No abstract

Well-fitting indirect restorations can only be made if there are accurate models of the oral tissues available, made from high quality impressions. Waiting for an impression to set may be more stressful for the dentist than the patient. Should the impression need to be repeated there is the embarrassment of having to explain this to the patient, the cost implications of material and time wasted and the aggravation of running late for the next appointment. Yet, if a 'Nelsonian' eye is turned to a defective impression we can only expect a substandard restoration in return.

Having successfully negotiated the planning, preparation, impression and prescription of your crown, the cementation stage represents the culmination of all your efforts. This stage is not difficult, but a successful outcome needs as much care as the preceding stages. Once a restoration is cemented there is no scope for modification or repeat. You have to get it right first time. Decemented crowns often have thick layers of residual cement suggesting problems with either initial seating or cement handling. When the fate of restorations costing hundreds of pounds depends on correct proportioning of cements and the quality of the mix, the value of a well-trained and experienced dental nurse is easy to see. Both dentist and nurse need a working knowledge of the materials they are handling.

This paper reports a case of tooth surface loss as a result of the eating disorder pica. Background to the condition is discussed and the clinical findings and treatment of the patient outlined. The case illustrates a rare cause of wear which should be considered when patients present with an unusual pattern of tooth surface loss.

No abstract