PATIENT EDUCATION: REPLACING
THE ASYMPTOMATIC AMALGAM
This collection of high-resolution photographs
presents close-up views of old alloy restorations, followed by
photographs revealing what the dentist discovered after the restorations
were removed.
According to author and lecturer Dr. Martin
Goldstein, aging baby-boomers comprise the largest component
of many practices. This means large numbers of patients are presenting
with entire quadrants of old alloy restorations that are beginning
to break down.
Some patients have difficulty understanding
why a dentist would recommend replacement of a restoration that
was not sensitive, Dr. Goldstein said.
To help address this communication problem,
he assembled this photo-presentation that graphically shows how
subtle signs around old restorations may be the precursor of
serious problems.
The presentation includes examples of "hidden" caries
that can lurk under amalgam, as well as a wide variety of coronal
fractures. They allow the dentist to explain the difference between
fractures that can be treated with a simple bonded restoration,
and those that require a crown or even extraction.
The series can be used in conjunction with
the dentist's own intraoral camera, allowing a comparison between
he patient's own restorations and the featured cases. |
