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Spear Digest Dental Articles

Facts and Figures: The High-Speed Handpiece

Facts and Figures: The High-Speed Handpiece

1957: S.S. White Company introduced the Borden Airotor, the first successful air-driven handpiece. This instrument is regarded as the precursor...

| 11 years ago
How to Make a Custom Incisal Guide Table

How to Make a Custom Incisal Guide Table

Once the decision is made to make a custom incisal guide table, the following sequence of steps should be followed. Determine if you are going to restore...

| 11 years ago
What Does Current Research Say About Pain-Free Injection Techniques?
1

What Does Current Research Say About Pain-Free Injection Techniques?

The following is a review of available research on effective pain reducing tactics during local anesthesia injections. Some of these are commonly...

| 11 years ago
Surgical Scans Made Easy
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Surgical Scans Made Easy

One of the challenges of creating surgical guides for full arch restorations is making a scan with a radio-opaque material. Typically, an interim prosthesis...

| 11 years ago
Pay Attention to Pulpal Spaces to Save Teeth
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Pay Attention to Pulpal Spaces to Save Teeth

Recently I wrote about the importance of paying close attention to the pulpal spaces on radiographs. While the prognosis of the tooth discussed last time...

| 11 years ago
Nancy Case Study: Material Selection Part II
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Nancy Case Study: Material Selection Part II

As I stated in part I of this series, the Nancy case study was used as part of a three-day ceramic enhancement workshop. Each dentist who signed up for...

| 11 years ago
Nancy Case Study: Material Selection Part I
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Nancy Case Study: Material Selection Part I

In my previous articles, I've gone over the treatment planning and lab communication techniques regarding Nancy's case. The case itself was used...

| 11 years ago
Which is the Best Ingot or Block for Anterior Monolithic Restorations?
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Which is the Best Ingot or Block for Anterior Monolithic Restorations?

Maybe neither! The choice of ingot depends on: The esthetic quality of the prepared tooth. If you are doing multiple preparations,...

| 11 years ago
Three Steps to Accurately Mounting Models

Three Steps to Accurately Mounting Models

In previous articles I've covered the topic of mounted models and their importance in treating clinical cases accurately and efficiently. Once you have...

| 11 years ago
Pulpal Fiction?
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Pulpal Fiction?

Do you see anything that catches your eye on the periapical radiograph (above left) taken recently in my office? Perhaps the title here...

| 11 years ago
The Problem With Acidulated Fluoride

The Problem With Acidulated Fluoride

I've done a lot of external coloring of my restorations throughout my career and I am frequently asked questions regarding the durability of external...

| 11 years ago
Are Preparation Shades and Descriptions Needed for Posterior Teeth?

Are Preparation Shades and Descriptions Needed for Posterior Teeth?

The answer is: Yes! Most technicians and dentists rely on all-ceramic restorations to achieve the desired esthetic and functional outcome. If a...

| 11 years ago