics and periodontics are added to the equation, it becomes that much more difficult for any operator to restore teeth in an ideal manner. In order to be successful and have reasonable occlusal harmony, periodontal health, and beautiful esthetics, knowledge of all of these disciplines is necessary no matter what kind of material is being placed. Continuing education, care, skill, practice, a desire for excellence, and, most of all, patience will allow any dentist to accomplish these goals.

Dental Occlusion, Centric↗

Location of incisal edge position for esthetic restorative dentistry.

Restorative dentistry means just that--changing the position and morphology of teeth (when indicated) to restore the patient to a functional and esthetic occlusion. The first step considers the mandibular incisal edge position. Following that choice, the maxillary anterior teeth are evaluated for position against the lips and with the rest of the dentition, particularly the mandibular incisors and canines. When the three major determinants of incisal edge position (occlusion, phonetics, and esthetics) are used to place the anterior teeth where they will function best, all cases have the potential for a more enduring esthetic success.

Cuspid↗

Esthetic and functional reconstruction of the geriatric patient.

Esthetics is not only for the young. People at every age want to look their best and have a confident and beautiful smile. Generally speaking, restored senior citizens become very appreciative of the care they receive, refer others like themselves, and, most importantly, have a renewed self-worth and can continue to interact socially for many years.

Aged↗

Surgical templates for function and esthetics in dental implants.

The functional and esthetic importance of surgical templates associated with dental implants has been discussed. The design of the stent and proposed location of the fixtures basically determine the dentist's "wish list." Although ideal placement of an implant fixture often is achieved, it can be aided through use of a surgical template. Particularly useful in larger partially edentulous cases as described above, the ideal template is made of hard acrylic with holes slightly larger than the 3.0 mm drill often used during surgery. Construction of a template requires the dentist and surgeon to think about the case, create a wax-up, and decide on location before constructing the appliance. This process will benefit all, particularly the patient, and provide a foundation for a long-lasting prosthetic result.

Acrylic Resins↗

Preparation of teeth for esthetic restorations.

Preparation details have been described for a porcelain veneer restoration on the most commonly used teeth. With operator knowledge of the preparation, sharp instrumentation, and, most of all, patience, it is possible to place a restoration that may last as long as any others outside of those made of cast or direct gold. It is imperative to remember that this type of conservative "esthetic" dentistry should be performed only on canine-guided occlusions after equilibration (if necessary) (Fig. 13). Even then, it still is possible to fracture a veneer accidentally (Fig. 14). Prior to beginning treatment, it is prudent to inform the patient of the pros and cons of using porcelain veneers, including a warning of possible failure.

Bicuspid↗

Important factors for accurate impressions.

A great preparation is only as good as the impression and die made of it. Attention to every detail is necessary for a successful clinical result. By observing the clinical results, each individual dentist's experience will show the observant operator which technique works best. By combining experience, attention to detail, and patience, it is possible to achieve great fitting, adjustment-free esthetic dentistry.

Astringents↗

Avoiding failures during insertion of all-ceramic restorations.

The seating, cementing, and finishing of all-ceramic restorations can be a very demanding operation. All steps must be accomplished well in order to produce a clinically acceptable result. Successful placement of all-ceramic restorations can result in an immediate reward for both the patient and the operator; however, only with very careful consideration of occlusion, laboratory work, and chairside seating and finishing can a successful long-term result be realized.

Cementation↗