Dental Tribune U.S. Edition No.7, 2016

Dental Tribune U.S. Edition | July 2016 a5INDUSTRY NEWS tant in providing esthetics, as all-ceramic materials were eliminated from consider- ation due to the dark gingiva of the tooth in question. In relation to the rest of the patient’s smile, the PFM crown on tooth #9 does not offer harmonious shade and contours and fails to mirror the natural translu- cency and character of tooth #8. I used a gingivectomy on tooth #9 to improve contours, which was completed with a Picasso™ Lite diode laser (AMD Lasers; In- dianapolis, Ind.). To improve visibility of the gingival contours, I used hydrogen peroxide to scrub away the charred tissue tags. The gingival height of teeth #8 and #9 is now more symmetrical while avoiding viola- tion of the biological width. In order to approach a normal cervical contour with the provisional and the final restoration, it is important to mirror the CEJ of the other central. Otherwise, the restored tooth will have a narrow form and will not look esthetic. With retraction cords in place and Cap- ture® medium- and heavy-body impres- sion materials at the ready, a two-cord impression technique can be carried out. This case features a shoulder preparation to ensure enough thickness for the ce- ramic labial margin to block the darkness of the preparation at the gingiva. A temporary crown provides a preview of how the new anterior restoration can blend in with the overall smile. Photos of the mocked-up temporary were included in the information provided to the lab technician. After sandblasting the inside of the res- toration, the Obsidian Pressed to Metal crown is ready to be cemented with RelyX™ Luting Plus (3M™ ESPE™; St. Paul, Minn.). The Obsidian Pressed to Metal crown successfully masks the darkened stump shade at the gingival third while also blending in with the overall smile. Previously, a PFM was the common restorative choice for a case involving a darkened stump shade. Fortunately, to- day’s clinicians have Obsidian Pressed to Metal, which outperforms traditional PFMs. Natural-looking esthetics and proven strength propel Obsidian Pressed to Metal past its predecessors. “ OBSIDIAN, page A4 AD Edentulism: Implant prosthesis therapies designed to optimize function, esthetics By Dr. Massimo Pasi, Prof. of pathology and odontostomatology, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy Total or even partial edentulism is a se- rious handicap for those who are affect- ed. As we have often seen, responsibility for the edentulism often lies with the sufferer — a reminder to dental profes- sionals of the importance of educating patients (especially younger patients and their families) on healthy lifestyle choic- es (personal hygiene, nutrition, physical activity, regular dental check-ups). The moment a person becomes eden- Fig. 1: The bar screwed on the implants on the upper jaw with the four OT Equator attach- ments. Photos/Provided by Dr. Massimo Pasi tulous, however, it is our duty to try to improve the quality of his life by restor- ing proper chewing function (without further jeopardizing health) and to im- prove social life (not compromising psy- chological health). For many patients, re- ” See EDENTULISM, page A7

Dental Tribune U.S. Edition No.7, 2016

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