Restorative Archives - Dental Head Start

TIP #111 – Is It Restorable? with Dr Michael Mandikos

February 2, 2023February 2, 2023Leave a Comment

It’s one thing understanding textbook definitions of restorability and optimal outcomes, and a whole different scenario when there’s a patient sitting in front of you with the hopes of saving a very broken down tooth. In this episode, we dive into the dilemma we’ve all encountered – can we save this tooth?

Join us as we sit down with Dr Michael Mandikos to discuss assessing restorability, how far subgingival is too far subgingival, deep margin elevation and when posts should come into play. We talk about the importance of assessing and managing expectations, and how we go about our decision tree.

TIP #110 – Upskilling in Aesthetic Dentistry with Dr Mitesh Vasant

December 1, 2022December 1, 2022Leave a Comment

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As a recent graduate, getting into the field of cosmetic dentistry can be quite overwhelming. Not only does it require us to have good technical skills, but it also comes with discussing treatment plans, that we ourselves wouldn’t even be able to afford.

In today’s episode, Dr Cigdem Kipel and Dr Mitesh Vasant assure us about how we can start to engage with our patients in improving smiles, along with what other instruments are out there to help us along the way.

TIP #106 – Matrix Selection & Placement with Dr Alice Whang

October 13, 2022October 12, 2022Leave a Comment

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There’s not denying that restorations form the bread and butter of our dental work, but there’s a lot of finesse to creating the perfect restoration. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Alice Whang to talk about how to restore a classic 14DO – how to assess it radiographically, rubber dam placement, how to choose the right matrix, assessing your contact and how to wedge. I know often I fall into the trap of just thinking if it fits, it fits, but Dr Alice talks us through the detailed thought process that goes into every step of restoring a tooth to ensure you have predictable and optimal results every single time.

TIP #74 – Perfect Bonding Protocols with Dr Bez Shokouhi

February 10, 2022February 23, 2022Leave a Comment

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Every dentist thinks they KNOW how to bond to tooth structure, yet it’s one of the most misunderstood and inconsistently performed procedures among practitioners.

In this episode, Dr Bez Shokouhi breaks down the perfect bonding protocol into the details of the multitude of factors that can profoundly affect its success. As a serial CPD attendee and graduate of several university programs involving restorative and implant dentistry, the depth of his knowledge on this subject is exhaustive.

If you’ve ever had post-operative sensitivity or a debond after a bonding procedure, this is a must-listen episode.

TIP #44: Saving Every Tooth But At What Cost? with Dr Michael Frazis

May 6, 2021May 6, 2021Leave a Comment

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We’ve all be in that situation where we’re torn between saving a tooth and throwing in the towel. As with all things in dentistry, there isn’t necessarily a correct answer. Ultimately, what’s most important is how we go about explaining the situation and presenting the options to a patient.

In this episode, Dr Michael Frazis talks us through his ‘Open and Explore’ appointments, and how he walks the patient step-by-step through the process to help them make an informed decision.

Dr Frazis shares plenty of stories and helpful examples in this short and sweet episode.

TIP#35: Direct Anterior Composites with Dr Karim Habib

February 25, 2021March 28, 2021Leave a Comment

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Getting direct anterior composites looking consistently stunning and natural is far from easy.

There is so much thought, planning, artistry and attention to detail happening in the background to ultimately create a breathtaking smile transformation.

Dr Karim Habib is one of the most young talented dentists in this arena. Photos of his anterior work will leave most dentists in awe.

In this podcast, Dr Karim Habib details how he produces such aesthetically superior results and shares with us his exact protocols around smile design, bonding, layering and polishing.

TIP#34: Importance of the Endo-Restorative Interface with Dr Pat Caldwell

February 11, 2021April 10, 2021Leave a Comment

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Why bother completing a beautiful Endodontic therapy only to have the tooth fracture and fail weeks later?

How an endodontically treated tooth is restored is critical to its long term success and that starts from the first temporary.

Dr Pat Caldwell shares his views and advice on perhaps the most critical decisions made in endodontics.

TIP#20: Tackling Tricky Topics with Parents with Dr Tim Keys – What I Wish I Knew

September 16, 2020September 22, 2020Leave a Comment

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The Australian Dental Association recommends a childs first dental visit be when their first tooth becomes visible or when then reach 12months of age. Normally seeing the baby is easy enough, but the real challenge comes with new parents, armed with millions of well intended questions about how that can give their child the best dental head start.

In many cases as new graduates we are yet to have our own kids so these conversations can sometimes be a bit of unknown territory, having not been in a bathroom with a two year old at bed time simply telling a patent to brush their childs’ teeth, my be easier said then done.

Today we look at when we should start brushing children’s teeth, getting parents on board with Fluoride and handling the ever controversial topic of tongue ties, with Sunshine Coast Paediatric Dentist Dr Tim Key’s.

#43 – Work Hard, Play Hard with Anthony Mak

September 14, 2020September 16, 2020Leave a Comment

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Great dentistry takes decades to learn. Refinement of skills is a process of dedication and persistence. And these are traits Dr Anthony Mak has in droves.

Anthony spent his first few years spread between a few practices with varying experiences and this gave him the well rounded foundation to use as a spring board for his career. Just this story alone is so useful in allowing us to consider and plan our journey in dentistry.

This is just the start of the tips advice and concepts Anthony shares in this podcast.

Dr Anthony Mak is making waves in dentistry and really contributing to the education of the dental community so for that we say thanks and for joining us on this engaging podcast interview.

TIP#15: The SAC Protocol for Clear Aligners with Dr John Hagiliassis

August 12, 2020August 12, 2020Leave a Comment

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Traffic lights, such a simple concept, green for go, red to stop. Have you ever considered your cases in a similar way?

The AORTA SAC assessment protocol is an excellent way to assess your aligner cases and ensure you’re practicing within your scope of practice.

Originally made for assessment of implant cases, John and the AORTA team have modified it for application to aligners and in this podcast he explains the concept and the important points to consider