September 2023 Study Club

The Workflows Club September Meeting focused on articles from the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry and the British Dental Journal. The meeting included a discussion of a fully digital protocol for computer-aided manufacturing of a fixed interim complete denture for immediate loading in a completely indents patient. The technique simplifies the procedure, reduces treatment time, and improves patient confidence and satisfaction.

The meeting also discussed a randomized control trial comparing the traditional and simplified techniques for complete denture fabrication, which found that the simplified technique performed similarly to the traditional technique. The simplified technique is a viable option for certain situations. The meeting also discussed a three-appointment protocol for denture fabrication using digital techniques, which involves preliminary impressions, auxiliary registration, and trial denture placement with a special tray. The dentures are then digitally designed and printed for delivery in the third appointment.

The meeting also discussed the root submergence technique for preserving a ridge for a fixed pontic site or future implants. The technique involves cutting the tooth horizontally and reducing the roots either by reducing to the bone crest or carrying out coronal bridging. The indications for the technique include teeth planned for extraction, medically compromised patients, and patients with compromised pink white aesthetics. The technique is less labor-intensive than grafting techniques and can be a conservative treatment instead of bridge augmentation or socket grafting.

The final paper discussed was about treatment planning for tooth wear cases. The article stressed on the importance of treating tooth wear cases holistically and sparing no effort in information gathering. Proper categorization of localized and generalized wear cases is important for decision making.

The meeting concluded with a lecture introducing provisional restorations. The workflows

for provisional restorations were discussed including tips and tricks on their success.