A 5-year-old patient with a history of anxiety was hospitalized with a feeding tube after refusing to eat, drink, or even swallow saliva for a week following general anesthesia for dental surgery. The case report was published on October 8 in Case Reports in Pediatrics. The child, who had a history of anxiety but was otherwise healthy, was discharged from the hospital after eight days. This case report emphasizes the
Researchers at New York University have created a zinc-based compound to fight caries without the need for drilling or tooth fillings, offering an alternative to silver diamine fluoride (SDF), which can cause permanent staining. The liquid, zinc-based compound reacts to the dentin’s pH and concentration levels, transforming into a solid that seals the tubules and gradually releases antimicrobial zinc within the tooth, according to a university news story published on
New data from the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) shows that more patients are turning to endodontists to relieve tooth pain and preserve their natural teeth through root canal therapy. Insurance claims from 2020 to 2024 revealed a steady rise in the number of patients seeking endodontic specialists for these procedures. Over the four-year period, endodontists’ share of endodontic treatments grew by 9.8%, rising from 34.6% in 2020 to 44.4%
Most cavities are preventable through regular brushing, the use of fluoride toothpaste, and flossing. Yet prevention is not equally accessible for all families. For many children, especially those in lower-income communities, the only reliable form of cavity prevention is fluoridated water. Over the years, municipalities have discussed removing fluoride from public water systems, often citing concerns about broader health effects. What we do know, however, is what happens when fluoridation
For Dr. Hiren Bhatt of Alton Dental in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, understanding a patient’s fear when he or she walks into the dental practice is key. Taking the time to understand their fear is one of the smartest things a dentist can do, not only to alleviate any fear of pain but also to gain their trust, Dr. Bhatt said. As the end of the year draws closer and more
If you caught the recent Monday Night Football game between the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens, you probably noticed Lamar Jackson’s smile and how it shone in the prime-time lights. Jackson, a two-time MVP in the NFL, has a diamond-encrusted grill that he wears during games just as much as he does off the field. Of course, his mouthpiece helps not only protect his smile but those valuable diamonds. What
Although dentists view screening and counseling for adolescent substance use disorder (SUD) as important, only about a third ask patients about it annually, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Adolescent Health. It is believed to be the first U.S. study examining dentists’ screening and referral practices for SUD in adolescent patients, the authors wrote. “This study suggests that though a substantial segment of dentists [are] not
An active social media presence may help oral and maxillofacial surgeons educate patients, particularly those requiring temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJR) surgery, according to a study recently published in the British Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Furthermore, dental professionals should view social media as an important tool for patient outreach and engagement when used appropriately, the authors wrote. “Maxillofacial surgeons should consider maintaining an active and professional presence on social
OrVance Aligner Pontics.OrVance. OrVance Aligner Pontics is now offered in a new light shade and approved for use with clear retainers like Essix. The material is designed for improved color, translucence, and fit. The new shade covers whiter tooth colors (Vita A1-C1 and M1-M3), while the original medium shade matches Vita A2-D2, offering a full range of common tooth shades.
Dental technology manufacturing company Carbon has launched FP3D, a resin for 3D-printed partial dentures. A partial denture made with FP3D resin.Carbon Inc. Featuring Carbon’s dual-cure chemistry, FP3D is designed to offer 800 MPa flexural strength, durability validated through 20,000 fatigue cycles, low water sorption, and improved translucency. Developed with Keystone Industries, the material meets standards for biocompatibility, provides cost and time savings, and integrates well into digital denture workflows, according
Many people are surprised to learn just how closely connected oral health and diabetes truly are. Over the years as a dentist at Thantakit International Dental Center, I’ve seen how dental care and diabetes can influence each other in ways that few people expect. Diabetes can have a strong impact on your gums, and gum disease can actually make it harder to control blood sugar. This two-way connection means that
At-home whitening is an option that is appealing for many dental patients. How should dentists and team members set expectations for patients, though? Dr. Tom Giacobbi is here with another installment of his Just a Minute, Doc series with some advice that has helped him in his practice. Video transcript “Do you have a minute to talk about whitening? “When it comes to at-home whitening, it’s important to temper your
