From Basics to Beyond!

-Dr Nupur Shrirao, Editorial for Feb 2022 issue (Volume 5, Issue 2) Roots for a solid foundation and wings with a hope to fly - are these not the two prime factors you need for a good, long lasting career? Strong basics with an eye to look beyond in the future...here’s dedicating this month’s issue to this, from strengthening basics to understanding the beyond!

From Basics

1. 10 tips for successful use of elevators in tooth ‘e-x-t-r-a-c-t-i-o-n’. Dental elevators are used to move (elevate) the tooth from its socket. They make extractions easy and quick - but only if you know how to use them safely and successfully. Remember this acronym to better your elevator use in a tooth e-x-t-r-a-c-t-i-o-n, says Dr Nishit Shah, mentor of the DR Surgical Strike contest (more on the contest below). 2. Management of subgingival tooth fractures naturally We regularly encounter cases with fractured cusp or a cracked tooth. What complicates the case is when the fracture line or crack extends below the gingiva, and we primarily think of extracting it. A sub-gingival tooth fracture does NOT always mean extraction of the fragment/tooth, but rather retaining the natural tooth, says Dr Urvashi Tanwar in her elaborate article. 3. The Way to a Man’s Heart is Through his “Mouth”? Remember reading and mugging up about infective endocarditis and dental caries since BDS days? There is a 50% increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in those with poor oral health. But we still underplay the significance of this association.

“How can dentists help in improving cardiac health?”, asks Dr Ketki Kalele.

To Beyond

1. Everything about Tobacco Cessation Programs (TCP): How dental surgeons can start TCP in their private dental practice You’re practicing traditional dentistry and doing well. What next? Your role as a dentist is not limited to only the oral cavity. Starting a tobacco cessation program in your private dental practice can help you in playing out your pivotal role in the community beyond usual dentistry - i.e. effectively managing tobacco dependence, says Dr Mriganka Sekhar Ghose. 2. Digitization in Publications Reading publications is a path to keep yourself relevant and updated; while contributing to publications is a way to get recognised in your field and get applauded by your own peers. Digitization has made publications easy and accessible at our finger tips. Depending on your needs, you can pick any one type of digital publication and be ready to roll, advices Dr Rockson Samuel & Dr Nupur Shrirao.3. Deprogrammers in dentistry – using what we have! A step beyond conventional tooth-gum practice, deprogrammers are generally used to eliminate muscle tension, pain or discomfort. It is is a separate and extra appliance, which means increased patient costs and patient compliance. What if we use something which is already a part of the treatment to deprogram, suggests Dr Deepa Ravichandran along with a case series.