Black History Month: Celebrating 4 Black pioneers in dentistry

Black History Month celebrates the achievements and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. In the field of dentistry, there have been many Black trailblazers who have paved the way for future generations. In this article, we honor four Black dentists who have made a lasting impact in the profession. Dr. Robert Tanner Freeman Dr. Robert Tanner Freeman. Image courtesy of the artist, Stephen Coit. In 1869, Dr. Robert Tanner Freeman became the

Anesthesia & Pain Management Insider: Melatonin may reduce pain, swelling after 3rd molar surgery

Dear Anesthesia & Pain Management Insider, Patients with impacted lower third molars may experience less pain and swelling if the growth hormone melatonin is applied to their tooth sockets following surgical removal. The study was published recently in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Read more in our Insider Exclusive. Did you know that patients undergoing IV sedation who test positive for cannabis may have vital signs and anesthetic

Report: E-cigarettes increase risks to oral health

Vaping is associated with an elevated risk of oral health problems, including gum disease, dental decay, bone loss, and hairy tongue, according to a report released by the nonprofit CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. Individuals who use e-cigarettes are significantly more likely to report having periodontal (gum) disease compared to those who do not smoke or use other nicotine products, according to the report. E-cigarette use is linked with signs

SmileDirectClub launches CarePlus

SmileDirectClub has launched a new premium clear aligner treatment called CarePlus. CarePlus offers a higher touch, technology-forward option in orthodontic care with greater flexibility, the company said in a press release. Furthermore, it gives patients a choice of a combination of both in-person and virtual patient management. CarePlus customers also receive a selection of oral care products and access to an all-day, all-night concierge team. CarePlus is now available at

SDF comparable to sealants for preventing cavities

A dose of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) brushed onto children’s teeth as part of a school-based oral health program prevents cavities as effectively as sealants, according to a study published on February 9 in JAMA Network Open. The study — which is called “CariedAway” — found that both types of treatments warded off 80% of cavities and kept 50% of existing cavities from getting worse, as evidenced when the children

Ala. dentist to develop new material to treat caries

A dentist and associate professor of dentistry in the department of pediatric dentistry at the University of Alabama, Birmingham is developing a direct pulp-capping material to treat caries and more. Dr. Kyounga Cheon, MS, received $700,000 in funding to develop the material using Endomimetics’ Bionanomatrix, a peptide-based biomaterial that promotes healing and better outcomes following procedures and medical device implantation. Cheon received a $350,000 grant from the Alabama Research and Development

How to improve numbness in irreversible pulpitis patients

Patients with irreversible pulpitis may experience greater anesthetic effectiveness from inferior alveolar nerve blocks if they are given anti-inflammatories prior to endodontic treatment, according to a recently published study in the Journal of Endodontics. The anesthetic efficacy of an inferior alveolar nerve block increased when patients were given oral doses of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ketorolac, the corticosteroid dexamethasone, or the steroid prednisolone compared to a placebo. However, there was

3 ways technology is shaping the future of dentistry

The technological age, which is altering every part of our existence, has a wide range of effects on dentistry, including new diagnostic equipment, creative preventive strategies, and groundbreaking treatments. According to experts, advancements in dental technology will ultimately enhance and increase access to dental care by enabling same-day care, which results in fewer medical visits and lower costs for a healthy smile. Below are three ways that technology is altering

Sugar, early end of breastfeeding ups risk for dental caries in infants

Including sugar in the diet of infants and early interruption of breastfeeding increases the risk of dental caries in children by the age of 2, according to research published in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. Researchers, led by principal investigator Marly A. Cardoso and first author Jenny Abanto of the University of São Paulo School of Public Health, studied 800 children from Brazil born from 2015 to 2016 in the

Dental tourism in Mexico offers savings in dental care

Over the last few years dental tourism Mexico has become an increasingly popular practice among people who need affordable dental services. Patients coming to get dental in Mexico can find a variety of dental treatments at much lower costs compared to the United States and Canada, being this the main benefit of dental tourism. Why Do Patients Opt for Dental care in Mexico? There are many reasons why people decide

How cannabis affects vital signs, sedation for oral surgery

Patients undergoing IV sedation who test positive for cannabis may have vital signs and anesthetic requirements similar to those who don’t have the drug in their systems, according to a small study published recently in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Though patients who tested positive for cannabis’ psychoactive element tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) needed higher doses of fentanyl and propofol during sedation, the presence of THC had no significant effect

OraPharma to pay $100K to settle false Medicare claim case

Oral health product firm OraPharma has agreed to pay $100,000 to resolve claims that incentive compensation it paid to account managers, who were also dental hygienists, resulted in the submission of false claims to Medicare, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The New Jersey-based OraPharma admitted in a settlement agreement that it employed account managers, including dental hygienists, to promote Arestin, a sustained-release antibiotic adjunct treatment for periodontal disease,