1. Charles Spalding DMD Charlesspaldingdmd@gmail.com 907-268-0288
Dentistry Today
Charles Spalding DMD

2. The Era of Modern Dentistry
An ounce of prevention is still worth a pound of cure.
Modern equipment and techniques allow for faster and more efficient procedures and enhanced patient comfort.
Be engaged with your provider and make healthcare decisions together

3. Digital Radiography Film is a thing of the past.
Direct digital sensors
Phosphor Storage Plate
3D - Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
Digital imaging allows for far lower radiation exposure and higher resolution and computer manipulation

4. Dental Radiographs
Dental x-rays are one of the lowest radiation dose studies performed. A routine exam which includes 4 bitewings is about mSv, which is less than one day of natural background radiation. It is also about the same amount of radiation exposure from a short airplane flight (~1-2 hrs).
Digital xrays are approximately 10% dose of film

5. Film Radiographs 7 minute processing time
2 minutes for hand dipped radiographs

6. 3D imaging
Accurate to 0.1mm

7. 3D Imaging
Has become very important to implant planning and placement (Virtual planning)
Virtual planning of orthognathic surgery

8. Temporo-Mandibular Joint
Complex joint movement comrised of a pure hinging motion for the first 15mm followed by a translational hinging motion for the remainder of opening.

9. Temporo-Mandibular Disorder
Improper function of the jaw joint resulting in pain
~90% related to muscle
Clenching/Grinding overuses muscles causing spasm or diminished mobility
Splint therapy may be helpful
Stress reduction and elimination of stimulants (caffeine or nicotine)
Age related joint degeneration

10. TMJ replacement
Indicated for degeneration of the joint, completed by OMFS

11. Xerostomia (dry mouth)
Most commonly a side effect of medications
Extreme xerostomia can result from radiation therapy
Can be temporary or permanent
May be treatable with medication
DO NOT USE SUGARY CANDIES!
Saliva protects teeth, lack of saliva and presence of sugar can accelerate decay

13. Xerostomia treatment Pilocarpine (Salagen) Biotene rinses or gum
Xylitol sugar candies
Carrying a water bottle

14. CAD CAM Dentistry
Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing
Digital scanning, digital crown design, in house milling
“Crown in a day”

15. Laser Dentistry Lasers can be used to cut hard or soft tissue
Laser cutting minimizes bleeding and can allow for faster healing
Yb YAG, CO2, diode, Nd YAG