Learn how dental professionals refine their extraction techniques by combining their personal experiences and mentorship, ultimately leading to improved confidence and patient outcomes.
There are five things I want to share with you that I do differently now compared to what I was taught in dental school. Dental school is great for laying the foundation, but real-world experience and continuous learning have taught me valuable lessons that have transformed my approach.
1 – Sectioning and Elevating – I routinely section and elevate multi-rooted teeth which simplifies complex extractions and preserves buccal bone for better patient outcomes. This is a skill I had to learn and develop post graduation.
2 – Using air abrasion to aid with plaque removal which has benefits for adhesive dentistry and beyond, like cement removal and bonding zirconia. I cannot imagine practicing without air abrasion!
3 – I use a ‘wedge guard’ during proximal drilling to prevent scratching adjacent teeth, ensuring precise breaking of the contact without causing iatrogenic damage. I know that for many new grads, breaking contact can be stressful and the mission to prevent iatrogenic damage means overly tapered and aggressive preps. The simple use of a wedge-guard has really helped me overcome this.
4 – Onlays! I seldom prepare for full crowns anymore, instead opting for onlays where possible which preserve tooth structure and provide a scientific and artistic challenge in contemporary adhesive dentistry.
5 – Vertical Preparations – when I do require a crown and the tooth is not suitable for adhesive dentistry (poor quality and quantity of enamel, deep subgingival margins) then using ‘vertipreps’ as been a game changer.
Overall, these changes have added value to my practice and improved patient outcomes. Remember, clinical Dentistry is a journey of constant growth. Stay curious and keep evolving – whilst still respecting the best available evidence.
Hello Protruserati! Welcome back to the fourth episode of #AskJaz where I answered a question that was sent on the Telegram group – “Jaz, what are some things that you do differently now compared to what you are taught at dental school?”
