| Course |
|
Expiration |
Issue |
Credit |
Cost |
Dental Sleep Medicine
It has been estimated that 16 million people have undiagnosed obstructive sleep disorders, including sleep apnea. These disorders are associated with some serious co-morbities, including stroke, heart attack, and diabetes. Furthermore, many who have been properly diagnosed are unable to use the most commonly prescribed treatment, continuous positive airway pressure. The purpose of the article is to describe the key role that dentistry can play in providing an effective alternative treatment modality. The dentist providing such services must understand the basics of sleep medicine, which are reviewed. Dentists must understand their key role in not only identifying their patients who may be affected by sleep apnea, but also by referring those patients for comprehensive diagnosis and triage for appropriate therapy. Appliance therapy and the treatment of untoward side effects are reviewed. |
View course
Take quiz
View questions
|
9/30/2010 |
September 2008 |
2 |
Free |
Differential Diagnosis of Periapical Radiolucencies and Case Presentation
Although periapical radiolucent lesions are included in the category of being some of the more ubiquitous pathologic radiographic entities, not all of these lesions ultimately are of endodontic origin. In this article we present a review of a heterogeneous group of lesions that may present as periapical radiolucencies. These include odontogenic as well as non-odontogenic cysts, neoplastic, and non-neoplastic lesions. The significance of submitting tissue harvested from such lesions for histopathologic examination is underscored given the divergent treatment and prognosis for some of these pathologies. Lastly, we present a case of a large periapical radiolucency including diagnosis and management. |
View course
Expired
View questions
|
8/31/2010 |
July/August 2008 |
2 |
Free |
Restoration of the Endodontically Treated Tooth
The decision making for the type of restoration required to treat an endodontically treated tooth should be based on multiple factors. Critical in the concept of the restorative management of the endodontically treated tooth are control of microleakage by establishing a coronal seal, having an adequate biologic width of the periodontium, and the development of a ferrule in the placement of a definitive restoration. Consideration also must be given to whether the endodontically treated tooth will need a post. To place a post in a root canal, an apical seal of 4 mm to 5 mm of gutta-percha must be maintained. The length of the post space should be at least one half of the root length. Endodontic posts can be classified into two groups: (1) custom-made, laboratory fabricated, and (2) prefabricated direct placement. While posts are used extensively in the restoration of the endodontically treated tooth, their use should be limited to those clinical cases in which the core needs to be retained by the post A major risk when using post systems to restore endodontically treated teeth is that of vertical root fracture. Concepts based on evidence presented in this article provide guidance when selecting the technique that will be used when restoring endodontically treated teeth.
|
View course
Expired
View questions
|
6/30/2010 |
June 2008 |
2 |
Free |
The Effects of Enlarged Adenoids on a Developing Malocclusion
This article reviews upper airway obstruction caused by hypertrophied adenoids and the possibilities of a subsequent malocclusion. Early diagnosis and treatment of pathologic conditions that can lead to the obstruction of the upper airways is essential to anticipate and prevent alterations in dental arches, facial bones, and muscle function. Philosophies regarding the treatment of adenoid hypertrophy range from dietary control and environmental modifications to dentofacial orthopedics, change of breathing exercises, and surgical procedures.
|
View course
Expired
View questions
|
5/31/2010 |
May 2008 |
2 |
Free |
Improving Endodontic Treatment through Proper Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
The clinical practice of endodontics tends to focus more on the actual mechanical aspect of treatment. This aspect relates to the types of rotary files used, canal medicament, and obturation material and techniques. Although the mechanical aspect of endodontic treatment is important, it is paramount that a dentist incorporates proper endodontic diagnostic and treatment planning skills before performing clinical endodontic treatment. This article will review endodontic diagnosis and treatment planning involving various medical or dental conditions that can have a direct or indirect effect on the actual treatment as well as the long-term prognosis after endodontic treatment is completed. |
View course
Expired
View questions
|
4/30/2010 |
April 2008 |
2 |
Free |
Use of the Natural Tooth as a Provisional after Immediate Implant Placement
Provisionalization for immediate-placed implants using the patient's existing tooth can enhance the final esthetic outcome if certain steps are followed. If the natural tooth is intact and can be used as a provisional, the emergence profile can be very similar to the preoperative condition. This will allow the gingival tissue and papilla to be supported and help prevent collapse of the tissue. The patient's preoperative condition plays a key role in understanding and predicting the final esthetic outcome. This article outlines a technique to use the patient's natural tooth after extraction to provisionalize an implant. |
View course
Expired
View questions
|
3/31/2010 |
March 2008 |
2 |
Free |
The Relevance of Occlusion in the Golden Age of Esthetics
Developing a true understanding of comprehensive occlusion is one of the most beneficial assets for a clinical dentist. Failure to understand occlusion can lead to missed diagnoses, inconsistent results in treatment, and frustration for the dentist and patient. Learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of occlusal problems, and applying the principles of occlusal stability to our treatment plans will create long-term results and happy patients.
|
View course
Expired
View questions
|
2/28/2010 |
February 2008 |
2 |
Free |
Color in Dentistry: Is 'Everything We Know' Really So?
Esthetic restorations represent a significant and increasing portion of dental services and income. Closely related to the application of color science principles in clinical dentistry and optical properties of dental materials, work with color is a critical component of these procedures. This article addresses issues related to shade matching such as color education and training, color vision, shade-matching conditions, and dental shade guides. Properties of dental materials associated with color appearance are presented through three categories: color compatibility, color stability, and color interactions. Recommendations for achieving optimum color-matching results are suggested. Overall, the application of color science in clinical dentistry, improvements of dental shade guides and related restorative materials, and further standardization of color appearance in dentistry can enable better control of the esthetic outcome and improve esthetic success. New standards might eliminate dental materials exhibiting extreme inconsistencies with corresponding tissues, poor color stability, or severe batch variations.
|
View course
Expired
View questions
|
1/31/2010 |
January 2008 |
2 |
Free |
Simplifying the Cementation Protocol
Predictable tissue retraction and adhesive dentistry can be laborious and tedious tasks for many dental professionals. Putty or paste tissue retraction has significantly improved the ability to achieve tissue management in less time in the most difficult situations. Self-etching, dual-cure resin cements offer the clinician a simplified technique to cement non-metal restorations with little to no sensitivity and significant bond strengths.
|
View course
Expired
View questions
|
12/31/2009 |
November/December 2007 |
2 |
Free |
The Role of Efficiency in Endodontic Care
In this article, the author will define efficiency as a clinical concept and discuss its application to the practice of modern endodontics. Given a specific standard, there are more- and less-efficient ways to achieve such results. Efficiency uses technical systems to achieve the desired standard of care faster. Performing procedures efficiently is not only a matter of office productivity; it is also a matter of responsible patient service. Efficiency in diagnosis, anesthesia, access, irrigation, instrumentation, and obturation is discussed. The simpler and more efficiently this healthy foundation can be achieved, the faster patients can heal and benefit from endodontic service.
|
View course
Expired
View questions
|
10/31/2009 |
October 2007 |
2 |
Free |
