Denture retention system shows promise

A new conical retention system was 100% successful in retaining dentures in a study reported in Quintessence International (June 2010, Vol. 41:6, pp. 489-495). Researchers at the University of Chieti-Pescara evaluated the Ankylos SynCone system from Dentsply International. They placed 156 implants in 39 patients, immediately loading four interforaminal implants in edentulous mandibles without the use of a bar retainer. They retained the dentures with prefabricated conical crowns that were

Proteins linked with denture stomatitis identified

Researchers from the University of North Carolina used liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry to compare mucosal gene expression between individuals with and without denture stomatitis, according to a study presented at the recent International Association for Dental Research (IADR) meeting in Barcelona, Spain. The process was used to identify salivary proteins known to have an association with candidiasis. Chronic denture stomatitis is linked with the presence of the parasitic

Prolonged nCPAP use can prompt craniofacial changes

Using a nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) machine for more than two years may change craniofacial form by reducing maxillary and mandibular prominence, altering the relationship between the dental arches, researchers from the University of British Columbia report (Chest, July 8, 2010). Many obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients use nCPAP as a first-line therapy. Previous studies have reported midfacial hypoplasia in children using nCPAP. This study assessed craniofacial changes

ProDrive adds push-button turbine system

ProDrive Systems has expanded its line of upgrade turbines with a new push-button turbine system for Midwest Quiet-Air high-speed handpieces. In addition to the new turbine system, customers also have access to ProDrive Upgrade Turbines for Midwest Tradition Push Button and Lever handpieces, as well as for XGT and Quiet-Air Lever versions. Unlike traditional friction grip designs, ProDrive’s patented engaged turbine and triangular bur system locks together for improved cut

Amoxicillin in endo sealers reduces E. faecalis

Endodontic sealers mixed with amoxicillin inhibited the growth of Enterococcus faecalis significantly greater than sealers without amoxicillin, according to a study in the Journal of Endodontics (July 2010, Vol. 36:7, pp. 1170-1173). E. faecalis has been frequently found in root-canal-treated teeth in prevalence values ranging from 30% to 90% of the cases (International Endodontic Journal, January 1998, Vol. 31:1, pp. 1-7). In addition, root-canal-treated teeth are about nine times more

Canadian kids wait too long for dental treatment

Canadian children who need dental treatment wait far too long to receive that care, according to the Wait Time Alliance’s 2010 Report Card, released in June. .pullQuoteCredit { align:right; text-align:right; font-family:arial, sans-serif; font-size:11px; line-height: 16px; font-style: normal; padding-top:2px; } “We didn’t really have an idea of the scope of the problem until now.” — James Wright, M.D., University of Toronto From the beginning of 2009 to the end, 9,785 children

Unique tooth desensitizer hits U.S. market

Nuline Pharmaceuticals’ Remesense tooth desensitizer, introduced internationally in 2008, is now available in the U.S. Remesense features a tray and impregnated foam strips that, according to Nuline, offer: A pressure gradient that is higher compared to a conventional solution or gel application An active ingredient proven to reduce hypersensitivity that is embedded in a foam matrix and is released in a sustained and controlled manner The company also claims that

Cleft charity featured on ‘The Doctors’ TV show

Cleft charity Smile Train traveled to India in March to perform free cleft palate surgeries, and footage from that trip was aired in an episode of “The Doctors” TV show on July 14. Smile Train’s mission is to help the millions of children in developing countries who suffer from unrepaired clefts. “We were thrilled to have this opportunity on ‘The Doctors’ to tell our story and build awareness of the

Baseball star joins OHA campaign against smokeless tobacco

Oral Health America (OHA) recently teamed up with John Danks, pitcher for the Chicago White Sox Major League Baseball team, to film a public service announcement (PSA) about the dangers of smokeless tobacco for OHA’s National Spit Tobacco Education Program (NSTEP). Danks recently quit chewing tobacco after beginning to experience health problems and is now committed to sharing his experience with children, preventing tobacco use and encouraging users to quit.

Nonprofit seeks candidates for orthodontic treatment

Smiles Change Lives (SCL), a nonprofit organization that provides affordable orthodontics for low-income families in the U.S., is seeking applicants to receive orthodontic treatment. Applicants must meet the following criteria: Ages 11-18 with good oral hygiene Have moderately to severely crooked teeth and/or misaligned jaws Taxable family income is at or below 200% of U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines The organization’s vision is to give all youths suffering from crooked teeth

Tea contains more fluoride than once thought

Black tea may contain higher concentrations of fluoride than previously thought, which could pose problems for heavy tea drinkers, said researchers from the Medical College of Georgia during a presentation of their findings July 14 at the 2010 International Association for Dental Research (IADR) conference in Barcelona, Spain. “The additional fluoride from drinking two to four cups of tea a day won’t harm anyone; it’s the very heavy tea drinkers

Biolase announces layoffs, management change

Biolase Technology has eliminated 20 positions and made additional cost-cutting measures across the organization to “better position the company for future profitability,” the company announced. In connection with the corporate restructuring activities came the departure of Brett L. Scott, chief financial officer. Scott’s responsibilities will be taken on, for an interim period, by David Mulder, chairman and CEO, and Biolase’s corporate controller. The reduction in headcount, along with additional expense