I began attending PEAK in the fall of 2015 and it has been single-handedly the best decision I ever made as a dentist! The quality of continuing education and speakers continue to further my education beyond dental school and residency. PEAK continues to give beyond the lectures with all the incredible dentists who attend, sharing their wisdom and experience. Originally from Wisconsin, I am forever indebted to Albright College for bringing my family to Pennsylvania and to the PEAK family.
I presented Leslie’s case in the Spring of 2017. Leslie, a soft spoken and incredibly kind 63-year-old female, presented in the fall of 2016 when her veneer broke off. The veneer wrapped lingually and unfortunately, #9 was non-restorable (Photo 1). We discussed her treatment options of an implant or bridge and Leslie decided on an implant to replace #9.
“The quality of continuing education and speakers continue to further my education beyond dental school and residency. PEAK continues to give beyond the lectures with all the incredible dentists who attend, sharing their wisdom and experience.”
One of my favorite parts of being a dentist is helping patients when the unexpected happens, forcing me to think on my feet. Luckily, we had a periodontist in our office who was able to place an immediate implant for Leslie… four days after I saw her. I provisonalized her tooth with three pins and a prayer and saw her on Friday for her surgery (Photo 2).
Our lab made an acrylic partial and an Astra implant was placed on the same day as the extraction with a papilla sparing flap. Our periodontist prefers a two stage uncovery so Leslie was wearing her interim partial for three months while osseointegration was taking place (Photo 3).
To say I am not proud of the esthetics of Leslie’s provisional is an understatement, but it was a means to the end. As you can see in the photos, the shade is perhaps an entire shade guide off! That being said, there is a lot to learn from the experience and sharing the successes and not-so-successes, which allow for a better conversation at PEAK how to improve our care for patients. While Leslie is not color blind, she is very patient and did not mind that shade as she understood the provisional would be in place for two months to contour her tissue (Photo 4).
Leslie’s tissue contoured beautifully, and her gingival zenith was exactly what we were hoping to achieve (Photos 5 and 6). While Leslie’s smile line is not excessively high, she does get some lip height when she gives a very broad smile. Delux Dental lab in Reading, PA, completed the custom shade (Photo 7). There is a slight discrepancy in the characterization of the middle third of the tooth, but Leslie was ecstatic with the results!
A few closing thoughts on dentistry and on PEAK:
- Take photos – they help you to document and analyze
your work. - If you are a part of PEAK II – thank you for your help through the years and listening to my fast-talking lectures!
- If you are not a part of PEAK – please join in on the fun
and friendship!
