The Hidden Value of Digital Radiography for Caries Detection
Digital radiography allows the dentist to use powerful image analysis tools to extract information from the image that might otherwise be missed by visual inspection alone. Historically interproximal caries detection is done by visually inspecting the radiograph for evidence of a radiolucency produced by the decay and visually determining if the decay is deep enough that a restoration is required.

Management of Occlusion and Vertical Dimension in Esthetic Restorative Dentistry
Beautiful, functional anterior and posterior treatment is both an art and a science. This lecture introduces a philosophy of practice that provides exceptional dental care through a comprehensive functional and aesthetic approach

The Master Impression in Indirect Restorative Dentistry – Part 1
Requirements and techniques required for achieving consistently excellent master impressions in indirect restorative dentistry.

Microscopic Dentistry; Practical Use in Restorative Dentistry Today
Restorative dentistry has changed in recent years. New materials and techniques allow the execution of partial restorations, direct and indirect, with metal-free techniques and started a true partnership between this discipline and prosthodontics. A good esthetic and functional rehabilitation starts from the proper clinical evaluation of the patient and of his problems, planning all the clinical and laboratory procedures in order to reduce the possibility of performing a subpar restoration. The use of high magnification in the right steps can improve our clinical result and optimize the session with the patient. The goal is to achieve the right balance between biology, esthetic and function by applying a minimally invasive approach.

Optimizing Tissue Esthetics of Single Tooth Implants
With optimized planning, precise placement of the fixture, and the use of laser technology to reduce tissue trauma we can minimize the bone and tissue changes during the surgical phase. During the restorative phase creation of proper tissue contours using the CO2 laser and control of tooth form to position tissue set the stage for obtaining optimal esthetic results.

Visual Esthetic Smile Design: Driving the Restorative Plan
Digital Smile Design is a multipurpose digital tool with clinically relevant advantages: It can strengthen esthetic diagnostic abilities, improve communication between team members, help organize treatment planning, create predictable systems throughout treatment phases, enhance patients’ education and motivation, and increase the effectiveness of case presentation. This article describes the main steps of introducing this practical tool to the clinician’s esthetic restorative practice.

A Technique for Making Impressions of Deeply Placed Implants
Precise fit between dental implants and the superstructure is important for the long term success of implants and implant-supported prostheses. One factor which may influence the accuracy of the definitive prosthesis is the stability of the impression coping in polymerized impression material. In some circumstances, an implant must be placed well below the gingival margin, meaning that most of the impression coping will also be situated subgingivally with no contact with the impression material. This can result in reduced stability of the impression coping, allowing it to rotate when fastening the implant analog. This article describes a simple technique that involves the use of a roll of composite resin, tray adhesive, and a small amount of occlusal registration material applied around a transfer coping in a direct implant impression.

Aesthetic Design Preservation in Multidisciplinary Therapy
Complex perio-prosthetic cases that require multidisciplinary therapy often result in compromised aesthetics. Traditional treatment planning philosophies, as well as existing interdisciplinary relational patterns, do not promote the achievement of predictable aesthetic results. Implementation of a restorative-driven approach requires the development of an aesthetic blueprint that will serve as a guide through treatment. This article illustrates the clinical techniques and sequence for an outcome-based protocol…

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.