Dr. Vivek Hegde | Conservative Dentist and Endodontist 
 Dr. Rashmi Hegde | Periodontics and Oral Implantology

RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
It is a branch of dentistry that deals with restoring the form and function of teeth affected by the most common conditions – Dental caries or tooth decay. Dental caries can be present on the biting surfaces of teeth, approximal surface facing the adjacent tooth, or the angle of the tooth or it may involve a major portion of the tooth surfaces. The treatment is primarily aimed at removing all the decay and caries leaving behind healthy tooth structure which can then be restored to its normal function and anatomy, using various restorative materials. Initially, the commonly used material was silver amalgam, etc. However, with the demand for esthetics increasing in recent times, tooth colored fillings are more preferred.

COMPOSITE RESIN /LIGHT CURE RESTORATIONS (TOOTH COLOURED RESTORATIONS
They are types of synthetic resins, which are used in dentistry as restorative materials or adhesives. They are most commonly composed of Bis-GMA and other dimethacrylate monomers, a filler material such as silica, and most applications, a photoinitiator. The composite resin is available in the form of tubes, through which it is dispensed, and different shades simulating the various tooth shades and stains are available so as to make the final restoration look as natural as possible. Prior to filling in the cavity, the tooth surface is etched with an etchant which is normally 30-40% phosphoric acid and then rinsed with water and air-dried. This leaves behind a frosty white surface. Following this, a bonding agent is applied and cured. Composites are placed while still in the dough-like stage, in increments (packable) or flowable state, followed by activation by light of blue wavelength emitted from a light cure unit. This causes the composite resin to harden or polymerize into a solid filling. If the filling is deep and too close to the nerve inside the tooth, some patients can complain of sensitivity. The biting surface also has to be adjusted to make it comfortable, otherwise the patient can get sensitivity on eating or chewing. After the adjustments are done every filling is finished with aluminum oxide discs and polishing strips to get a smooth surface. A properly placed composite is comfortable, esthetically pleasing, strong, durable, and could last for several years. It is generally very difficult to distinguish between a natural tooth structure and composite resin restoration if done properly.

GLASS IONOMER RESTORATIONS- RMGI
It is a dental restorative material for fillings and cementation of crowns. It is based on the reaction of silicate glass powder and an ionomer. They bond chemically to dental hard tissues and release fluoride for a long period. It generally sets in 6-8 minutes. It is generally opaque cement. Even though it is used in the anterior teeth, it is opaque and not highly esthetic. Sometimes resins are added to make it more translucent. This is Resin Modified Glass Ionomer, which is light-cured. These are glass ionomers that are modified by the inclusion of a resin monomer. They are stronger and have an improved translucency over the original glass ionomer cement that set through an acid-base reaction. Following placement, the top layer of the restoration will be irradiated for 20 seconds, following which it sets and attains a smooth glassy surface.

 

Dr. Vivek Hegde

Dr Vivek Hegde completed his BDS and MDS in Conservative dentistry and Endodontics from Manipal University. He has also completed his Diploma and Masters in Laser dentistry from University of Vienna Austria, is one of the founder members and is currently the President of SOLA (Society of Laser Applications)India. He is also a faculty in the Master’s program in Dental Lasers , University of Vienna Austria. He is a renowned clinician in India and specialises in Microscope enhanced Endodontics . He is a pioneer in the use of Microscopes in dentisty in India and lectures extensively as a speaker at national and international conferences. He is also the course director for his teaching academy and conducts hands on clinical workshops in Endodontics -treatment/ retreatment, Laser dentistry and M icroscopic dentistry. He is currently Professor, Head of Departmet and Vice Principal at M. A Rangoonwala Dental Collge Pune.

Dr. Rashmi Hegde

Dr. Rashmi Hedge has completed her BDS from Pune University. She pursued her MDS in Periodontics & Oral Implantology, with Vice Chancellor’s certificate of merit for standing 2nd in overall merit, from Maharashtra University of Health Sciences Nashik. Dr. Rashmi Hegde has also completed Diploma & Masters in Laser Dentistry from the University of Vienna, Austria. She has undergone hands-on clinical training in Implantology and Microscope enhanced Dentistry and a has keen interest in Periodontal plastic surgery, Piezosurgery and Laser-Assisted dentistry. She also has national and international presentations and publications to her credit. Dr. Rashmi Hegde is also a faculty at M.A Rangoonwala college of dental sciences Pune and is a panel consultant to some of the hospitals.