
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


JOIN ELEVATED GP: theelevatedgp.com
How do you restore a severely worn dentition without committing a single bur to the tooth? Dr. Dennis Hartlieb walks through CPR for the Worn Dentition (Concept, Prototype, Restoration), a reversible, additive composite bonding workflow that lets patients test drive a new vertical dimension, tooth length, and smile design for months before any definitive dentistry. After nearly 40 years in practice, he explains why prototyping in direct composite is safer for both the patient and the dentist than going straight from a wax-up to porcelain veneers or crowns.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Questions answered in this episode:
Can you open vertical dimension reversibly? Yes. Additive composite on unprepared teeth can be removed with carbide burs and discs if the patient isn't happy, returning them to where they started.
How long should a patient wear composite prototypes? Dr. Hartlieb asks patients to live with them for at least three months to watch for failures, bite changes, and aesthetic concerns.
Why not go straight to veneers or crowns? Once a bur touches the tooth, you are committed. Prototypes let the dentist and patient find common ground on function, aesthetics, and phonetics first.
About the guest: Dr. Dennis Hartlieb is a restorative and cosmetic dentist who has practiced for nearly 40 years and teaches the CPR for the Worn Dentition approach to prototype-driven, minimally invasive rehabilitation.
Hosted by Dr. Melissa Seibert, DMD, MS, FAGD, ABGD. The Dental Digest Podcast is a top 1% podcast for general dentists focused on clinical dentistry: restorative dentistry, occlusion, endodontics, implants, imaging, and practice growth. For CE, case discussions, and a community of GPs who love clinical dentistry, join Elevated GP at theelevatedgp.com.
JOIN ELEVATED GP: theelevatedgp.com
In part two, oral and maxillofacial radiologist Dr. Chris Matessi shows general dentists how to read a CBCT more like a radiologist: the best views for endodontics, the limits of CBCT for cracks and caries, how to tell benign from malignant lesions, how to measure accurately for implants, and how to interpret common TMJ findings.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Questions answered in this episode:
Can CBCT detect a cracked tooth? Not reliably. Incomplete cracks limited to the crown are a clinical diagnosis. Imaging helps once there is bone loss or a separated fragment.
Why place the implant in the software before measuring? Measuring along the planned implant axis avoids parallax errors that can overestimate available bone.
Does a condylar osteophyte need treatment? Usually not. It is often an adaptive remodeling response. Treatment is driven by symptoms, but it's worth weighing before major occlusal or orthodontic changes.
About the guest: Dr. Chris Matessi is an oral and maxillofacial radiologist who practiced clinical dentistry for seven years before specializing in radiology. He reads CBCT scans for general dentists and specialists and built a collaborative case-sharing platform for referring clinicians.
Hosted by Dr. Melissa Seibert, DMD, MS, FAGD, ABGD. The Dental Digest Podcast is a top 1% podcast for general dentists focused on clinical dentistry: restorative dentistry, occlusion, endodontics, implants, imaging, and practice growth. For CE, case discussions, and a community of GPs who love clinical dentistry, join Elevated GP at theelevatedgp.com.
JOIN ELEVATED GP: theelevatedgp.com
SPONSOR: Garrison Dental Solutions. Use code 26PODCAST for 10% off your order at https://www.garrisondental.com/ (valid for one purchase made directly through Garrison, through December 31, 2026).
Oral and maxillofacial radiologist Dr. Chris Matessi answers the cone beam CT questions general dentists ask most. From TMJ imaging and crown-root fractures to airway screening and legal liability, this episode clarifies what CBCT can reliably tell you, where it falls short, and how to choose the right scan for the right question.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Questions answered in this episode:
Can a CBCT diagnose sleep apnea? No. OSA must be diagnosed by a physician with a sleep study. CBCT is a screening and risk stratification tool.
Am I responsible for incidental findings on a full field scan? Yes. You are responsible for everything in the volume, so review it thoroughly or have it read by a radiologist.
When should I order a TMJ MRI instead of relying on CBCT? When conservative TMD therapy hasn't worked and you need to evaluate the disc, joint spaces, or inflammation.
About the guest: Dr. Chris Matessi is an oral and maxillofacial radiologist who practiced clinical dentistry for seven years before specializing in radiology. He reads CBCT scans for dentists and specialists and taught a CBCT course for Elevated GP.
Hosted by Dr. Melissa Seibert, DMD, MS, FAGD, ABGD. The Dental Digest Podcast is a top 1% podcast for general dentists focused on clinical dentistry: restorative dentistry, occlusion, endodontics, implants, imaging, and practice growth. For CE, case discussions, and a community of GPs who love clinical dentistry, join Elevated GP at theelevatedgp.com.
JOIN ELEVATED GP: theelevatedgp.com
The best marketing a dental practice can get is patients talking about you. In part two, Stephen Taylor, Director of Marketing at Delmain, and Dr. Melissa Seibert dig into social media, reviews, community presence, and patient experience, and why fixing the leaks in your practice often beats spending more on ads.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Questions answered in this episode:
Is organic social media worth it for a dental practice? It helps with branding and validation, but consistency and alignment with your ideal patient matter. Patient word of mouth usually drives more new patients than your own posts.
How do I get more Google reviews? Train your team to ask, especially the people who spend the most time with patients, and make the ask simple and sincere.
Should I spend more on ads if marketing isn't working? Not first. Fix leaks like unanswered calls and poor phone conversion, then scale what's working.
About the guest: Stephen Taylor is Director of Marketing at Delmain, a dental marketing company that supports practices with websites, SEO, paid ads, and patient acquisition. Learn more at delmain.co.
Hosted by Dr. Melissa Seibert, DMD, MS, FAGD, ABGD. The Dental Digest Podcast is a top 1% podcast for general dentists focused on clinical dentistry: restorative dentistry, occlusion, endodontics, implants, imaging, and practice growth. For CE, case discussions, and a community of GPs who love clinical dentistry, join Elevated GP at theelevatedgp.com.
JOIN ELEVATED GP: theelevatedgp.com
You can be the best clinician in town, but if new patients can't find you, your schedule stays empty. Stephen Taylor, Director of Marketing at Delmain, explains what actually brings new patients into a dental practice in 2026, from the fundamentals that still work to AI search, SEO, Google and Meta ads, and the measurement that separates real ROI from wasted ad spend.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Questions answered in this episode:
Do dental practices still need a website in the age of AI search? Yes. The website is essential for visibility, AI citations, and meeting patient expectations.
Is SEO still worth paying for? Yes. The work that helps you rank in traditional search also helps you appear in AI overviews and AI assistants.
How do I know if my marketing is working? Track beyond clicks to booked appointments, kept appointments, and collections by connecting marketing data to your practice management software.
About the guest: Stephen Taylor is Director of Marketing at Delmain, a dental marketing company that partners with more than 200 practices on websites, SEO, paid ads, and patient acquisition.
Hosted by Dr. Melissa Seibert, DMD, MS, FAGD, ABGD. The Dental Digest Podcast is a top 1% podcast for general dentists focused on clinical dentistry: restorative dentistry, occlusion, endodontics, implants, imaging, and practice growth. For CE, case discussions, and a community of GPs who love clinical dentistry, join Elevated GP at theelevatedgp.com.
JOIN ELEVATED GP: theelevatedgp.com
Should you perform a pulpotomy, a direct pulp cap, or a full root canal on a mature tooth with deep caries? Endodontist Dr. Judy McIntyre gives general dentists a candid, practical guide to vital pulp therapy, when a preoperative CBCT is essential, what separates a well-done root canal from a compromised one, and how to know your limits and build a real partnership with your endodontist.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Questions answered in this episode:
Pulpotomy, pulp cap, or root canal on a mature tooth with deep caries? It depends on symptoms, your true abilities, and whether the patient will return for follow-up. Frank expectations and a recall system are essential.
Which endo cases need a preoperative CBCT? Dr. McIntyre recommends it for all molars, retreatments, and apicoectomies, and for premolars or anteriors when 2D imaging shows fast breaks, curvature, or resorption.
Is the single-cone technique acceptable? Yes, when the cone intimately fits the prepared canal. Sealer is a vehicle, not the filling, and gutta-percha keeps the canal retreatable.
About the guest: Dr. Judy McIntyre is an endodontist and educator who teaches general dentists about CBCT, vital pulp therapy, and endodontic setup, and is known for encouraging GPs to love their endodontists.
Hosted by Dr. Melissa Seibert, DMD, MS, FAGD, ABGD. The Dental Digest Podcast is a top 1% podcast for general dentists focused on clinical dentistry: restorative dentistry, occlusion, endodontics, implants, imaging, and practice growth. For CE, case discussions, and a community of GPs who love clinical dentistry, join Elevated GP at theelevatedgp.com.
JOIN ELEVATED GP: theelevatedgp.com
Jim McKee is in private practice in Downers Grove, Illinois. Jim has a restoratively based practice with an emphasis on occlusion and temporomandibular joint disorders. In addition to private practice, Jim is a published author who has lectured national and internationally for over 25 years. Jim provides a new perspective on occlusion and TM joints that helps increase the predictability of occlusal, orthodontic, restorative, orthognathic and airway treatment options for both the patient and the dentist. He is the founder of the Chicago Study Club program and has extensive experience in directing study clubs in the United States and Canada. He is a ResidentFaculty member at Spear Education in Scottsdale, Arizona. Jim is a past president of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry and the American Equilibration Society.
Episode Overview In part two of this two-part series on Dental Digest, host Dr. Melissa Seibert and dual-boarded periodontist/prosthodontist Dr. Ashley Hoders challenge the conventional assumption that implants are always the gold standard in the anterior aesthetic zone . They explore why maxillary laterals and mandibular incisors are biologically hazardous sites for implants, how to choose mechanical over biologic failure, and how root submergence preserves vital bundle bone and papilla architecture .
Guest Information
Guest: Dr. Ashley Hoders, DDS, MS
Credentials & Affiliations: Dual board-certified diplomate and fellow of the American Board of Periodontology and the American Board of Prosthodontics; MS from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio . Clinical researcher with the McGuire Institute, co-creator of Spear Hygiene, visiting faculty at the University of Washington Graduate Periodontics Department, and active member of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry .
Key Clinical Takeaways
1. The Fallacy of the Anterior Implant "Gold Standard"
Maxillary lateral incisors and mandibular incisors represent non-strategic implant locations due to narrow space, thin facial bone, and continuous lifetime craniofacial changes .
Natural adjacent teeth and jaws continue to move, erupt, and remodel across a patient's lifespan, whereas ankylosed/osseointegrated implants remain static, causing mismatched incisal edges and uneven gingival zeniths over time .
2. Mechanical Complications vs. Biologic Disasters
Conservative cantilevered or single-retainer resin-bonded bridges achieve a $\approx 98\%$ success rate over 10+ years in properly managed occlusal schemes .
Fixed tooth-supported alternatives fail through mechanical inconvenience (e.g., wing debonding or connector fracture), which is easily repaired .
Implants carry biologic risk: at least 50% of implants exhibit inflammation or peri-implant disease, introducing chronic inflammatory challenges into an avascular environment where treatment is unpredictable .
3. Two-Layer Diagnostic & Treatment Planning
Dual perio-prosthodontic diagnostics require planning not just for the immediate edentulous site, but predicting what happens when adjacent teeth compromise (e.g., adjacent traumatized central incisors) .
3D planning dictates restorative pathways before surgery, verifying whether crestal morphology necessitates cement-retained versus screw-retained solutions .
Placing an anterior implant too shallow or too facial is the ultimate "kiss of death" for long-term peri-implant tissue stability .
4. Biologic Tension and Muscular Equilibrium
Bone stability relies on eliminating tension from the surrounding musculature (lips, cheeks, and tongue) and establishing a robust collar of keratinized mucosa .
Genetic cell turnover rates and masticatory function continuously challenge crestal bone margins .
5. Root Submergence & Partial Extraction Therapy
Anterior facial bone is frequently $ thick; removing the tooth and its periodontal ligament (PDL) causes rapid resorption of the bundle bone, resulting in horizontal and vertical ridge collapse .
Root submergence retains the submerged root structure inside the alveolus, tricking the body into maintaining the PDL, preserving bundle bone volume, and sustaining interproximal papilla height for adjacent restorations .
"Pro-tooth" dentistry prioritizes buying time with natural root structures (via posts, ferrule optimization, or partial extraction therapies) over premature implant placement .
Notable Mentions & Literature
Bill Robbins, DDS: Commentary in the International Journal of Periodontics & Restorative Dentistry (IJPRD) on avoiding lateral incisor implants; single-retainer RBFDP designs utilizing the mesial of the canine .
Matthias Kern, Dr. med. dent.: Long-term evidence supporting single-wing cantilever resin-bonded bridges (using the distal of the central incisor) .
Frank Spear, DDS, MSD: Clinical philosophy on valuing natural tooth retention: "I'm not anti-implant, I'm pro-tooth."
Mike Gunson, DDS, MD: Research surrounding facial aging, craniofacial growth, and implant positioning discrepancies .
Detailed Show Notes
Episode Overview In part one of this two-part series on Dental Digest, host Dr. Melissa Seibert sits down with dual-boarded periodontist and prosthodontist Dr. Ashley Hoders to examine the latest consensus literature on peri-implant soft tissue deficiencies, biologic bone preservation, and the biomechanics of skeletal expansion . They unpack why soft tissue recession is fundamentally a bone problem, how thin tissue starved of blood supply triggers crestal loss, and why treating skeletal arch deficiencies with dental compensation compromises cortical bone .
Guest Information
Guest: Dr. Ashley Hoders, DDS, MS
Credentials & Affiliations: Dual board-certified diplomat and fellow of the American Board of Periodontology and the American Board of Prosthodontics; MS from UT Health Science Center at San Antonio . Clinical researcher with the McGuire Institute, co-creator of Spear Hygiene, visiting faculty at the University of Washington Graduate Periodontics Department, and active member of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry (AARD) .
Key Clinical Takeaways
1. The Reality of Peri-Implant Soft Tissue Deficiencies
Recent joint consensus papers (AO/AAP) reveal that non-diseased peri-implant soft tissue deficiencies have an overall prevalence of 46.2% .
These deficiencies worsen over time: 33% at 1 year and 64.5% at 5 years .
Clinicians should exercise caution when planning implants in the aesthetic zone and consider alternative modalities (such as resin-bonded bridges) when appropriate .
2. Mid-Facial Margins vs. Interproximal Papilla
Interproximal papilla height is dictated primarily by the bone levels on adjacent natural teeth .
Mid-facial mucosal margin stability is driven by facial bone thickness (which is frequently $), 3D implant positioning, and placement timing (immediate vs. delayed protocols) .
3. Soft Tissue Recession is an Underlying Bone Problem
Soft tissue recession or peri-implant deficiency cannot occur without an underlying bone dehiscence or bone loss .
Bone requires two primary conditions to remain stable :
Vascular Nutrition: Thin tissue has inadequate blood supply, starving the underlying crestal bone and causing progressive remodeling .
Absence of Tension: Muscle attachments, vestibular pull, and lack of keratinized tissue exert tensile forces that destabilize bone .
4. Proactive Grafting as a Bone Stabilizer
Because bone cannot be predictably regenerated over an avascular implant surface or root dehiscence, soft tissue grafting serves as a proactive biologic shield .
Converting thin phenotypes to thick biotypes and widening keratinized mucosa delivers blood supply and buffers muscle tension, safeguarding crestal bone before recession occurs .
5. Skeletal Solutions for Skeletal Discrepancies
Post-industrial human development (diet changes, decreased breastfeeding) has led to smaller maxillas and contracted arches .
Treating skeletal constriction with purely dental expansion tips teeth outside the cortical plate, causing bone dehiscences, severe recession, and mobility .
Skeletal discrepancies require orthopedic/skeletal solutions (e.g., MARPE) rather than dental camouflage to preserve the periodontal foundation .
6. Patient Communication & Treatment Planning
Utilize 2D/3D radiographs alongside high-quality clinical photographs at baseline .
Drawing directly on printed photos helps patients visualize bone anatomy, soft tissue margins, and long-term aesthetic trade-offs before consenting to anterior implant therapy .
Notable Mentions & Literature
Consensus Literature: Academy of Osseointegration (AO) and American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) consensus papers on peri-implant disease and soft tissue deficiencies .
Influences & Citations: Kevin Murphy (AARD literature review), Joseph Kan (interproximal bone dynamics), Mariana Evans (airway, cranial growth, and post-industrial skeletal changes), Jeff Rouse, and Bill Robbins (interdisciplinary diagnosis)
Join Elevated GP: www.theelevatedgp.com
Follow @dental_digest_podcast Instagram
Follow @dr.melissa_seibert on Instagram
Connect with Melissa on Linkedin
Dr. Vince Kokich Jr. is a highly esteemed orthodontist, educator, and thought leader in the field of orthodontics and interdisciplinary dentistry. Following in the footsteps of his father, Dr. Vince Kokich Sr., a globally recognized pioneer in orthodontics, Dr. Kokich Jr. has built his own legacy by advancing innovative approaches to patient care, education, and the integration of specialties within dentistry.
Educational BackgroundDr. Kokich Jr. earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree with high honors from the University of Washington School of Dentistry, a program known for its rigorous clinical training and commitment to evidence-based care. He went on to complete his orthodontic residency at the same institution, where he honed his skills in diagnosing and treating complex malocclusions, facial growth discrepancies, and interdisciplinary cases.
Throughout his education, Dr. Kokich was recognized for his academic excellence and dedication to improving patient outcomes. His passion for teaching began early in his career and has remained a cornerstone of his professional life.
Professional CareerDr. Kokich Jr. has practiced orthodontics for over two decades, specializing in comprehensive treatment plans that address both functional and esthetic concerns. He is particularly renowned for his expertise in:
As an orthodontist, Dr. Kokich is committed to providing patient-centered care. His approach focuses on creating harmonious outcomes that not only align teeth but also improve facial aesthetics and long-term dental health.
Educator and SpeakerDr. Kokich Jr. is a sought-after speaker at national and international dental conferences, where he shares his expertise on topics such as:
He has been invited to lecture for prestigious organizations and institutions, including the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, and various study clubs and universities worldwide. His dynamic and engaging teaching style makes him a favorite among both clinicians and students.
Innovator and FounderDr. Kokich Jr. is the creator of Kokich Education, an educational platform dedicated to elevating the knowledge and skills of dental professionals. Kokich Education offers a range of resources, from webinars and case studies to in-depth courses, empowering clinicians to tackle even the most challenging cases with confidence. The platform reflects Dr. Kokich's philosophy of interdisciplinary collaboration and lifelong learning.
To learn more about Kokich Education, visit kokicheducation.com.
Publications and ResearchDr. Kokich Jr. has contributed to several peer-reviewed articles and textbook chapters that focus on the integration of orthodontics with other dental specialties. His work has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of how orthodontics can complement restorative and prosthetic dentistry to achieve superior outcomes.
Professional AffiliationsDr. Kokich Jr. is an active member of several professional organizations, including:
Dr. Vince Kokich Jr. continues to honor the legacy of his father while forging his own path in orthodontics. His dedication to innovation, education, and patient care has made him a leader in the field. Through his practice, lectures, and Kokich Education, Dr. Kokich inspires clinicians worldwide to achieve excellence in their work and deliver transformative care to their patients.
From the publisher's feed

90,560 Listeners

3,161 Listeners

181 Listeners

391 Listeners

170 Listeners

559 Listeners

224 Listeners

7,913 Listeners

33 Listeners

147 Listeners

20 Listeners

277 Listeners

8,139 Listeners

29,014 Listeners

32 Listeners