Tonight at dinner my son bought a tin can home from school filled with questions. We each went around the dinner table and asked a question that everyone had to answer.

One of the questions was "Tell us something you did today that you were proud of". This got me thinking about what each of us do to help our patients live healthier lives. Many dentists call themselves "Esthetic Dentists", but I ask what makes them one? Is it because you do veneers and white fillings? For me personally I choose to regard myself and my office as a place where we try and help patients achieve optimal health, both medically and dentally. A side benefit will be the most esthetic and functional restorations that are appropriate for that patient. This office culture ideal is the most critical aspect of what I do each and everyday. Its what drives myself and my staff. I believe it is a living concept that must be practiced each and everyday.

Yes I believe this is an incredibly high standard I place on not only myself but also my support staff. Its why we believe we care for our patients better then most and what separates us from many around us. So I come back to what an Esthetic Dentist is. I believe this is also an ideal that must be practiced each and everyday with each and every procedure.

Today I had a failing amalgam restoration on tooth #14. Upon removal of the restoration I was able to visualize and excavate the decay. I found the remaining tooth structure was sufficient for a chair side composite restoration as the cusps and marginal ridges were mostly intact. While the decay carried over to the lingual groove I was confident a beautiful and conservative restoration could be done.

As I was polishing my patient asked what are you doing? I responded oh just doing something only I will see. They said "What". I laughed and said you know Mr. X I take great pride in creating a restoration that resembles a natural tooth as much as possible. Creating the proper anatomy will ensure your restoration will have a long prognosis. By ensuring I create the proper function with your tooth, it will in turn make it look esthetically pleasing. (My goal is I want my restorations to be invisible.) He of course said no one will see it. Which my assistant without me saying a word stated, "Dr. Cohen will see it and he wants to forget you have a filling in that tooth." Office culture. I was so proud not only of the restoration I did but how my team truly believes in what we are trying to provide to our patients.

I wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season,

Andy

Before/After- Empress Direct Dentin, Ochre Stain, and Empress Direct Enamel

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