How on earth can a neck injection eliminate teeth sensitivity?

Can a patient’s tooth sensitivity really be linked to their occlusion?

Is occlusal adjustment ever indicated for sensitivity?

And what’s the actual mechanism behind those cases where everything looks fine — no cracks, no significant wear, no exposed dentine — yet the patient still complains their teeth are sensitive?

In this episode, Dr. Nick Yiannios shares the concept of Sympathetic Dental Hypersensitivity (SDH), a groundbreaking way of understanding sensitivity that goes beyond the usual suspects like caries, erosion, or leakage.

We dive into how the sympathetic nervous system in the pulp can drive unexplained pain, why traditional approaches often fail, and how objective tools like T-Scan and EMG can reveal what articulating paper misses.

This could completely change the way you diagnose and manage those “mystery” sensitivity cases that just don’t add up.

Protrusive Dental Pearl: When fitting a resin-bonded bridge (RBB), if you’re unsure about the fit and cement gap, use light-bodied PVS on the intaglio surface of the wing. After setting and peeling it away, the thickness of the PVS shows you the expected cement layer. Ideally, it should be thin and even; a thicker area highlights where your gap is excessive.

Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!

Key Takeaways:

Highlights of this episode:

Curious to dive deeper?
You can explore more of Dr. Nick’s work and insights through these resources:

Studies & Resources

If this episode helped you, check out PDP199: How to Eliminate Sensitivity During Teeth Whitening

#PDPMainEpisodes #OcclusionTMDandSplints #BreadandButterDentistry

This episode is eligible for 1 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance. 

This episode meets GDC Outcomes C.

AGD Subject Code: 180 OCCLUSION

Aim: To provide dentists with an updated understanding of tooth sensitivity, highlighting the role of sympathetic nervous system involvement, occlusion, and modern treatment approaches beyond traditional desensitizers.

Dentists will be able to –

2. Identify diagnostic tools (e.g., T-Scan, JVA, imaging) that provide objective data for managing sensitivity.

3. Evaluate treatment options, including laser-ozone therapy, occlusal adjustments, and neck block techniques.

Is it time to say goodbye to your DSLR?

Are mirrorless cameras really the future of dental photography?

If your DSLR is still working perfectly, should you upgrade now or wait for the right time?

Jaz is joined by Dr. Ashish Soneji in this game-changing episode to discuss the death of the DSLR and why the shift to mirrorless cameras is inevitable.

They break down whether you should proactively switch or strategically hold off, plus what this means for your existing lenses.

You’ll also learn the rules of mix and match—can you use your current DSLR lens on a mirrorless body? And most importantly, which mirrorless lenses are worth buying and which ones to avoid (hint: if they don’t have markings, you might be in trouble!).

If you care about consistent, high-quality dental photography, this episode is a must-listen!

Protrusive Dental Pearl: Jaz introduces the 21-Day Photography Challenge for beginners, featuring 21 short videos to help dentists take clear, well-framed photos. In just three weeks, participants will master essential shots, including tricky occlusal views, at their own pace.

Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!

Key Takeaways:

Highlights of this episode:

💡Catch Dr. Ashish Soneji’s upcoming course The Magic of Dental Photography this November 2025!

📅 Friday 14th November 2025 – Exclusively for BUPA dental care professionals at Bupa Head Office in Staines
📅 Saturday 15th November 2025 – Open to all dental care professionals at the A-dec Showroom in Bracknell

You can head over to https://www.magicofdentistry.com/ and add yourself to the waitlist. Further details on how to book will be sent directly to your email.

Course overview:

If you liked this episode, you will also love Basics of Dental Photography [B2B] – PDP087

#PDPMainEpisodes #PDPMainEpisodes 

This episode is eligible for 1 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance. 

This episode meets GDC Outcomes B and C.

AGD Subject Code: 130 ELECTIVES (138 Dental photography)

Aim: To explore the transition from DSLR to mirrorless cameras in dental photography and highlight the advantages, optimal setups, and key considerations for upgrading.

Dentists will be able to:

1. Recognize the benefits of mirrorless cameras, including focus peaking, real-time adjustments, image stabilization, and high ISO performance.

2. Choose appropriate mirrorless cameras, lenses, and flash setups based on their clinical photography needs.

3. Assess whether transitioning from a DSLR to a mirrorless system is the right choice based on their current equipment and practice requirements.

Should we be doing more to save questionable teeth?

What if you could buy more time — without compromising patient care?

Dr. Omar Ikram returns for a powerful episode diving into the real-world decision-making between endodontics and implants. Together with Jaz, they explore tough scenarios — like teeth with nasty cracks or minimal remaining structure — and ask the critical question: when is it truly time to extract?

They break down concepts like retained roots, root burial, amputation, and a new term Jaz introduces — palliative endodontics. Because sometimes the best outcome isn’t immediate replacement, but smart, strategic delay.

Protrusive Dental Pearl: When discussing treatment longevity with older patients, tailor your language to be more relatable. Instead of saying, “I plan my dentistry to age 100,” say, “I want this to last well into your eighties or nineties.” This makes the conversation more personal and realistic, helping patients better connect with the concept of long-term outcomes.

Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!

Key Takeaways

Highlights of this episode:

Want to sharpen your endo game even further? Watch Stop Being Slow at Root Canals! Efficient RCTs with Dr Omar Ikram – PDP163

Check out Specialist Endo Crows Nest — led by Dr. Omar Ikram, offering expert care, hands-on courses, and practical tips for real-world endodontics.

This episode is eligible for 1 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance. 

This episode meets GDC Outcomes A and C.

AGD Subject Code: 070 ENDODONTICS (Endodontic diagnosis)

Aim: To help clinicians develop a deeper understanding of when to preserve a tooth through endodontic treatment versus when to consider extraction and implant placement.

Dentists will be able to –

#PDPMainEpisodes #EndoRestorative #BreadandButterDentistry

Is Practice Ownership worth the stress?

 What’s the most difficult thing you have to do as a practice owner? 

Thinking about starting your own squat practice?

How long does it really take before you see profit, and what sacrifices do you need to make along the way?

In this episode, Jaz is joined by Dr. Shabnam Zai to unpack the real highs and lows of running a dental practice. From the loss of control as an associate, to the resilience needed during COVID, to the challenges of leadership and managing a team—nothing is sugar-coated here.

They also tackle the big money question: when does a squat practice finally become profitable, and is it worth the grind in those first few years?

If you’ve ever wondered whether practice ownership is for you—or why it might not be—this episode will give you the clarity (and reality check) you need.

Protrusive Dental Pearl: “DO NOT COMPARE YOUR WORK TO WHAT YOU SEE ON SOCIAL MEDIA”

Most cases shown online are the very best results, done under perfect conditions by clinicians with thousands of hours of experience. 

Instead of letting that trigger self-doubt or imposter syndrome, use it as inspiration: respect it, aspire toward it, and occasionally achieve it — but remember that real-world dentistry is different.

Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!

Key Takeaways

Highlights of this episode:

Enjoyed this episode? You might also like Treatment Co-Ordinators – Are They Right For Your Practice? – IC043

#PDPMainEpisodes #CareerDevelopment #BeyondDentistry

Connect with Dr. Shabnam:
Website → shabnamzai.com
Instagram → @drshabnamzai

This episode is eligible for 1 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance. 

This episode meets GDC Outcomes:

B: Effective management of self and working with others in the dental team.

AGD Subject Code: 550 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT AND HUMAN RELATIONS

Aim: To provide dentists with an honest, practical insight into practice ownership—particularly squat practices—covering the challenges, rewards, financial realities, and mindset shifts needed for success.

Dentists will be able to –

2. Describe the key challenges of practice ownership, including compliance, leadership, and financial planning.

3. Outline the realistic financial commitments involved in setting up a squat practice.

Are you living your career by design—or just letting it happen to you?

Do you know what your ideal day as a dentist looks like?

What about your ideal week?

In this episode, Jaz is joined by Dr. Andrea Ogden to explore how you can design a career—and a life—in dentistry that feels purposeful and fulfilling.

They dive into why many of us get stuck on autopilot, chasing goals we’ve never truly chosen, and how to break free by aligning work with your values. 

Andrea also shares practical techniques to help you fall back in love with dentistry, so you can build a career that energises you—inside and outside the surgery.

Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!

Highlights of this episode:

Key Takeaways: 

Dentistry is more than fillings and crown preps—it’s a career you can shape to truly excite you.

Loved this conversation? You’ll also enjoy Passion and Values in Dentistry – PDP014

#CareerDevelopment #InterferenceCast #BreadandButterDentistry

This episode is eligible for 1 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance. 

This episode meets GDC Outcomes 

B: Effective management of self and working with others in the dental team.

C: Maintenance and development of knowledge and skills within your field of practice.

D: Maintenance of skills, behaviours and attitudes which maintain patient confidence in you and the dental profession, and put patients’ interests first. 

AGD Subject Code: 770 – Practice Management and Human Relations

Aim: To provide dentists with strategies, insights, and practical steps to rekindle passion for dentistry, align their work with personal values, and develop sustainable career satisfaction.

Dentists will be able to –

1. Identify personal values and career drivers that contribute to long-term job satisfaction.

2. Recognise common stressors affecting dental morale and their underlying causes.

3. Apply structured decision-making frameworks (e.g., SMART goals) to career planning.

Is gold really dead or making a comeback 2025?

Are zirconia and biomimetic dentistry sounding the final bell for precious metal restorations?

Is there still a place for gold in modern practice—and when is it actually the best option?

Dr. Lane Ochi joins Jaz for a rare live podcast episode to unpack the current and future role of gold restorations. From skyrocketing costs and lost lab skills, to emerging alternatives like milled cobalt chrome, this episode covers everything you wish dental school taught about gold.

They even dive into clever tricks for temporizing gold and discuss the surprising lab workaround that may save your patient money—without compromising function.

Protrusive Dental Pearl: You can achieve profound anesthesia for lower molars—including cracked, heavily worn ones—using Articaine buccal infiltrations instead of an ID block, even in dense bone cases.

🔑 Key nuance: Ensure blanching of the attached gingiva and infiltrate through the papillae for better effectiveness.

Watch the detailed technique breakdown (including patient feedback):

Articaine works—master the nuances! 

Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!

Key Takeaways

Highlights of this episode:

Unlock webinars like this one by joining the Protrusive App.

Studies Mentioned in the Episode:

Catch another episode from Dr. Lane Ochi: Cracked Teeth and Dentistry’s Tough Questions with Dr Lane Ochi – PDP175

#PDPMainEpisodes  #BreadandButterDentistry #OrthoRestorative

🎓 Join the world’s leading organization dedicated to occlusion, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and restorative excellence — the American Equilibration Society (AES).

🗓️ AES Annual Meeting 2026 – “The Evolution of the Oral Physician”
 📍 February 18–19, 2026 · Chicago, Illinois
 Don’t miss Dr. Jaz Gulati and Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim as featured speakers, presenting on “Occlusion Basics and Beyond”

This episode is eligible for 1 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance.

This episode meets GDC Outcomes B and C.

AGD Subject Code: 250 OPERATIVE (RESTORATIVE)DENTISTRY – Preparation technology

Aim: To provide clinicians with a comprehensive understanding of the rationale, techniques, and clinical considerations for using gold restorations in modern restorative dentistry, including when and how to use them, cost-effective alternatives, and how to communicate value to patients.

Dentists will be able to –

1. Justify the use of gold restorations based on their mechanical properties, clinical longevity, and adaptability under occlusal forces.

2. Compare gold with alternative materials (e.g., zirconia, cobalt chrome) in terms of fit, performance, and cost-effectiveness.

3. Explain the principles of traditional and modern gold preparation designs, including vertical margins, bevels, and resistance features.

Can you apply the Dahl technique to localised POSTERIOR wear?

Spoiler alert: hell yeah!

How can the Dahl Technique help when there is posterior wear and NO space to restore?

How predictable is building up posterior teeth (rather than the usual worn anteriors)?

In this episode, Jaz dives into the ‘Reverse Dahl Technique’, a twist on the classic method typically used for localized anterior wear. Dr. Hans Kristian Ognedal from Norway shares his insights, explaining how building up posterior teeth with composite can lead to occlusion magic! 

If you’re curious about this technique and want to see a real-life case study, this episode breaks it all down, with a special visual breakdown for those watching on YouTube or Protrusive Guidance.

Protrusive Dental Pearl: Jaz shares insights from Hold On to Your Kids by Dr. Gordon Neufeld & Dr. Gabor Maté, emphasizing how modern children lose parental attachment too soon, turning to peers for guidance. This shift can lead to anxiety and emotional disconnection. 

Takeaway: Kids thrive when their primary attachment remains with parents, not peers. Strengthening this bond is crucial for healthy development. 

Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!

Key Takeaways

Highlights of this episode:

If you want to learn more about Dahl Technique, be sure to listen/watch:

This episode is eligible for 1 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance.

This episode meets GDC Outcomes B and C.

AGD Subject Code: 180 OCCLUSION (Occlusal functional concepts)

Aim: To explore and understand the Reverse Dahl Technique, focusing on its application for patients with localized posterior tooth wear. This technique provides a solution when posterior teeth are worn, and there is insufficient space for proper restoration.

Dentists will be able to –

1. Understand the principles behind the Reverse Dahl Technique and how it differs from the traditional Dahl Technique.

2. Identify the clinical scenarios where the Reverse Dahl Technique can be applied.

3. Comprehend the role of composite build-up in restoring posterior wear and its impact on occlusal reestablishment.

Do you feel confident managing patients with TMD or oro-facial pain?

Are you clear on when to treat conservatively—and when to escalate?

What’s the best SEQUENCE of care for TMD patients?

Emma returns to Protrusive Students fresh from her finals, joining Jaz for an insightful episode on the basics of TMD management. Together, they explore the foundational steps of TMD care, from proper diagnosis to the logic behind a structured treatment hierarchy.

They break down conservative versus aggressive approaches, share clinical tips for muscle and joint assessment, and highlight common mistakes to avoid—especially during palpation and history taking.

Whether you’re a student, a dentist returning to practice, or just want a refresher on TMD, this episode will help solidify your approach and boost your clinical confidence.

Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!

Key Takeaways

Highlights of this episode:

🔗 Protrusive Resources

📚 Protrusive Pathways
 Structured playlists grouped by topic (e.g., TMD, bridges, onlays): TMD Content Playlist

📝 Crush Your Exam Student Notes
Downloadable summaries by Emma, covering TMJ anatomy and function, are available inside the Protrusive Guidance App (request student access via Mari)

If you loved this episode, be sure to watch TMD New Guidelines! Evidence-Based Care – PDP213

#OcclusionTMDandSplints #BreadandButterDentistry #Communication

This episode is eligible for 0.75 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance. 

This episode meets GDC Outcomes 

C – Maintenance and development of knowledge and skill within your field of practice.

AGD Subject Code: 200 – Orofacial Pain / TMD

Aim: To provide a practical, evidence-informed framework for the conservative diagnosis and management of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD).

Dentists will be able to –

1. Describe the three major categories of TMD and their clinical features.

2. Differentiate muscular from joint-related symptoms using simple chairside tests.

3. Explain the rationale for a conservative, staged approach to TMD management.

Have you heard of Photobiomodulation (PBM)? Or are you thinking… ‘photo-what?!’

Is red light therapy just voodoo science—or is it already part of mainstream healthcare?

Can PBM really help with wound healing, pain relief, and even reduce the risk of dementia?

In this episode, Professor Praveen Arany joins Jaz Gulati to break down the science and clinical relevance of PBM in dentistry. They explore how this light-based therapy works, its applications in managing oral lesions, and why it’s already standard care for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

They also discuss real-world cases, practical protocols, and how PBM could shape the future of dental care. Whether you’re a skeptic or just curious, this episode will open your eyes to an emerging and evidence-based treatment modality.

Protrusive Dental Pearl: SHEEP Scoring as a practical tool to assess the prognosis and restorability of compromised teeth.

🐑 SHEEP stands for:

Each category is scored out of 10, and the total is doubled to give a percentage-based prognosis. This structured approach supports clinical decision-making, encourages honest reflection on the clinician’s own skills, and enhances patient communication during consent. The method is backed by literature, including a paper co-authored by Martin Kelleher.

Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!

Key Takeaways

📚 Resources
Prof. Praveen Arany shares papers on:

For full PDFs, you can check out Protrusive Guidance.

📖 You can find more of Prof. Praveen Arany’s scientific papers on Google Scholar

📢 Two Upcoming PBM Courses!

ADA PBM Course – A dental-focused program by the American Dental Association.
📧 Contact: Sherie Tynes – [email protected]

PBM in Supportive Cancer Care – Held at Gustav Roussy Hospital, Paris.
📧 Contact: Dr. Camelia Billard – [email protected]

If you liked this episode, check out Medication Related Osteonecrosis for GDPs – What You Need to Know (MRONJ) – PDP215

#PDPMainEpisodes #OralSurgeryandOralMedicine #BreadandButterDentistry #CareerDevelopment

This episode is eligible for 1 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance. 

This episode meets GDC Outcomes B & C.

AGD Subject Code: 135 – Laser Therapy/Electrosurgery

Aim

To introduce dental professionals to the fundamental science, clinical applications, and emerging potential of Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy in dentistry.

Dentists will be able to –

Should you be re-treating that root canal—or referring it out?

What are the red flags that scream “specialist only”?

How do you confidently remove GP without compromising disinfection?

Dr. Ayman Al-Sibassi joins Jaz in this endo-packed episode to help you navigate the tricky world of root canal re-treatments. From solvent selection and GP removal techniques to assessing case difficulty, they break down everything a GDP needs to know to make smart, confident decisions.

You’ll learn how to spot the cases you should be tackling, which ones to send to your endodontist, and what tools and techniques will make the re-treatment process smoother and safer. Because not all re-treatments are created equal—and some are surprisingly simple once you know what to look for.

Protrusive Dental Pearl: A crack in a bonded ceramic restoration isn’t necessarily a failure!

Just like we accept cracks in natural enamel, we can also accept cracks in ceramics—as long as it’s been properly bonded.

Shoutout to Dr. Pascal Magne for this powerful mindset shift!

Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!

Key Takeaways

Highlights of this episode:

Take a look at this Endodontic Complexity Assessment Tool to help you evaluate how challenging a root canal case really is.

If you enjoyed this episode, you’ll definitely want to check out: Stop Being Slow at Root Canals! Efficient RCTs with Dr. Omar Ikram – PDP163

This episode is eligible for 1 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance. 

This episode meets GDC Outcomes B and C.

AGD Subject Code: 070 ENDODONTICS (Non-surgical treatment)

 #PDPMainEpisodes #EndoRestorative

Aim:

To provide clinicians with a structured approach to diagnosing, planning, and executing simple Re-Root Canal Treatments (Re-RCTs), while recognizing case limitations and improving treatment outcomes.

Dentists will be able to: