We encourage your feedback and look forward to answering your questions about our articles.

Dear Dr. Resnik,

I really appreciated your article, “Extraction and Socket Grafting: Part 1 — Atraumatic Extraction” (Chairside^® magazine, Vol. 14, Issue 1). I find that extractions can be stressful due to their potential for unpredictability. I had some questions about the article.

The first step you outlined is to sever the connective tissue fibers. The article noted that you do that circumferentially, going all the way around the tooth with the periotome. When I perform extractions, I do that several times, gradually pushing the periotome deeper.

You also described how to insert the periotome into the interproximal space along the long axis of the tooth, and then leave it in place for 10–20 seconds. Can that be done all the way around the tooth, except on the facial surface of anterior teeth? Is this technique only recommended for bicuspids and molars because the buccal bone is stronger?

Again, very good article and I look forward to the future installments. I would appreciate any additional nuggets you can give me on extractions. Thank you.

Kenneth Armstrong, DDS
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Dear Dr. Resnik,

I enjoyed your article and would like to learn more about the atraumatic extraction technique, as I do not have a lot of experience or confidence in this area. Your recommendations would be appreciated.

Jeffrey Wilkin, DDS
Highlands Ranch, Colorado

Dear Dr. Armstrong and Dr. Wilkin,

Thanks for your comments about my recent article, “Extraction and Socket Grafting: Part 1 — Atraumatic Extraction,” and I hope you’ll enjoy the rest of my series on extraction and socket grafting. The periotome technique can be used on all teeth. However, in the maxillary anterior, it should be avoided except for severing the gingival fiber attachment. Patience and the judicious application of forces are the keys to success. For hands-on instruction, I suggest that you consider a course with pig-jaw lab exercises, such as the Misch Institute Surgical Program, Session 1, taking place Sept. 27 in Dallas, where you can practice the proper force application and placement of the periotome.

Sincerely,
Randolph Resnik, DMD, MDS

Dear Dr. Muresan,

I really enjoyed reading your article, “A Versatile Material for the Anterior: A BruxZir^® Esthetic Case Report” (Chairside magazine, Vol. 14, Issue 1). Seeing your creative expertise on this case made my day.

Thanks for sharing!

Sandy Montano, DDS
Spokane, Washington

Dear Dr. Montano,

Thanks for your kind comments about my article. I hope to see you at one of our hands-on courses in esthetic dentistry, such as “A Practical Approach to Cosmetic Dentistry and Veneers,” taking place Aug. 16 in Louisville, Kentucky, or Sept. 20 in Irvine, California.

Sincerely,
Anamaria Muresan, DMD, ME, CDT