Zirconia-based restorations a reliable treatment option

Zirconia substructures veneered with fluorapatite veneering porcelain show promise as a reliable restorative option, according to researchers from Ludwig Maximillian University who conducted a three-year clinical trial (Quintessence International, September 2010, Vol. 41:8, pp. 631-637). For the study, 38 patients received 18 fixed dental prostheses and single crowns. The zirconia substructures were fabricated using a CAD/CAM system, veneered using the powder buildup technique, and cemented with a glass ionomer. Baseline

Pa. college offers anesthesia course for hygienists

During the past year, Pennsylvania has updated its regulations for licensed dental hygienists to allow them to administer local anesthesia under direct supervision of a dentist and upon completion of a board-accredited anesthesia course. To prepare licensed dental hygienists for this change, Montgomery County Community College is now offering a 30-hour accredited course in a convenient format. The course, which begins September 15, focuses on anatomy, mechanism of action, local

Enhanced carbamide peroxide agents reduce mineral loss

The addition of fluoride and calcium to carbamide peroxide-based whitening agents can minimize mineral loss in tooth enamel during bleaching treatments, according to a study to be published in the September 2010 Quintessence International (Vol. 41:8, pp. e157-e165). A group of Brazilian researchers divided sound enamel slabs into six groups (n = 10): Placebo gel Whiteness (10% carbamide peroxide, FGM) Opalescence F (10% carbamide peroxide plus fluoride, Ultradent) Pola Night

Darby Dental adds GSK products to portfolio

Darby Dental Supply has agreed to distribute GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) oral care products. Under the terms of the new distribution agreement, Darby is now an authorized distributor of GSK’s full line of Sensodyne and Sensodyne ProNamel toothpastes; Biotène hygiene and relief moisturization products; Aquafresh toothpastes, Aquafresh Direct toothbrushes, and Aquafresh White Trays; Polident tablets and Dentu-Crème; Super Poligrip denture adhesive pastes, powders, and comfort seal strips; and Abreva On the Go

Despite Periowave sales, Ondine financials dip

Ondine Biopharma reported a loss of $1.11 million on revenues of $210,000 for the second quarter of 2010 (end-June 30), compared with a loss of $340,000 on revenues of $270,000 in the same quarter a year ago. “Highlights of the second quarter included the introduction of new products for the dental market as well as the establishment of a new subsidiary dedicated to photodynamic treatment of chronic sinusitis,” stated Carolyn

Web information on oral lichen planus falls short

The quality of most Web-based information about oral lichen planus is not adequate enough to eliminate the need for doctor-patient counseling about this condition, according to researchers from the University of Murcia (Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, June 25, 2010). They conducted a pilot study to examine the accessibility and quality of Web pages related with oral lichen planus. They identified sites using two search engines, Google and Yahoo,

The advantages of nontraumatic bone condensing

Implant manufacturers usually provide congruent osteotomes for patients who have spongy bone structures. However, these instruments must be inserted with controlled hammer strokes, which is unpleasant for most patients, and there are gentler options. One such alternative is the MaxilloPrep Spread-Condense system (Kit 4596) from Komet (figure 1). Developed in conjunction with Dr. Stefan Neumeyer of Eschlkam, Germany, the MaxilloPrep Spread-Condense system was designed for bone spreading and condensation by

Trident, actor Chris O’Donnell kick off oral health campaign

Trident has joined Oral Health America’s (OHA) Smiles Across America program and actor Chris O’Donnell in a campaign to help fight cavities among the nation’s youth and address the need for oral disease prevention services. To support the effort, 5 cents from every pack of Trident gum sold between September 13 and 19 will be donated to the program to support school-based and school-linked oral health services in schools for

NovaMin bests potassium nitrate in desensitizer study

NovaMin, a calcium sodium phosphosilicate formula made by NovaMin Technology, reduced tooth sensitivity more effectively than potassium nitrate in a study published in the August 2010 Journal of the American Dental Association (Vol.141:8, pp. 995-999). NovaMin already has approval from the U.S. FDA for the claim of being effective in reducing sensitivity, and it can also remineralize carious lesions, according to the company. In the study, researchers from Chulalongkom Hospital

Study to assess genetic test’s predictive value for perio disease

Interleukin Genetics has signed an agreement with the University of Michigan to conduct a clinical study on the risk factors predictive of periodontal disease progression to tooth loss using a new version of the company’s PST genetic test. PST is Interleukin’s genetic test brand that identifies individuals with increased risk for severe and progressive periodontal disease and significant tooth loss based on a proprietary panel of genetic variations that predispose

New studies highlight tongue piercing risks

New evidence lends further support to the need for dentists to caution patients about the dangers of tongue piercing, which can lead to severe infections, chipped and fractured teeth, gingival recession, and even death. The most recent fatality occurred in April of this year when a U.K. woman died of blood poisoning and pneumonia just 48 hours after having a steel bar put through her tongue. Last year, a young

Milestone Scientific sees record profits in Q2

Milestone Scientific, maker of a computerized anesthesia injection system, announced record profits for the second quarter of 2010. For the quarter (end-June 30), net income was $264,000, compared to a net loss of $1.2 million in the same quarter last year. Revenues climbed 58% to $3.22 million from $2.04 million in the second quarter of 2009. International sales rose 212% to $1.96 million from $629,000, while U.S. sales declined 11%