Biomedical subjects

Douglas N Dederich

Publications and source records attributed to Douglas N Dederich.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Lasers in dentistry: separating science from hype.

BACKGROUND: During the last two decades, much has been written in both the scientific literature and the popular press about lasers and their use in the dental office. Both soft- and hard-tissue applications have been discussed, including frenectomy, gingival contouring, caries removal and bleaching. OVERVIEW: Almost one-third of patients surveyed by the American Dental Association in the late 1990s thought it was very important that their dentists have lasers, which could put pressure on dentists to invest in this tool to attract patients. The authors describe the different types of dental lasers and examine the science behind their applications in dentistry. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Although lasers do have legitimate uses in dentistry, they do not take the place of any of the more conventional tools in the dentist's armamentarium. Before investing in a laser, dentists should fully understand the differences between the various types, including what the scientific literature says about their applications.

Dental Caries↗

PubMed2004

Perceptions of dental schools from within and outside the university.

Perceptions of dental schools held by high-level administrators of their parent institutions and officials in the local community have great potential to influence the future of dental education. The intent of this investigation was to gain a preliminary knowledge of such perceptions at seven institutions in the United States and to use this information to formulate hypotheses that can provide the basis for further targeted investigations that provide evidence useful in decision making and planning processes within dental schools. Interviews with university administrators, executive directors of state dental associations, and state government officials in seven areas of the United States were conducted. The hypotheses drawn from these interviews are: 1) dental schools are generally too insular and need to interact more with their parent institutions and external community; 2) dental schools need to systematically and continually get the message of the value of their services out to the public and political constituencies; and 3) multidisciplinarity and integration with other units are important to university administrators but largely outside the concerns of those external to the university. We suggest that these hypotheses form the basis of subsequent, more targeted, follow-up investigations with the intent of formulating specific recommendations for action.

Administrative Personnel↗

PubMed2004

Replacement of missing maxillary canines with dental implants: prosthesis design considerations.

Replacing a missing canine with a dental implant is the optimal treatment plan. The strategic roles canines play in maintaining normal function and the high visibility of these teeth, especially in the maxilla, require a restoration that provides uncompromised function and aesthetics. Eliminating lateral forces on the implant can minimize implant complications, but in young patients (ie, with steep canine guidance) achieving such a goal presents a restorative challenge. This article discusses several considerations (ie, ease of maintenance, retrievability) that will affect the design of the definitive restoration.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Laser curettage: where do we stand?

The literature suggests that curettage has no benefit beyond traditional scaling and root planing. However, claims abound as to the benefits of curettage with the laser, including less postoperative pain, less bleeding, and reduction in microbial count. This paper explores whether any of these claims are true and whether laser curettage has any benefit in periodontal treatment.

Dental Pulp↗

PubMed2002

Laser curettage: an overview.

The literature suggests that subgingival curettage has no benefit beyond traditional scaling and root planing. In addition, mounting evidence suggests that there is a risk of clinically significant collateral damage to using Nd:YAG laser energy within the sulcus. There also appears to be some confusion regarding the standards of evidence upon which to judge the performance of adjunctive procedures such as laser curettage. This article presents a review of the literature and a synopsis of the current scientific consensus regarding laser curettage, its effectiveness, its potential for collateral damage, and the scientific standards that apply.

Aluminum Silicates↗