CBCT aids in surgical removal of rare nasally impacted mesiodens

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging helped clinicians use a novel surgical technique to remove a rare nasally impacted extra tooth in a 13-year-old boy. The case report was published on April 4 in Advances in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. The teen’s nasally impacted asymptomatic mesiodens was surgically extracted successfully using a maxillary transnasal subperiosteal approach via a modified LeFort I vestibular incision. CBCT scans allowed for accurate 3D localization of

DentalMonitoring updates AI-based ortho platform

Artificial intelligence (AI)-based orthodontic treatment monitoring firm DentalMonitoring has added a new patient timeline and progress bar to the platform’s dashboard. The new features can help clinicians remotely view treatment progress. The patient card displays a timeline that automatically tracks treatment, hygiene, and scan compliance for patients. To learn more about the software, visit DentalMonitoring at the American Association of Orthodontists 2023 Annual Session in Chicago April 21-24.

Vitamin D may protect against caries in kids

Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels may offer a certain protective effect against tooth decay in children and youth, according to a large U.S. study published on April 2 in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry. The study is believed to be the first to explore the dose-effect relationship between vitamin D levels and dental caries. The results differ from recent studies that showed an inconclusive association between dental caries and

Drug combo shows promise for HPV-negative HNC patients

A new drug combination shows promise for treating HPV-negative patients with advanced head and neck cancer (HNC), according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The results are promising for individuals with HNC, noted a team led by Dr. Julie Bauman of the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, DC. “Our study was conducted in patients with heavily resistant head and neck

Pro-Craft offering free trial of iTero intraoral scanner

California-based Pro-Craft Dental Laboratory is offering a free 30-day trial of Align Technology’s iTero intraoral scanner. The scanner allows dentists to send restorative scans in STL format to Pro-Craft within minutes, allowing restorations to be completed within three working days. Qualifying dental practices will receive scanners within two days. To learn more about the promotion, visit the lab’s website.

Acne gel may have triggered anaphylaxis in oral surgery patients

Two teens who previously used antibiotic topical acne gels experienced anaphylaxis following administration of IV clindamycin prior to third-molar surgeries, according to a case report published in Oral Surgery. Prior to their surgeries, both patients had only previously been exposed to clindamycin via topical acne gels, which may have primed their immune systems for anaphylaxis when they internally received the antibiotic. These are believed to be the first two reported

Expanded dental workforce could improve pediatric oral health

An expanded dental workforce could improve the oral health of U.S. children, according to a study published last March in JAMA Health Forum. The findings are good news, especially since tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among U.S. children, according to a news release issued by the Harvard School of Dental Medicine in Boston regarding the study. “[The impact of tooth decay] is felt most acutely in low income,

Oral Surgery: An Overview of Oral Surgery, Including Wisdom Teeth Extractions, Jaw Surgery, and Other Procedures

Any surgery done on your surrounding oral and facial structures such as your jaw, gums, and even teeth can be considered oral surgery. However, most people consider those involving actual surgeons as surgical, as opposed to ordinary tooth extractions. They’re done by an oral surgeon, a periodontist, or a maxillofacial surgeon depending on the specific oral area that requires surgery. They’re specialists who have studied and practiced the most advanced

Severity of mental health symptoms linked to higher risk of oral diseases

Providers may expect higher levels of oral disease among patients with adverse mental health conditions, according to a study presented on March 17 at the annual meeting of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) and the Canadian Association for Dental Research in Portland, OR. A group led by Alex Kalaigian of the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry analyzed self-reported data from 30,753 participants

More patients fret that dental implants may make them itch

More U.S. patients worry they could experience skin hypersensitivity, including itchiness and a rash, due to an allergic reaction to nickel and other metals used in medical devices, including dental implants, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Metal, specifically nickel, is one of the most common culprits of allergic contact dermatitis, which can cause intense itching, pain, blisters, hives, and dryness. However, since immune systems react to allergens

Agency removes fluoride hazard classification

The latest draft monograph from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Toxicology Program (NTP) has removed the hazard classification of fluoride. It is the latest development in the agency’s effort to publish its report on fluoride exposure and potential neurodevelopmental effects in humans. On March 15, the NTP released a working draft from September 2022 of its fluoride monograph. The draft includes changes based on two reviews

DSO USOSM names new senior VPs of operations

Specialty dental service organization (DSO) U.S. Oral Surgery Management (USOSM) has named Melissa Winfield and David Livesay as senior vice presidents of operations. Winfield, who previously served as vice president of operations for USOSM, will be responsible for the Western half of the U.S., as well as the procurement and strategic scheduling departments. Livesay, who most recently served as a senior vice president with U.S. Anesthesia Partners, will be responsible