Over the years I have had a love hate relationship with composite instruments. In the search for something that the composite did not stick to I have tried the gold tipped variety, the anodized Read More
BPA & Composite: What Do We Know?
Several months ago an article came out in the news that linked composite fillings that contain BPA during childhood with social issues like depression, stress and anxiety. BPA or Bisphenol A is a Read More
Post Wedging Interproximal Composites
In previous posts I have talked about the challenges we encounter with composites that extend interproximally. Pre-wedging the teeth and proper selection and placement of a matrix system are two Read More
Cracked Teeth: Containment or Cusp Reinforcement?
Cracked teeth have been traditionally treated by a process we call “containment”. The tooth is prepared so that restorative material will be around the tooth circumferentially and contain the cracked Read More
Pulp Capping Under Composite: A New Alternative
I am old enough that I learned amalgam as the go to operative material. In those days when we encountered deep decay we followed a process of applying calcium hydroxide to the deep areas of the prep Read More
Posterior Composite: Post Op Sensitivity
Post Operative sensitivity can be both a normal and abnormal sequela of placing a posterior composite. I make sure my patients are expecting some temperature sensitivity, and even tell them to be Read More
Posterior Composites: Marginal Integrity
[/caption] Key to the long-term success of a posterior composite is the marginal seal and integrity. The margins are the area most likely to break down, evidenced by leakage, staining or recurrent Read More
Posterior Composites: Pedictable Contacts
One of the largest complaints I hear about posterior composites is in our ability to predictably create tight interproximal contacts. I often joke that when I am ready I take the floss from my Read More
Posterior Composites: Obtaining Isolation
One of the most critical factors in the success of posterior composites is adequate isolation. Our ability to achieve acceptable bond strengths and prevent marginal breakdown and leakage are dependent Read More
Posterior Composites: We Love Them and Hate Them
[/caption] By far one of the most common procedures I do in a general practice is a posterior class two or class three. It is also one of the most popular topics to discuss at dental meetings or Read More