Endodontics Insider: How to improve numbness in irreversible pulpitis patients

Dear Endodontics Insider, 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 study published on February 2 in the Journal of Endodontics. Read more in our Insider Exclusive. Also, in our Endodontics Community, a researcher with the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in New York will investigate a potential biomarker supporting

BDA survey finds ‘shocking’ state of children’s oral health in U.K.

A survey of secondary teachers in the U.K. commissioned by the British Dental Association (BDA) has revealed a “shocking” state of oral health for children, exacerbated by increases in the cost of living. The survey, conducted in partnership with hygiene poverty charity Beauty Banks, found that 4 in 5 secondary teachers in the U.K. are providing pupils with toothpaste and toothbrushes. The BDA said that ongoing access problems and cost

17th century aristocrat perfected smile with gold wires

Archaeologists used imaging to discover how a 17th century aristocratic woman stabilized her loose teeth using gold wires — a solution that, although innovative at the time, likely made her condition worse, according to a report published on February 6 by Live Science. Anne d’Alègre. Image courtesy of Le Chronographe, Nantes Métropole. Anne d’Alègre lived from 1565 to 1619 in the northwest of France. She was widowed twice and suffered

Can desensitizers ease sensitivity from tooth bleaching?

Using calcium-containing bioactive desensitizers during dental whitening procedures doesn’t reduce the risk of tooth sensitivity, but they can decrease the intensity, according to a systematic review published on January 28 in Journal of the American Dental Association. The use of desensitizers did not reduce color change, however, the authors cautioned that the certainty of evidence was low. This is believed to be the first review to evaluate the effect of

Ultradent launches temporary resin

Dental material manufacturer Ultradent Products has released J-Temp temporary resin, a premixed, light-cured resin. The resin can be used for procedures, including bite ramps and temporary occlusal buildups and restorations. According to Ultradent, the resin is viscous enough so that it won’t run but fluid enough to be self-leveling. Further, its light purple color makes it easy to identify and remove. Ultradent Products’ J-Temp temporary resin. Image courtesy of Ultradent

Orthodontists with beards, tattoos seen as less professional

Patients perceive orthodontists with tattoos, piercings, loose hair, and beards as less professional, according to a study published on January 31 in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Additionally, older patients were more critical of clinicians’ appearances than their younger counterparts, the authors wrote. “The results of our study not only demonstrate that the stereotype of the orthodontist influences the patient’s judgment but that orthodontists with piercings and

Smoking has a serious negative impact on periodontitis treatment

Smoking has a serious negative impact on periodontitis treatment, according to a study published by Danish researchers in the Journal of Dental Research. Heavy smokers with severe inflammation may have no benefit from periodontal therapy, the research found. The findings highlight “the need for politicians and decision-makers to better incorporate referrals to smoking cessation courses in the treatment of periodontitis,” according to a statement released by the journal (J Dent

Ranked Among the Top Clinics in Algodones – 2023

Los Algodones, Baja California is a small town located in the north of Mexico, right beside the border with the United States. In the last few years, this small but busy town has become one of the most important destinations in Mexico for medical and dental tourism. This is because they can get health services at a more affordable price than back home. Along with its popularity, Algodones has even

Week in Review: Congrats to the 2023 Cuspies winners | Best and worst states for dental health | New links for oral health, brain health

Dear DrBicuspid Member, Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 Cuspies awards! Our top story of the week named this year’s winners across the 14 categories. The people, products, and events that took home a trophy reflect the increasing global and demographic diversity of the profession. Best and worst states for dental health People in Wisconsin have a reason to smile, as the Badger State was once again named the

Research to explore biomarker for alternative root canal therapy

A researcher with the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in New York will explore a potential biomarker supporting the success of vital pulp therapy, an alternative, less invasive treatment than a root canal. Dr. Hacer Aksel, clinical assistant professor of periodontics and endodontics, will study the enzyme matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9. Research has suggested that the enzyme is a possible biomarker for predictive factors such as the inflammatory status and

USDA proposes limiting sugar in school meals

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on February 3 a proposal to revamp nutrition standards, limiting the amounts of sugar in school meals. The proposal would limit added sugars in certain products and eventually the weekly menu and allow flavored milk with limits on added sugar. The standards, if adopted, would reduce sugar gradually. Under the proposal, added sugars in some highly sweetened items like prepackaged cereals, yogurt, and

Align Technology reports Q4, fiscal 2022 revenues

Align Technology, manufacturer of Invisalign clear aligners, iTero intraoral scanners, and exocad CAD/CAM software, reported the financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2022. Total fourth quarter revenues were approximately $902 million, which was up 1.3% sequentially and down 12.6% year over year. Align said fourth-quarter revenues were unfavorably impacted by the foreign exchange of approximately $16 million sequentially and roughly $68 million year over year. Total revenues for 2022 topped