No abstract

Dental injuries are the commonest type of orofacial injury sustained during participation in sports. Of the types which are currently available, custom-made mouthguards fitted by a dentist have been demonstrated to provide the greatest protection from dental injuries. Such mouthguards should therefore be recommended for use by those who participate in contact sports, and their provision should be actively encouraged by dental care workers.

No abstract

While the introduction of the acid-etch technique with composite materials has revolutionised the restoration of fractured incisor teeth, it is possible that restoration of such teeth using the fractured fragment may produce a superior result. The technique, with possible advantages and disadvantages, is described.

No abstract

No abstract

The provision of well-fitting, functional provisional restorations is important for a wide variety of reasons, including maintenance of the stability of inter- and intra-arch relationships and positional stability of prepared teeth, and the preservation of occlusal function of anterior provisional restorations by providing appropriate protrusive and lateral guidance. Provisional restorations should be of sufficient strength to resist the forces of occlusion and should be luted with a cement that will resist the forces of removal, yet allow easy removal at the fit appointment without leaving a residue on the prepared tooth. This paper describes the use of provisional restorations in indirect restorative dentistry and suggests some specific techniques for clinical use.

Successful restoration of posterior teeth with resin-based restorative materials requires the clinician to be aware of the factors influencing success. These include correct patient and cavity selection, correct choice of material, identifying a matrix system that will achieve a tight contact, and correct placement methods. A means of avoiding stress due to polymerization shrinkage should also be used.