For the first time in the U.S., Komet USA is offering a kit for retrieving broken endodontic files. Developed in conjunction with dentist Dr. Dominique Martin of Paris, Komet’s Endo Rescue Kit is designed for retrieving a fractured rotary nickel-titanium instrument within the canal. Kit 4601 comes with an H269GK.315.016 endodontic tungsten carbide bur to enlarge the pulp cavity, improving a practitioner’s vision into the canal, the company noted. A
Orthodontic correction of a malocclusion can affect overall facial aesthetics in a positive way, according to a new study (Angle Orthodontist, March 2010, Vol. 80:20, pp. 322-328). Researchers from the University of Michigan wanted to evaluate the role of the posed smile in overall facial aesthetics, as determined by laypersons and orthodontists. They asked 20 orthodontists and 20 lay evaluators to perform six Q-sorts on different photographs of 48 white
Cumulative grade point average and orthodontic work experience were the most significant factors affecting candidates looking to obtain interviews for orthodontic postgraduate programs, according to a new study by researchers from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (Angle Orthodontist, March 2010, Vol. 80:2, pp. 373-377). The study authors evaluated numerous applicant credentials associated with receiving interviews to postgraduate orthodontic programs. Using a mailed questionnaire survey and data
Procter & Gamble has followed GlaxoSmithKline’s lead by adding a caution on its Web site regarding the potential health risks posed by excessive exposure to zinc in Fixodent denture cream. Faced with dozens of lawsuits filed by consumers claiming they were harmed by Super PoliGrip and other denture adhesives that contain zinc, GlaxoSmithKline last month announced that it will stop manufacturing these products and replace them with zinc-free alternatives. Now,
Universal Dental Plan has launched its first dental health awareness campaign specifically for Massachusetts seniors. The company’s senior plans offer individuals ages 65 and older 15% off their membership rates and immediate access to discounts of up to 50% on all procedures. With this initiative, the company is targeting three main objectives for 2010: to alert seniors on the high costs and acute health risks of delayed dentistry, educate them
Sargenti paste still widely used despite controversy The FDA, ADA, and AAE do not condone it, nor do U.S. dental schools. So why do dentists continue to use Sargenti paste? Read more.
The FDA has formally accepted for filing Ondine Biopharma’s premarket approval (PMA) application for the Periowave photodisinfection system for treating chronic periodontitis in adults as an adjunct to standard methods of care, the company announced. The FDA’s action means that the PMA application is sufficiently complete and ready for substantive review. “The acceptance of the PMA submission is a welcome step forward for Ondine and our business partner, Periowave Dental
Can one adhesive work in both etch-and-rinse and self-etch systems? Researchers showed data supporting that notion at the recent American Association for Dental Research (AADR) meeting in Washington, DC. “Many dentists use both a total-etch and a self-etch system in their offices for different cases,” said Richard Rusin, Ph.D., a senior product development specialist at 3M ESPE, in an AADR presentation. “But it can be costly, confusing, and, frankly, cause
William Letcher, D.M.D., of Tulsa, OK, faces charges of using his patients as “guinea pigs” for new drug cocktails, abusing drugs, and doing procedures for which he has no permit, according to a report on NewsOn6.com. On March 19 the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry will hear accusations that Dr. Letcher administered a mixture of morphine and articaine (Septocaine) to his patients to test the efficacy of the mixture, the Web
A new Web site, iDentalfy, allows dentists to market their services to patients who sign up for online evaluations. iDentalfy, a subsidiary of the Phoenix, AZ-based 3MPlants, markets oral cameras to patients and invites them to post photograph and questions about their oral health. Dentists who register at a cost of $20 to $75 per month can list their services on the site and can respond to patients. For $200
Are implants becoming unaffordable for the average American? Do sealants really work? What is the standard of care for patients on bisphosphonates? These are just some of the audience questions fielded by Gordon Christensen, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., and a panel of experts at the Chicago Dental Society’s recent Midwinter Meeting in their session, “Controversies in Dentistry, 2010.” In addition to Dr. Christensen, who served as moderator, the panel featured: Jay
Taxpayers in Tennessee may be stuck with a bill for close to $100,000 for dental work and legal fees after an inmate at a county jail had the gold grill cemented to his front teeth ripped off by a sheriff’s deputy, according to a story in the Tennessean. The November incident occurred when Anthony McCoy, in trouble for not paying child support, was ordered to remove his grill as he
