READERS’ ROUND TABLE
To THE EDITOR: Denture Technique Using Natural Anterior In my first reading of the article “Complete Teeth” by Drs. Kafandaris and Theodorou (J. PROSTHET. DENT. 33: 571-574, 1975), I was intrigued by the technique. My second reading set me to searching the article for information as to the nature of the metal used to cast the posts and copings. I failed to find any mention of the metal; surely th.e authors could not contemplate using gold. My third reading raised several other questions, to wit : 1. Given the skill required to fabricate the denture as described, why not direct that skill to reproducing the morphology of the natural dentition in an all-acrylic resin transitional denture? The literature is replete with techniques within the capabilities of most dental laboratory technicians. 2. Nonvital teeth are generally extremely brittle, even in situ. Can they be expected to be less so simply because they are cemented to a post and coping? 3. What does the edentulous, emotionally shocked patient do to find succor while his own natural anterior teeth are being adapted? GEORGE GOLDFARB, D.D.6. 92 CAPEN BLVD. BUFFALO,N. Y. 14226 To THE EDITOR: Dr. Goldfarb raised several questions regarding my article “Complete Denture Technique Using Natural Anterior Teeth” (J. PROSTHET. DENT. 33: 571-574, 1975). I welcome the opportunity of this communication, because I believe that it will facilitate the understanding of certain points that might have been misunderstood. The first question relates to “the nature of the metal used to cast the posts and copings.” The metal used is not a critical point of the technique because any kind of a Type C gold or a silver-palladium alloy will sufficiently support the natural teeth. However, the most desirable combination is a Type C gold alloy for the copings and a cylindrical, wrought, and serrated gold alloy post* for the drilled root canal. Another question is related to the problem of the low resistance to fractures of nonvital teeth. It is widely accepted that dehydration is a change that causes nonvital teeth to become brittle. Storing extracted teeth in an atmosphere of 100 per cent humidity will prevent this phenomenon. Furthermore, the extracted teeth, when properly treated, cemented to the copings and posts, and incorporated in a well-balanced occlusion are expected to serve the patient for a long period of time. In regard to the other two questions, the suggested technique is not intended to compare with or replace the well-established techniques of constructing complete dentures. This technique, however, after careful consideration of the individual patient, may be useful for the neurotic or hypersensitive patient, helping him to mentally adapt to complete dentures which might otherwise result in an irreversible handicap. NIKOS KAFANDARIS, D.D.S., M.D., DR.DEPIT. 2 VAS. OLGAS ST. THESSALONIKI, GREECE “Para-post,
Whaledent,
Inc., New York, N. Y.
361
To THE EDITOR: Denture Technique Using Natural Anterior In my first reading of the article “Complete Teeth” by Drs. Kafandaris and Theodorou (J. PROSTHET. DENT. 33: 571-574, 1975), I was intrigued by the technique. My second reading set me to searching the article for information as to the nature of the metal used to cast the posts and copings. I failed to find any mention of the metal; surely th.e authors could not contemplate using gold. My third reading raised several other questions, to wit : 1. Given the skill required to fabricate the denture as described, why not direct that skill to reproducing the morphology of the natural dentition in an all-acrylic resin transitional denture? The literature is replete with techniques within the capabilities of most dental laboratory technicians. 2. Nonvital teeth are generally extremely brittle, even in situ. Can they be expected to be less so simply because they are cemented to a post and coping? 3. What does the edentulous, emotionally shocked patient do to find succor while his own natural anterior teeth are being adapted? GEORGE GOLDFARB, D.D.6. 92 CAPEN BLVD. BUFFALO,N. Y. 14226 To THE EDITOR: Dr. Goldfarb raised several questions regarding my article “Complete Denture Technique Using Natural Anterior Teeth” (J. PROSTHET. DENT. 33: 571-574, 1975). I welcome the opportunity of this communication, because I believe that it will facilitate the understanding of certain points that might have been misunderstood. The first question relates to “the nature of the metal used to cast the posts and copings.” The metal used is not a critical point of the technique because any kind of a Type C gold or a silver-palladium alloy will sufficiently support the natural teeth. However, the most desirable combination is a Type C gold alloy for the copings and a cylindrical, wrought, and serrated gold alloy post* for the drilled root canal. Another question is related to the problem of the low resistance to fractures of nonvital teeth. It is widely accepted that dehydration is a change that causes nonvital teeth to become brittle. Storing extracted teeth in an atmosphere of 100 per cent humidity will prevent this phenomenon. Furthermore, the extracted teeth, when properly treated, cemented to the copings and posts, and incorporated in a well-balanced occlusion are expected to serve the patient for a long period of time. In regard to the other two questions, the suggested technique is not intended to compare with or replace the well-established techniques of constructing complete dentures. This technique, however, after careful consideration of the individual patient, may be useful for the neurotic or hypersensitive patient, helping him to mentally adapt to complete dentures which might otherwise result in an irreversible handicap. NIKOS KAFANDARIS, D.D.S., M.D., DR.DEPIT. 2 VAS. OLGAS ST. THESSALONIKI, GREECE “Para-post,
Whaledent,
Inc., New York, N. Y.
361
