The March issue of the Journal of the California Dental Association focuses on diagnostic considerations in treatment planning. It is the first of two parts. Next month’s issue will cover dental implants.

Diagnostic Considerations in Treatment Planning
An introduction to the issue.
Richard T. Kao, DDS, PhD

The Art & Science of Periodontal Prognosis
This article will discuss the science relating to both overall prognosis and the prognosis for individual teeth. While many considerations from the classical periodontal literature still apply, new information and techniques should be considered when making the decision on whether to retain teeth or not, which is where the “art” of periodontal prognosis comes into play.
Steven E. Schonfeld, DDS, PhD

Strategic Extraction: Comparison of Traditional and Implant Therapies
As endosseous dental implants gain greater acceptance, the critical question is whether a tooth with a questionable prognosis should be managed conservatively in a traditional fashion or should it be extracted in preparation for a dental implant. The evidence regarding this issue will be examined in this paper as the outcomes for various treatments are compared.
David W. Richards, DDS, PhD, and Richard T. Kao, DDS, PhD

Esthetic Crown Lengthening: Appropriate Diagnosis for Achieving Gingival Balance
This paper will elaborate on the anatomical basis for a gummy smile, the surgical options for its correction, and the selection of appropriate treatment.
Richard T. Kao, DDS, PhD; Scott Dault; Kenneth Frangadakis, DDS; and J.J. Salehieh, DDS

Thick vs. Thin Gingival Biotypes: A Key Determinant in Treatment Planning for Dental Implants
This paper reviews how gingival tissue biotypes influence the decision for site preparation and implant placements.
Richard T. Kao, DDS, PhD; Mark C. Fagan, MS, DDS; and Gregory J. Conte, MS, DMD

The Associate Editor/
The Power of Choice
By Steven A. Gold, DDS

Impressions/

Dr. Bob/
SNAP! Liti-gators and a Lawsuit With Teeth
By Robert E. Horseman, DDS

Sessions/
Course Abstracts