AZ-TMJ, a clinic in Scottsdale, AZ, that focuses on the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, severe headaches, and sleep apnea, has developed a treatment using Botox to ease muscle cramping and clenching and grinding of teeth. “I have found this treatment to be highly effective in a substantial number of cases where the effects of other treatments are often mitigated by the presence of muscle spasms,” said Stan Farrell,
Oragenics’ line of oral care probiotics will be distributed in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg through Benelux Cosmetics, the companies announced. “This is a wonderful opportunity to bring these exciting new oral care probiotics to our existing network of drug stores and hypermarkets,” said Vincent Lubers, general manager of Benelux Cosmetics. “We are looking forward to introducing this new category to dental professionals and pet stores.” ProBiora3, the active ingredient
A Canadian law firm has filed class-action lawsuits against GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the manufacturer of Poligrip, and Procter and Gamble, which makes Fixodent, alleging that the zinc in these denture adhesives can cause numerous health problems and that the manufacturers failed to properly warn consumers about these risks. The lawsuits, filed September 20 by Merchant Law Group, assert that elevated levels of zinc and resulting reduced levels of copper can lead
Dental practitioners are in a unique position to aid children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) because they often see patients on a more frequent basis than a physician. As a result, many dentists are now learning how to spot orofacial characteristics that often affect children with FASD, according to an article in AGD Impact (September 2010, Vol. 38:9), the monthly newsmagazine of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). FASD
Biotrol International recently extended its line of infection control and preventive chemical products with Purit, the company’s first ultrasonic cleaner for dentistry. Purit is faster than most units of its kind and incorporates a plastic exterior for better noise insulation, according to the company. It incorporates a digital timer instead of a manual knob, so the only requirement is the single push of a button to select the time needed
Researchers have discovered that women, female monkeys, and female mice have major similarities when it comes to how bisphenol A (BPA) is metabolized, and they have renewed their call for governmental regulation when it comes to the estrogenlike chemical found in many everyday products (Environmental Health Perspectives, September 20, 2010). The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Missouri; the University of California, Davis; and Washington State University, ties
The number of adults in the U.S. suffering from periodontal disease may be significantly higher than previous research has indicated, according to a study published online in the Journal of Dental Research (September 21, 2010). The study, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), researchers appear to have underestimated by as much as 50% how many cases of moderate to
More than $200,000 in grants from the Oregon Community Foundation will help youngsters maintain their oral health in Douglas County, according to an article in the News-Review. Umpqua Community Health Center (UCHC) was awarded $88,055 and the Mercy Foundation received $113,872. UCHC will take treatment directly to the students in the form of a utility trailer containing dental equipment driven to various county schools and run by AmeriCorps volunteers and
A Texas man claims he suffered permanent damage to his teeth when a Houston dentist improperly used equipment to treat a botched root canal, according to a story on ultimatecyfair.com. Gary Ricketts consulted with periodontist J. Robert Friedberg, D.M.D., in August 2009 after undergoing an unsuccessful root canal. Dr. Friedberg recommended surgical extraction of the problem tooth, followed by a bone graft, Ricketts said. According to the lawsuit, Dr. Friedberg
The U.S. Patent Office has awarded Patent No.11/262,959 to ProDrive Systems for its adjustable tool drive arrangement, more commonly referred to as the bur-lengthening feature. The feature allows ProDrive diamond and carbide burs for high-speed handpieces to be extended and locked into position for increased hold and safety. The 3-mm extension makes procedures in difficult-to-reach places easier and more precise, the company noted. The patented ProDrive system is a turbine
Another dental products supplier wants the dental community to be aware that its sealants do not contain bisphenol A (BPA). Ultradent recognized the importance of this topic early on in the development of its BPA-free dental sealant, UltraSeal XT plus, which has been on the market since 1998, the company said. In recent weeks, both GC America and Pulpdent have issued similar statements about some of their products. “Ultradent never
A Northern California dentist is working to end adult illiteracy in his city in honor of his late father, according to an article in the Mercury News. Continuing a program he began last year, Barry Parish, D.D.S., who practices in Benicia, is offering half-price teeth-whitening services with the help of Henry Schein, which donated 40 whitening kits. Dr. Parish’s goal is to raise $10,000 to benefit the Benicia Public Library’s
