Should asymptomatic 3rd molars be pulled? Maybe.

Many times, mandibular third molars may be extracted preventively due to impaction and crowding concerns, however, no real consensus exists among clinicians. The study was published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. The variability in decisions may shine a light on the need for evidence-based clinical guidelines for extracting asymptomatic third molars, the authors wrote. “The significant variability in the prioritization of factors by orthodontists highlights the

An unusual treatment may reduce chronic TMD pain

A medication commonly prescribed to treat depression may help reduce spontaneous pain in patients with chronic temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), according to a new study published on March 4 in BMC Oral Health. After taking low-dose amitriptyline for two months, patients experienced less pain and improved quality of life, the authors wrote. “This study highlights low-dose amitriptyline as an effective treatment for chronic TMD,” wrote the authors, led by Ivan Brakus

Is Milk Bad for Teeth at Night?

Being a parent is full of challenges, especially when it comes to protecting your little one’s teeth and oral health. You start feeding them a bottle of milk every night to meet their nutritional needs. Well, this is a part of the growth and development of children. However, this practice before bedtime can impact young smiles, even if it seems harmless. This blog discusses the benefits and consequences of milk

Clinical tip: Alignment of teeth and attachment loss

This week’s clinical tip from CDOCS comes from Dr. Shalin Shah and focuses on the periodontal portion of dentistry. If you’re looking for other clinical tips from CDOCS, head to the search engine at HuangshanDental.com and search for “clinical tip.” We have more than 30 that can help level up your clinical skills. Video transcript “Hi. This is Shalin from CDOCS. Today’s tip of the day is about periodontal attachment

PTSD may be linked to TMD, awake bruxism

Patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be more likely to develop temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and awake bruxism, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Dentistry. When assessing symptom severity, awake bruxism severity may be correlated with the number of PTSD symptoms, the authors wrote. “The results of our study suggest that screening for PTSD may be a worthwhile addition to pre-treatment assessments of patients presenting for

Understanding the Different Types of Dental Fillings

Cavities are one of the most common dental problems, but advancements in dentistry have brought a range of treatment options to restore your tooth structure and keep your smile healthy. Dental fillings play a key role in treating cavities and protecting your teeth from further damage. But with so many types of materials available—from metal tooth fillings to tooth-colored resin fillings—it can feel overwhelming to choose the right one. This

Aspen partners with GLO Science

Aspen Dental has partnered with GLO Science to offer its teeth-whitening solution, which is designed to be fast and effective. Using heat and light technology, GLO combines hydrogen peroxide with desensitizing agents. The LED system provides a whitening experience without the need for custom trays or long appointments, according to the company.

What a Healthy and Attractive Smile Really Does For Your Wellbeing

Having a healthy smile that you’re proud of goes beyond giving you a beautiful and natural-looking appearance. The condition of your smile can have a profound effect on your emotional wellbeing, and it’s something patients ignore for many years. Here are some of the ways in which having a healthy-looking set of teeth can boost your serotonin levels, and in turn, your emotional wellbeing. What a Healthy and Attractive

Nanoparticles may be key to treating root canal infections

Ferumoxytol, an iron oxide nanoparticle formulation, may effectively treat biofilm infections and improve root canal disinfection, according to researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (Penn Dental). When combined with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nanoparticles can effectively disrupt biofilms due to their small size and antimicrobial properties, according to a story from the university dated February 21. “This is the first study showing the clinical efficacy of a

Clinical tip: 3 things that make up a proper CEREC prep

For today’s clinical tip, the educators at CDOCS are focusing on CEREC and how you can get the most out of the technology in your practice. Learn more about CDOCS and their range of learning opportunities for dentists and dental team members. “Now I’ve taught CEREC workshops for many years and taught thousands of CEREC users, and I always go back to the same thing: Your prep is the most

Don’t Ignore Bleeding Gums – They Are A Sign That Something Isn’t Right

You wouldn’t ignore bleeding from a grazed knee or elbow – and yet, many people still ignore bleeding gums. Bleeding gums indicate there’s something bad happening in your mouth. The most common cause of bleeding gums is gum disease, which is when plaque (bacteria created after eating even very minute amounts of sugar), settles on, and suffocates your gum tissue. What happens to your gums when bleeding gums are

The Pros and Cons of Digital Smile Design

In broad-strokes terms, Digital Smile Design (DSD) is the special treatment of your smile and teeth with special digital technology, which includes personalized treatment plans, improved communication, and better visualization techniques. DSD can also be more expensive than traditional dental treatments because it goes above and beyond other methods in giving you the perfect smile using the most advanced technology. Page Contents What is Digital Smile Design (DSD)? Pros