CBCT beats periapicals for root canal analysis

Cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans are significantly more efficient than periapical radiographs in determining the mesiobuccal root canal anatomy of maxillary molars, according to a study to be presented at the International Association for Dental Research meeting in July in Barcelona, Spain. Using a new in vitro model of dentoalveolar structure suitable for radiographic imaging, researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles coated 50 extracted maxillary first molars with a

Coenzyme in toothpaste helps control perio disease

Perfect Smile fluoride toothpaste with the coenzyme CoQ10 yielded “significant improvement” over regular fluoride toothpaste in healing gingivitis, according to a study in the May 2010 issue of the Natural Medicine Journal. The small (30 participants), parallel-group, double-blind study was conducted by principals of Perfect Smile and BioActives, which acquired a significant equity position in Perfect Smile in April 2010. Perfect Smile toothpaste contains a 1.5% concentration of MicroActive CoQ10,

OrthoSynetics names new CEO

David Marks has been promoted to president and CEO of OrthoSynetics, an orthodontic and dental practice services firm. Marks has been chief operating office of the company since September 2009. The positions of president, CEO, and chairman were previously held by Chris Roussos, who is leaving the company to pursue other interests, the company said. Copyright © 2010 HuangshanDental.com

Philadelphia tables amalgam debate

The Philadelphia Board of Health voted May 13 to table its discussion of proposed changes to a controversial ordinance requiring that dentists give patients specific information before placing amalgam restorations. The Dental Amalgam Information Sheet states that “the mercury levels in people with amalgam fillings are not high enough to be considered toxic.” But it also quotes the FDA as saying “dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects

Resin composites lose hardness after bleaching

Bleaching can decrease the surface hardness of resin-based composites but may not change the hardness of ceramics, according to a new study to be presented at the upcoming International Association for Dental Research (IADR) meeting in Barcelona, Spain, July 14-17. Researchers from the University of Passo Fundo evaluated the effect of two bleaching products (16% carbamine peroxide and 7.5% hydrogen peroxide) on the hardness of two composite resins (Filtek Z350

NYU awarded grant to improve seniors’ oral health

The New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry has received a one-year grant from the United Hospital Fund to provide underserved older adults in New York City with better access to dental care. The project will involve dental, hygiene, and nursing students and faculty, who will develop and assess a collaborative oral healthcare referral model. “Our project will fill large gaps in our knowledge about the oral health needs of

Listerine taps well-known actor for ‘documercial’

Listerine has introduced “This Is Your Mouth,” a documentary-style commercial narrated by actor Neil Patrick Harris (CBS’s “How I Met Your Mother”). The commercial shows Listerine killing bacteria, describes its first formulation in 1879, and shows old advertisements. In most states, each time the documentary is viewed at www.listerine.com/yourmouth a $1.00 donation will go to National Children’s Oral Health Foundation: America’s Toothfairy, up to $15,000. Copyright © 2010 HuangshanDental.com

Komet offers larger dentin-preserving bur

Komet USA has introduced a larger version of its CeraBur K1SM ceramic instrument, which is highly effective for minimally invasive drilling and preservation of healthy tooth structure, according to the company. The new 027 size joins the seven others — 010, 012, 014, 016, 018, 021, and 023 for right angle shank (204 and 205) — currently available in the U.S. market. The CeraBur K1SM allows for superior tactile feeling

Endoscopy eases pain of salivary stones

Painful stones don’t just happen in the kidneys and gallbladder. They can also cause problems in the salivary glands, prompting invasive surgery through the face or neck that can lead to nerve damage, cosmetic scarring, and even gland removal. Luckily, European advances in endoscopic diagnosis and surgery have made possible less invasive treatments of salivary stones (sialoliths), and these techniques are increasingly making their way to the U.S. “Now patients

Survey: Canadians’ oral health much improved

The oral health of Canadians is, on the whole, much better than it was in the 1970s, according to the oral health component of the 2007-2009 Canada Health Measures Survey (CHMS) released May 10. The survey was conducted by Statistics Canada, Health Canada, and the Public Health Agency of Canada. The oral health component was carried out by the Office of the Chief Dental Officer with the help of the

Dentist crafts dentures to help cows chew longer

An Argentine dentist is making dentures for cows, extending the animals’ lives and allowing the bovines to stay out in their pastures until, well, the cows come home. After spending 15 hours a day chewing, by the time they reach eight years of age cows have teeth that have been worn down to the point in which they can no longer eat properly. They are then considered unproductive and are

AAO elects new officers for 2010-2011

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) elected officers for 2010-2011 and also installed a new member of the Board of Trustees at its annual meeting, held recently in Washington, DC. Lee Graber, D.D.S., was elected president of the association. He is in private practice in the Chicago suburb of Vernon Hills, IL. In addition to his years of service on the AAO Board of Trustees, Dr. Graber has lectured extensively