Prosthetic Gingival Reconstruction in the Fixed Partial Restoration - Part 2: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
This second article on the use of artificial gingiva in fixed partial restorations focuses on diagnosis and treatment planning.

Proximal Contact Areas of the Maxillary Anterior Dentition
The goal of this study was to quantify the apicoincisal extent of the proximal contact area (PCA) between the eight maxillary anterior teeth. PCAPs should be taken into consideration for clinical anterior restorations since they determine the papillary and incisal embrasures.

Surface Roughness of Restroation Margin Preparations: A Comparative Analysis of Finishing Techniques
This study compared the margin profile and surface roughness created by the tips of four different finishing instruments: fine diamond, dura white stone, tungsten carbide, and ultrasonic diamond-coated tips (UDTs). The aim was to determine which of these instruments produced the smoothest finish and created the most evenly contoured margin characteristics. It was hypothesized that UDTs would produce a rougher dentin surface than a fine diamond bur, that a tungsten carbide bur would provide a smoother finish than a fine diamond, and that the dura white stone would produce an intermediate finish.

CAD/CAM Anterior Esthetic Implant Restorations: The BellaTek Encode Healing Abutment and CAD-Block Ceramics
Digital design software programs for teeth and implant restorations have evolved over the past 5 years. Using CBCT scans and digital preoperative scans, the clinician can properly plan the placement of implant fixtures. Various software programs and intraoral scanners offer analysis of proper implant position, angle of implant placement, and depth of tissue and occlusal clearance. The utilization of coded healing abutments (BellaTek®, Encode®, Biomet 3i) may also add to the precision of design and calibration of all tissue contacting points of the emerging abutment. This article will introduce and describe a current model for fabrication of ideal abutments, and fabrication of CAD/ CAM restorations for the anterior esthetic zone.

Aesthetic Pre-evaluative Temporaries for Anterior Porcelain Veneers
Dr. Galip Gurel outlines specific guidelines for achieving smile analysis and consistent optimal tooth preparation prior to porcelain veneer therapy.

Laser Assisted Cosmetic Dentistry - Part 2 of 2
Dr. Hugh Flax continues his outline of the uses and advantages of lasers in everyday clinical aesthetic dentistry.

Conservative Treatment Planning for Minimal Esthetic Tooth Deformities
There is no single best treatment plan for patients who want a better looking smile. Even in a multidisciplinary and multiple restorative dental office there are multiple ways of accomplishing the goal. This presentation will cover some of the diagnostic and treatment parameters when patients present with not only fractured but other minimal deformities as well. The decision whether to bond, veneer, or crown for a young patient will be discussed.

Effective Restorative Dentistry Using CO2 Hard Tissue Laser
The CO2 9.3um hard tissue laser has made restorative dentistry more acceptable to patients mainly due to the lack of local anesthesia required for most all restorations. Procedures will be shown on both virgin teeth as well as replacement of previous restorations. What has been most impressive is how the cutting speed can be varied in both enamel and dentin. Also the efficiency as well as the simplicity of operation will be included. Finally, you will see patient responses after the procedures showing the effectiveness of the laser in anesthetizing the teeth being treated.

Surgical Management of Third Molars
Removal of third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, continue to be prevalent in our society. Indications for removal vary from pericoronal infections to orthodontic treatment. <br><br> Several factors such as age, position of the tooth and affected jaw can dictate the surgical technique. Proper diagnosis and management will be covered at length as well as impaction classification systems, value of imaging, instrumentation and surgical approaches. <br><br> Post operative management and methods to recognize, avoid and treat potential complications will also be discussed.<br><br>

Biofunctional Dynamic Occlusion
Biofunctional Dynamic Occlusion is a comprehensive approach between occlusion, posture, and function. Overall, this lecture will create an understanding and relationship between the cervical spine and mandibular movements and the trilogy between Joints, Muscles and Occlusion. Most of the patients that we treat for dysfunction, were compromised during the early stages of growth and development. Overtime these created accommodations and compensations in the system induced by the physiology of the airway.