He Said That I Am Right

  Gordon Christensen is the premier evaluator of dental materials and techniques. I wrote him after he published an article in Dental Economics in which he said that the average direct  posterior restoration lasts 7 years and 42% of them have new decay around them. I told him that the material was not to blame but that the poor training of especially young dentists  is to blame. 

Of course he agrees with me and says that when direct posterior resins are done correctly, that they last DECADES.

September 25, 2018

Gerald C. Benjamin, DDS

18 Division Street

Suite 205

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

dr.benjamin@benjaminsmile.com

Dear Gerald:

Thanks for your comments on resin-based composites. Your comments are very correct. However, they relate primarily to the less than 6% of GP’s who use rubber dam. If using rubber dam, the extent of class II recurrent caries is low. I personally use rubber dam constantly.

The use of lights by most dentists is highly deficient, and I agree with your comments. Air abrading is also another way to improve class II’s. 

One aspect that relates to the observable, proven, and continuing failure of these restorations is the less than adequate techniques used by many dentists because of hasty techniques developed to increase revenues.

My thoughts on class II’s are shown in one of our videos. If you have interest, go to www.pccdental.com, under CE  Videos, and get the video, V3554 – Class II Composite Resins Can Be Predictable, Non-Sensitive, and Profitable.

Sincerely,

Gordon J. Christensen, DDS MSD PhD

Founder and CEO, Practical Clinical Courses

CEO, CR Foundation

GJC/kw