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Spear Digest Dental Articles

TMJ and Treatment Planning: Treating Joint Issues for More Predictable Results
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TMJ and Treatment Planning: Treating Joint Issues for More Predictable Results

TMJ and treatment planning are interconnected. If a TMJ issue is discovered, having a predictable workflow for joint-based treatment planning can help....

| 1 year ago
Why Full Coverage Restorations Are Common for Second Molars
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Why Full Coverage Restorations Are Common for Second Molars

In most cases, tooth wear and tooth fracture result from mechanical overload at the tooth level because of uneven occlusal force distribution. So why...

| 1 year ago
Autogenous Fat: Preferred Material for TMJ Disk Replacement

Autogenous Fat: Preferred Material for TMJ Disk Replacement

While disk repairs are the preferred option to restore normal joint anatomy, it may not be possible with the amount of soft- or hard-tissue deformation....

| 1 year ago
Post-Pandemic Dentistry: TMD Fact and Fiction

Post-Pandemic Dentistry: TMD Fact and Fiction

Dr. Jim McKee explores why the pervasive myth behind TMD could contribute to missed diagnoses and improper treatment—and how doctors and teams can avoid it.

| 2 years ago
6 Key Factors for Getting Patients to Say “Yes” to MRIs and CBCTs

6 Key Factors for Getting Patients to Say “Yes” to MRIs and CBCTs

Dr. Jim McKee discusses the six key clinical factors that can help uncertain patients recognize the value in TMJ imaging.

| 2 years ago
Which Joint Classification System Should I Use?
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Which Joint Classification System Should I Use?

Learn how to determine when the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorder (RDC/TMD), the Wilkes Classification System and the Piper Classification...

| 2 years ago
When Dental Patients Pop the Question ‘Can You Help Me?’

When Dental Patients Pop the Question ‘Can You Help Me?’

Learn how to address TMJ issues through Dr. Jim McKee's example of a new, 34-year-old patient who presented with a history of significant dental treatment.

| 2 years ago
Patient History 101 (Lesson 4): Jaw Joint Pain

Patient History 101 (Lesson 4): Jaw Joint Pain

Having an accurate history of a patient's jaw joint pain is invaluable, Dr. Jim McKee explains in his series of articles on patient history.

| 3 years ago
Patient History 101 (Lesson 3): Previous Treatment

Patient History 101 (Lesson 3): Previous Treatment

Having an accurate history of a patient's previous dental treatment is invaluable for accurate treatment planning and predictable outcomes.

| 3 years ago
Patient History 101 (Lesson 2): Joint Injuries

Patient History 101 (Lesson 2): Joint Injuries

The restorative dentist has an invaluable tool with accurate patient history of jaw joint injuries. Dr. Jim McKee reveals key questions to ask during...

| 3 years ago
Patient History 101 (Lesson 1): Jaw Joints
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Patient History 101 (Lesson 1): Jaw Joints

Having an accurate history of patient jaw joints is invaluable, Dr. Jim McKee explains in this first in a series of articles.

| 3 years ago
TMD: Could It Be More Than Muscle?

TMD: Could It Be More Than Muscle?

TMD pain can be attributed to muscle or a combo of muscle, herniated disks, bone disorders, upper cervical misalignment, and other factors.

| 3 years ago