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Preventive Dentistry Remains

Best for Caries Treatment


BOSTON, MA - In this changing economy, it is im- noted that it is important to tell patients that there are
portant for clinicians to have a potpourri of products very few products on the market that actually contain
that will produce predictable results, both for patients enough xylitol to have an effect. Patients need a mini-
and themselves, according to Frank J. Milnar, DDS, a mum of 6 g of xylitol each day to see any effect.
dentist for 34 years. Milnar addressed some of these de-
pendable treatment options at the Yankee Dental Con- Glass Ionomers
gress in Boston last week. In the event that cavities develop, Dr. Milnar dis-
“In this economy, we are back to nuts and bolts den- cussed glass ionomers. He said these materials are useful
tistry,” Dr. Milnar said. “You need to think about how for restoring carious lesions because of their excellent
you are going to treat your patients. I am minimally sealing ability. He recommends the GC Fuji products,
invasive.” including Fuji IX, which he called “duct tape for den-
tists,” because it “does everything.” He said these prod-
Start with the Saliva ucts all have shown good retention properties even after
Dr. Milnar advised clinicians at the meeting to focus several years of placement.
on prevention and control, remineralizing teeth, and
then using surgical interventions only after the disease New Flowable, Great Potential
is controlled. “Caries is an infectious disease, so you The newest addition to the GC Family, G-ænial Univer-
need to treat the infection and the causes of the disease sal Flo flowable composite joins G-ænial Flo and G-ænial
prior to restoration,” Dr. Milnar said. Bond as a leader in the market, Dr. Milnar said. He has
The first step in that process is to assess the caries been evaluating this product since it came on the market
risk, Dr. Milnar said. Next, he recommends counsel- earlier this year, and he said he feels that it is a very useful
ing the patient about addressing caries as a disease, and product. “What makes this different is that the chemis-
changing the biofilm in the mouth to prevent bacterial try is so different…the tensile strength, the polishability,
colonization and transmission of Streptococcus mutans, the esthetics. They are getting close to standard universal
the bug that causes caries. restoratives,” Dr. Milnar said. “I am telling you, this is
Dr. Milnar advocated starting treatment plans with where the future is.”
a saliva analysis. He cited the course sponsor, GC
America, and their product, the Saliva Check Buffer Involve the Patient
Kit, which can be used to evaluate the quality of a pa- Regardless of what approaches are used in treating
tient’s saliva regarding hydration, consistency, resting a patient, the key, Dr. Milnar said, is involving the pa-
and stimulated pH, stimulated flow, and buffering ca- tients. Showing a respect for the knowledge, desires,
pacity. GC America also manufactures the Saliva Check and skills that he patient and each dental team partici-
Mutans Kit, which is a chairside risk assessment test for pant can share helps to form the basis for successful in-
detecting higher levels of S. mutans. teractions and can help prevent continued tooth decay.
—Colleen Platt
Addressing Caries
A low pH plays a crucial role in the life cycle of S. Frank J. Milnar DDS, AACD
mutans. If a patient has a low pH, it is a good idea Frank J. Milnar DDS, AACD is a graduate of the Univer-
to advise him or her about some relatively inexpensive sity of Minnesota, School of Dentistry. He is an accred-
ited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic
ways to raise the pH, such as brushing and rinsing with Dentistry and a Board Examiner for accreditation. Dr.
baking soda twice a day. In addition to brushing with Milnar maintains a full-time practice in St. Paul, Min-
baking soda, Dr. Milnar counsels patients at high risk nesota emphasizing appearance related dentistry.
He has published numerous articles about the direct
of caries to apply MI Paste, which helps combat de- placement of composites, shade selection and porcelain materials. Dr. Mil-
mineralization, improves saliva pH, and boosts fluoride nar is co-founder of the Minnesota Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and lec-
tures extensively within the U.S. Armed Forces as well as internationally on
uptake. “This product is a wonderful addition to your the subject of direct composite restorations, shade selection and porcelain
office,” Dr. Milnar said. materials. He has been voted “Top Dentist” for the last several years in the
Other products, like gums containing xylitol, are Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine. Currently, he is the Professional Education
Committee Co-Chair for the AACD and member of the AACD Educational
also options for patients who are noncompliant with Alliance Committee and the Global Education Committee.
recommended caries prevention methods. Dr. Milnar

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