Managing tooth fractures
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 10th April 2020
Dr Sanjeev Bhanderi is a leading authority on the management of tooth fractures. Here he shares what he believes are the greatest challenges faced by clinicians in the area.
“Fractures are becoming more and more prevalent in our patients for a number of reasons,” he says. “First, people are keeping their teeth for much longer than they used to and therefore may be a long way down the ‘restorative cycle’ as they become more structurally compromised over time. Second, patients’ expectations for any treatment or care they receive are higher. Third, as natural teeth are kept for longer, they are often associated with tooth wear. This might be compounded by the fact that more teeth will require endodontic treatment, which in itself can weaken teeth further.
“Another reason for the increased incidence of tooth fractures is that the longer teeth are kept and more heavily restored they become, the more likely they are to succumb to the longevity of occlusal load and forces.
“Finally, I believe that parafunction plays a significant role in the cause of tooth fracture, particularly in an increasingly younger cohort of patients. This might be due to psychological stress, odd biting habits, intraoral piercings, or in relation to larger restorations.
“The main challenge for clinicians is to identify the presence of a fracture early on. We can attempt to do this from patients’ symptomology and by careful examination. The aim is to treat these teeth before they ‘de-vitalise’ or catastrophically split.”
Dr Bhanderi is widely renowned for his expertise within endodontics and is a registered Specialist in the field. He has worked as a Course Leader for the MSc in Endodontology at UCLan and is currently a Senior Lecturer at the University of Liverpool Dental School for the DDSc Endodontic Specialist training programme. He has lectured across the UK and international, and he is President Elect of the British Endodontic Society (BES).
Dr Bhanderi will be presenting in the Speciality Interest Theatre at the British Dental Conference and Dentistry show 2020, supported by the BES. His session will explore “Tooth fractures: the beginning of the end?” and will give delegates plenty to think about. He comments:
“During my session I will discuss the clinical signs and symptoms of fracture presentation, describing the protocols for and importance of clinical examination under magnification. I will also cover the relationship between fracture extent and prognosis, as well as treatment strategies for fractured teeth. The ultimate aim is always to prolong retention survival of compromised teeth for longevity and function.
“I hope that delegates will learn how to better assess fractures in teeth. They will leave with an improved understanding of how to manage a fractured tooth conservatively using the latest adhesive techniques. I also hope that professionals will increase their confidence in deciding between appropriate management of fractures or extraction, with valid patient consent obtained every time.”
The British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2020 will offer a wide range of educational and networking opportunities for professionals with an interest in different disciplines. The Speciality Interest Theatre will feature several speakers who are at the forefront of their respective fields, enabling delegates to develop their knowledge in endodontics, orthodontics and restorative dentistry. The Implant Theatre, Short-term Ortho Lounge and Facial Aesthetics Theatre will explore relevant topics even further. Of particular note is the BDA Theatre, which will deliver a two-day lecture programme with industry-leading speakers hoping to help delegates overcome a huge array of common challenges.
What’s more, the trade floor will host more than 450 dental manufacturers and suppliers of all products, systems and technologies associated with each area of dentistry. Whether you’re looking to update your current practises or get into a new field, this will be the ideal place to seek information from product experts and highly experienced colleagues.
Dr Bhanderi reflects on his involvement with the event in the past:
“I attended a number of BDA conferences as a speaker in my home town of Manchester, as well as every Dentistry Show held at the Birmingham NEC since its inception. The combined event, I feel, is the biggest general dental event of the year and it offers something for everyone.
“The trade show is the biggest in UK dentistry and a great opportunity to see and try new products, equipment and services, while also meeting suppliers and companies directly. The lectures provide an ample range of topics, including essential verifiable CPD to meet the needs of every member of the dental profession. This is also a great way for the entire dental team to spend time away from the practice for a fun and educational day.
“As an Endodontic Specialist, the British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show is a great way to meet, speak with and educate colleagues and students outside my field. It also enables me to interact with all the other dental specialities in a relaxed environment. Plus, the NEC is a great location for everyone in the UK (and internationally) to access. It’s a great networking and learning event!”
The British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2020 will be held on Friday 11th and 12th September 2020, Hall 5, at the Birmingham NEC, co-located with DTS.
For all the latest information, please visit www.thedentistryshow.co.uk, call 020 7348 5270 or email dentistry@closerstillmedia.com
