Over my career I have attended quite a few dental CE programs. Many times I go to learn a specific technique or material, or to increase my understanding of practice systems. Some of these experiences are a success because I learn one new thing, but over the years I have realized that I come home from some programs inspired and engaged. My production and Read More
Daren Becker DMD
Restoring After Silver Diamine
I recently had a patient with recurrent decay at the margin of two lower molar crowns. We used Silver Diamine fluoride (Advantage Arrest) at the margins to arrest the decay. As predicted the tooth structure turned hard, but also black and the area stayed cavitated. I was then faced with the tough decision when replacing the crown of dropping the margin Read More
Implant Dentistry at 99?
A patient of mine who happens to be 99 years old and still has a full compliment of teeth just had #10 break off below the gum line. He wants an implant restoration. To further complicate the situation, his daughter-in-law called in to tell us to just make him a flipper. Should a 99 year old have an implant? Do we have any obligation to communicate Read More
Pearls Part I
We all have little pearls or tricks that we have either discovered or were introduced to by someone else that we use everyday. Most of the time, we either assume everyone knows about it or nobody else would want to know about it, so we keep it to our selves. Here I have discussed 3 simple pearls that make a huge difference in my practice everyday. If Read More
Digital Bite Splints
Many of us use bite splint therapy as a way to deprogram muscles, confirm a seated joint position, protect teeth and restorations from wear, treat TMD symptoms and engage patients. Most of us fabricate these ourselves in a conventional manner with alginate impressions, analog bite records and cold cure acrylic. Some utilize a lab to fabricate their splints Read More
Best Day Ever
Sometimes the best days in our practices are not the ones where we make the most money or do the most complex dentistry. Sometimes it is changing someones life with fairly simple procedures for "relatively" low cost. Read More
My Kid’s Sleep Study
My 8 1/2 year old daughter has been severely grinding her teeth at night and I have noticed she seems to have trouble breathing. She has the classic "raccoon" eyes and has become somewhat anxious about routine events. She is skeletal class II with a very narrow arch form and developing deep bite (her upper incisors continue to erupt with no contact with Read More