"Minimally invasive" is a commonly used buzz word in dentistry at the minute and quite rightly so. It is a phrase that reflects a philosophy or approach that prioritises the retention of as much sound tooth tissue when carrying out any restorative work. This belief is based on the self evident truth that the best "restorative material" is sound untouched enamel and dentine and the more we leave … [Read more...]

This case highlights one of the problems associated with long span fixed bridges. This particular bridge is a 6 unit bridge that extends from the front tooth on the left all the way to the back tooth on the same side. It is a bridge that has been in place for quite  a few years and is doing reasonably well but has suffered a porcelain fracture on one of the front support teeth. This type of … [Read more...]

This case highlights the need, sometimes, to let things take their course before making an irreversible decision. The patient presented with pain and swelling from the lower right side of the jaw and our first thoughts were that the back tooth (LL7) was to blame. This tooth has suffered extensive bone loss through gum disease so was a likely cause of infection, especially as the adjacent teeth had … [Read more...]

Right from the start let me say that I am not a fan of doing endodontic retreatments on suspected perio-endo cases as I have found them (in my hands) to have a very mixed result. On this occasion, however, assessment of the existing root treatment would put it firmly in the category of "sub-optimal" and its impact on the outcome of the case likely to be negligible. (Although I am removing an … [Read more...]