CMS establishes new code for dental surgeries performed in hospitals

The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has agreed to establish a new dental billing and payment system to improve access to dental surgeries performed in hospital operating rooms (ORs), according to the ADA. The new Health Care Common Procedure Coding System applies to facility services for dental rehabilitation procedures that serve patients who require monitored anesthesia and the use of an OR. The new code follows an

Experts reveal tips and tricks for fitting dentures

When it comes to dentures, it’s paramount that they fit properly, because if they don’t, it could lead to various biological complications such as denture stomatitis, epulis fissuratum, and even progressive bone loss, according to experts. Dr. Ronni Schnell of Boston University. “Bad dentures not only make patients unhappy, but they can also create long-lasting damage to the patient’s underlying bone,” Dr. Ronni Schnell, a clinical professor of general dentistry at

Insurance claim trends in pediatric pulpal therapy

The percentage of children undergoing pulpotomies and pulpectomies decreased from 2010 to 2020, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association. The decline may indicate teaching changes in pulpal therapy guidelines. The study identified differences in usage trends for two specific pulpal therapy treatments in pediatric patients from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2020. Data was collected through an online dental data warehouse. Insurance

Coding and insurance considerations for dentures

Like life, tooth loss happens. Whether due to periodontal disease, decay, fracture, injuries, cancer, or just plain wearing out, dental professionals are bound to replace missing teeth — that’s what we do. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, tooth loss is incredibly common. More than 36 million Americans do not have teeth, and 120 million people in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth. These numbers are growing, and tooth

Neocis’ Yomi gets FDA OK for new bone reduction feature

Robot-assisted dental surgery firm Neocis has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance for a new bone reduction feature on its Yomi dental robotic system. The new indication allows dental professionals to perform robot-guided alveoloplasty of the mandible and/or maxilla. A patient’s computed tomography scan is used to digitally plan the bone reduction and placement of implants. During a procedure, Yomi’s guide arm provides haptic feedback to keep

OSO Smile Doctors selects CureMint procurement platform

Orthodontic dental support organization (OSO) Smile Doctors has selected CureMint to handle its procurement operations for its more than 350 affiliated practices. The partnership enables Smile Doctors, which operates in 27 states, to further develop its infrastructure by implementing processes that support its offices and staff. CureMint’s platform is designed to help practices streamline their operations and maximize profitability by centralizing sourcing, procurement, and accounts payable into one system.

These colors are trending for ortho patients

Braces boost the aesthetic appeal of patients’ teeth in the long run, but how can you help patients pick orthodontics that don’t cramp their style in the meantime? Texas and Oklahoma clinicians recently shared the colors that are trending among patients with braces. Clinicians should help patients choose braces based on several factors, according to a press release issued by dental service organization (DSO) Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics, which operates

Orthodontist faces misconduct hearing over TikTok trend

An orthodontist whose videos popularizing a potentially harmful treatment for children that went viral on TikTok is facing a misconduct hearing from the organization that oversees dental professionals in the U.K., according to news reports. Dr. Mike Mew originally shared methods for “mewing,” a technique for shaping the jawline that may carry a risk of harm, on TikTok. He faces a misconduct hearing before the U.K.’s General Dental Council (GDC), according

3D maps of TMJ sensory neurons help researchers study pain

A joint U.S. health and pain reduction consortium granted awards to researchers to create 3D innervation maps of different sensory neurons found in the knee and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to study how neurons create pain. With the support of the U.S. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin (NIAMS) Diseases, the Restoring Joint Health and Function Reduce Pain (RE-JOIN) Consortium granted awards to researchers to study how neurons

Regional anesthesia cuts opioid use in oral reconstructions

Supplemental regional anesthesia may reduce opioid use in patients following microvascular free flap reconstruction of the oral cavity, according to a study published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Also, regional anesthesia was not associated with adverse events or more days in the hospital. The study represents the largest prospective analysis of regional anesthesia and opioid use following oral cavity free flap reconstruction, the authors wrote. In addition

Orthobrain and OrthoSelect announce partnership

Orthobrain, a practice growth system that integrates orthodontics, has announced a partnership with OrthoSelect, an orthodontic software company and digital orthodontics laboratory. The organizations will deliver clear aligner solutions and personal support to clinicians seeking growth opportunities. Orthobrain’s aligner system will be OrthoSelect’s official clear aligner partner. Together, the companies will offer clients a system that combines premium plastic and orthodontist-led treatment planning and support.

Week in Review: Criticism of new AAOMS guidance | Voters weigh in on dental issues | Top 10 celebrity smiles

Dear DrBicuspid Member, Happy Veterans Day! We will not be publishing new content today to mark the occasion, which means you get your week in review a day earlier than usual. Enjoy! Top story Clinicians are criticizing the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) for its updated guidance on the treatment of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Our top story of the week shares why. The criticism