Dentaltown July 2013 - (Page 132)

cad/cam feature by Marshall Hanson, DDS My first in-depth introduction to in-office CAD/CAM technology was at a two-day event in Arizona at the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry. By the second day of lectures and hands-on demonstrations, I was convinced of the value of the technology and of its clinical advantages to both my patients and me. My biggest hesitation, however, was that the restorations would not be as aesthetically pleasing as what I was currently getting from my lab. I remember even asking the equipment representative if I could return it for a full refund if I found that it wasn’t meeting the aesthetic demands of my patients and those that I had for myself. With the advent of Ivoclar’s e.max paired with CAD/CAM, I have since been overwhelmingly surprised and more than satisfied with the results that are achievable. Routinely, precise marginal adaptation, high strength and excellent aesthetics, rivaling even some of the best labs I have worked with, can be the everyday result of the everyday dentistry that we do in our offices for our patients. Under this premise, I wish to share this example of a common posterior procedure – restoring a molar, with the help of CAD/CAM and lithium disilicate. And then, as a side note, show some of the predictable aesthetics achievable with this technology and material as it relates to a few anterior cases. Initial Condition of the Tooth Upon clinical examination, the patient’s lower right first molar (#30) was found to have some large failing amalgam fillings, with evidence of recurrent decay. Sub-enamel shadows were clearly visible surrounding the grossly open margins (Fig. 1). Diagnosis and Treatment Planning Mentally envisioning the preparation design that would be required to remove the failing filling material and the defective tooth structure, and seeing that it would involve two functional cusps, plans were made to restore the tooth with an indirect partial coverage restoration using lithium disilicate and in-office CAD/CAM technology. The material would offer strength to withstand posterior biting forces and provide the aesthetics to help the restoration blend in with the surrounding dentition. CAD/CAM technology would offer not only the convenience of sameday treatment and immediate bonding, but also provide very predictable marginal adaptation and further contribute to the overall integrity and predicted longevity of the restoration. continued on page 134 132 JULY 2013 » dentaltown.com http://www.dentaltown.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Dentaltown July 2013

Dentaltown.com Highlights
Howard Speaks: Quit Rambling On
Professional Courtesy: New Patients with Baggage
Second Opinion: Radiation Minimization – “Are We There Yet?”
Is Anyone Really Cementing e.max with RMGI?
Please Critique My “Breakaway” Office Design
Surely People Don’t Die from Tooth Decay?
Townie Choice Awards Preview: Dentistry’s Official Gear Guide
Corporate Profile: Gendex
What’s On Your Tray? Endodontics
Product Profile: Synergy
Do-it-Yourself Finance, Part VIII: It’s Retirement Time! How Do I Get My Money?
Dental Education by Circuit Training
Everyday Dentistry with CAD/CAM and Lithium Disilicate
Ad Index
Maximizing Anterior Design for Predictable Results in a Six-unit Anterior Makeover
In This Issue: Dental Hygiene Diagnosis
Perio Reports
Continuing Education Periodontal Probes: An Overview of History, Evolution and Clinical Technique
Dentally Incorrect

Dentaltown July 2013