Researchers work to improve mouth grafts

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, the pediatric hospital at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, are studying how stem cells may improve mouth grafting, which is needed to repair damaged oral tissue, according to a news release from the center. The researchers hope to grow oral tissue using reprogrammed stem cells, creating living grafts with blood vessels that closely mimic natural tissue, according to the release dated October 9. “We

OrthoFX launches?NewPrecisionFinish

OrthoFX has introduced AirFlex with New PrecisionFinish Aligners, which are designed to improve accuracy during the final stages of orthodontic treatment. The aligners address a common challenge in clear aligner therapy: achieving precise final tooth alignment, according to the company. Made with a proprietary material, they aim to enhance the performance of OrthoFX’s AirFlex system, offering orthodontists more predictable results and improved aesthetics before patients move to retention, according to

What are pterygoid dental implants?

If you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone in your upper jaw for regular dental implants, don’t worry, there’s still a great option for you! A pterygoid implant is a smart, long-lasting solution designed for people who have limited bone in the upper jaw. Instead of placing the implant straight into the jaw like traditional ones, the dentist positions it at a 45-degree angle, anchoring it into the pterygoid

$17M grant to study TMD pain

Two University of Pittsburgh researchers — Alejandro Almarza, PhD, and Michael Gold, PhD — are leading a $17 million study to investigate temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Funded by a grant from the U.S. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the project aims to collect data to improve how TMD-related pain is managed. The study will operate within the broader TMD Collaborative for Improving Patient-Centered Translational Research. Researchers will use the

Zygomatic Implants Cost in Mexico

Zygomatic implants are anchored in the dense zygomatic bone or cheekbone. They provide a strong foundation for those patients who have low bone density in the upper jaw caused by tooth loss, gum disease, or general bone conditions, since they are not suitable candidates for traditional dental implants. This technique bypasses both bone grafting and sinus lift procedures, where donated bone tissue is placed in the weak dental spots, making

Gum health, gestational diabetes may be linked

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) may have worse periodontal health, indicating a possible link between gum inflammation and this condition, which causes high blood sugar levels due to pregnancy-associated hormonal changes. The study was published in BMC Oral Health. Additionally, pregnancy weight gain may be a strong predictor of GDM, highlighting the value of including oral health and weight management in prenatal care, the authors wrote. “Pregnant women with

Breastfeeding may not be a risk factor for caries, but these are

Breastfeeding may not contribute to early childhood caries (ECC), but other factors, including early feeding habits, may increase the risk of tooth decay, according to a study published in BMC Oral Health. Furthermore, regular vitamin D intake and maintaining a balanced diet may reduce the risk of early caries, the authors wrote. “Evidence-based early feeding strategies, including limiting sugar intake, ensuring an appropriate timing for complementary feeding, maintaining consistent vitamin

1st known case of high blood pressure drug-induced toothache

In what is believed to be the first reported case of its kind, a drug used to manage high blood pressure caused a 45-year-old man to develop a toothache after each dose. The case report was recently published in Frontiers in Pharmacology. The man’s symptoms resolved after he stopped taking the prescribed 50-mg daily dose of losartan potassium, indicating that the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) may be linked to

Buffered anesthesia rivalry heats up in dental industry

When 58% of patients say the injection is the worst part of the dental experience, it’s time someone did something about it, and that’s exactly what is happening right now in our industry. This year brought two new products (and the promise of a third), enabling pH-balanced (“buffered”) and highly improved local anesthetics. Essential for nearly every procedure, anesthetic changes affect dentistry at the same scale as gloves and masks.

3D bioprinting may help heal trigeminal nerve damage

3D printing may be used to help grow new nerve fibers and restore quality of life for patients living with trigeminal nerve damage, which can cause numbness, tingling, and sudden, severe pain, according to a University of Sheffield news article. Using models to mimic neuralgia and neuropathy in patients, Sheffield’s neuroscience research team has developed a nerve repair technique in which damaged tissue is removed and nerve endings are sutured

Clinical tip: Adopt digital technology and communicate effectively

Dr. Ahmad Al-Hassiny, director of the Institute of Digital Dentistry and a full-time private dentist in New Zealand, was a speaker at the recent Dentsply Sirona World meeting in Las Vegas. Now, he speaks with HuangshanDental.com readers about the importance of adopting digital dentistry and having impeccable communication skills. Video transcript “Hey guys, Ahmad Al-Hassiny here from the Institute of Digital Dentistry in New Zealand, and my clinical tip is all

Got oral pain, inflammation? Maybe it’s CBD to the rescue

Cannabidiol (CBD) may show potential as an effective treatment in dentistry, especially for managing conditions like orofacial pain and inflammation, according to a review recently published in the Journal of the American Dental Association. However, further clinical trials are needed before CBD can be confidently recommended for dental use, the authors wrote. “The preliminary evidence suggests that CBD may hold promise as an adjunctive therapeutic option in the field of