Sidekick - Autumn 2010 - (Page 60)

Everyday Dentistry By Dr. Lorne Lavine What is the definition of “Everyday Dentistry?” We use this term all the time. In lectures, everyone wants to teach us techniques we can use in “Everyday Dentistry.” Sales people want to sell us products that can be incorporated into “Everyday Dentistry.” So how do we define this term and how can we achieve success in Everyday Dentistry? I define Everyday Dentistry as controlled mayhem, because there is no “everyday.” Each day is different, each day is a new challenge, some days are great and some days—we can’t wait for them to end. A great day is high-quality Dentistry, staying on schedule, and happy patients. Unfortunately sometimes we have days when impressions are difficult, restorations need to be redone, patients show up late, keeping us behind schedule, and—certain patients just can’t be made happy. So how can we create more great days, reduce our bad days and make Everyday Dentistry better. Technology helps us improve the quality of care we provide for our patients and technology in Dentistry has come a long way. I learned basic principles and the technological advances of the times 25 years ago in dental school; however, a lot of these advances have gone by the wayside. Today’s advances vastly outnumber those of 25 years ago. So as Dentistry constantly evolves and technology advances, which technologies offer the most when practicing Everyday Dentistry. How do we determine the value a certain technology has, not only from a cost basis, but also an ease of use, learning curve, and predictability of outcome points of view. Some technologies make life easier, some technologies make us more money—but all technologies should help us provide better care for our patients. One technology I feel provides all these advantages is laser technology. Although lasers come in all sizes, types, and costs, I would like to concentrate on soft-tissue diode lasers. Lasers have evolved over the years although many misconceptions still remain. This has prevented numerous practitioners from visualizing the benefits this technology has to offer. I often think of 12 years prior to purchasing my first laser and how I perceived laser technology—too expensive, too few uses, questionable patient acceptance, and numerous other excuses. Luckily I took the plunge and have never looked back. Yes, there were a few times when I questioned my abilities (There have also been a few times I questioned whether I wanted to be a Dentist!) and yes, there was a learning curve but Everyday Dentistry is all about change—changing and improving the quality of care provided to our patients. It’s also about updating our thought processes, keeping us interested and motivated in our profession. With technology, we can change our Everyday Dentistry into “Extraordinary Dentistry” by providing better, more predictable outcomes to the challenges we face—every day. So how can soft-tissue laser technology change the way we practice and how or what do we have to do to be successful at incorporating this technology into our Everyday Practice? I like to look at any new technology as an adventure. Too many times we are uncomfortable with change, yet change is what makes life better. So we have to keep an open mind. If your laser doesn’t do what you want or you don’t get the desired result, it’s probably not the laser, it’s probably the operator, remember any new technology has a learning curve, so be open-minded, be innovative. So what can soft-tissue lasers do? Probably a lot more than you think. First, diode lasers can cut and shape soft tissue, which gives us the opportunity to remove lesions, (fibromas), release frenoms, recontour gingiva, and trough around crown preps. Usually this can be accomplished with little bleeding, minimal collateral tissue damage, and better healing. Unlike an electrosurge unit, diode lasers can be used around crowns, ortho SIDEKICK 60 Autumn 2010 Sidekick

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Sidekick - Autumn 2010

Sidekick - Autumn 2010
Table of Contents
Arkansas Family Dentistry Drs. Tina Nichols and Samaria Mascagni
The Voice of Experience
Creating Your Customized Continuing Education Plan
Career Article
Social Media for Dentists
Quarterly Featured Designs
The Center for Pediatric Dentistry University of Washington Joel Berg DDS, MS–Director
CBCT–A Clear Perspective on Implant Options
Sitting Shouldn’t Have to be a Job
Pelton & Crane Opens the Dr. Richard Pelton Showroom and Training Center in Beaverton, Oregon
Everyday Dentistry
3D–Dawning a New Day for Dentistry
Social Media Checklist
East Pointe Trails Dental Centre Dr. Edward MacMurdo
Henry Schein Professional Practice Transitions Partners With The Snyder Group

Sidekick - Autumn 2010