[...]... noninvasive, and nonstressful PUBLIC'S PERCEPTION OF DENTISTRY The public's perception of dentistry is another factor that will influence whether the increased numbers of teeth and increased need for operative services will be converted to increased demand Fortunately, the public considers dentists and dentistry very positively The public ranks a dentist as one of the most respected members of the community, and. .. technology, science, and materials will have a significant effect on the future practice of and demand for operative dentistry However, there are other factors that will also affect the future of operative dentistry To project the future demand for operative dentistry treatment, both current and projected dental health in the United States must be identified This necessitates a projection of demographic... dentistry is the art and science of the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of defects of teeth that do not require full coverage restorations for correction Such treatment should result in the restoration of proper tooth form, function, and esthetics while maintaining the physiologic integrity of the teeth in harmonious relationship with the adjacent hard and soft tissues, all of which should enhance the general... grinding, and chewing of food to the smallest dimensions suitable for deglutition The occlusal surfaces of both premolars and molars act as a myriad of shears that function in the final mastication of food The premolars and molars are also important in maintaining the vertical dimension of the face (see Figs 2-1 and 2-2) STRUCTURES OF THE TEETH FIG 2-2 Occlusal surfaces of maxillary and mandibular first and. .. factors, and dental health and the effect of these on the future demand for dental services DEMOGRAPHICS Between 1990 and 2050, the U.S population is projected to increase by 146 million people (to a total of 394 million) 4 1 and the composition of the American population at that time will also be different; almost one half (47%) of the population will consist of minorities, 41 and the numbers of older... understanding of the biologic basis and function of the various tooth components and supporting tissues; (9) an appreciation for and knowledge of correct dental anatomy; and (10) the effect of the operative procedure on other dental treatments Subsequent chapters amplify these factors in relation to specific operative procedures In summary, the placement of a restoration in a tooth requires the dentist... understood A knowledge of the various structures of the teeth (enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp) and their relationships to each other, as well as of the supporting structures, is necessary for excellence in the performance of operative dental procedures (See Fig 2-3 for an illustration of these structures.) A basic understanding of proper anatomic form is essential in the restoration of either a single tooth... "filling" the cavity with some type of material Much of the knowledge and many of the techniques for the first successful tooth restorations were developed in the United States However, much of the practice of dentistry during the founding years of this country was not based on scientific knowledge, and disputes often arose regarding treatment techniques and materials One such dispute concerning the use of. .. operative dentistry They have resulted in a reduction of the incidence of caries and a more conservative and effective approach toward treatment, with the ultimate result of improved oral health for all populations FACTORS AFFECTING THE FUTURE DEMAND FOR OPERATIVE DENTISTRY Because of the dynamic status of operative dentistry, many future developments and advancements will undoubtedly occur These advances... of the community, and dentistry has the highest satisfaction rating when the public assesses the services they receive Lastly, the public not only thinks highly of the dental profession, they also appreciate the benefits of good dental health All of this suggests a continuing demand for operative services PATIENT VISITS Because of the projected significant increase in the number of senior adults, it . opera- tive dentistry pertinent to the education and practice of operative dentistry in the twenty-first century. This book presents the science of operative dentistry. restora- tion of the damage that has occurred. NEW TO THIS EDITION The fourth edition of The Art and Science of Operative Den- tistry presents numerous