Regenerative endo treatments show promise in trial

Researchers have shown that two regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) — revitalization and a platelet-rich, fibrin (PRF)-based technique — could be a viable treatment for mature permanent teeth with necrotic pulps. Their findings were published recently in the International Endodontic Journal. Traditionally, necrotic pulps have been treated with root canal therapy. But the results of the randomized, prospective, controlled trial in Egypt demonstrated the success of both regenerative endodontic procedures. “Our

Formlabs, Medit to partner on chairside 3D printing

Formlabs Dental and Medit plan to partner on making chairside 3D printing more accessible to dental practices. Practices that use Medit’s i500 and i700 intraoral scanners and its Medit Link software can now download Formlabs’ PreForm app, which facilitates preparing dental CAD designs for printing on Formlabs’ Form 3B+ printer. The combination will allow dental professionals to print 3D components more quickly and efficiently, according to the firms. Products from

My jaw pain is killing me: 10 causes and treatments

In 2018, I treated a patient with jaw pain — but something was more serious. Jonathan had a root canal procedure performed on his upper right molar about three months before I saw him. His general dentist performed the root canal and placed a crown on that tooth. Then, Jonathan began to have severe pain in that tooth, in his jaw muscles, and in his jaw joint. At first, Jonathan

Splatter may be on eyewear even if dental teams don’t see it

Blood and saliva droplets that are invisible to the naked eye can be found on protective eyewear worn by dental professionals after treating patients, according to a study published online February 14 in Clinical Oral Investigations. Tooth cleanings that were performed with air scalers resulted in the highest amount of blood splatter compared to other aerosol-generating procedures, the authors wrote. “To prevent the conjunctiva from blood and saliva splashes, adequate

Evidence suggests vaping contributes to gum disease

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) alter oral health and may contribute to gum disease, according to a study published in Bio on February 22. People who vaped e-cigarettes in the study had a less healthy oral microbiome than nonsmokers did — but could still be healthier than cigarette smokers. Researchers from New York University College of Dentistry studied 84 adults ages 30 and older across three groups: people who had never smoked,

Ormco rolls out Spark clear aligner release 12

Ormco is introducing Spark clear aligner release 12, which the company said helps doctors with efficiency and flexibility in case setup and treatment planning. Features include root visualization using submitted cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) DICOM files, added posterior bite turbos for premolars and molars, wider choice in material with TruGen and TruGen XR, and upgrades to Spark’s Approver software. Image courtesy of Ormco.

Zahn Dental donates $150K to Feeding America

Henry Schein’s Zahn Dental U.S. dental laboratory business will donate $150,000 to hunger relief organization Feeding America. The funds will be used to help food banks serve seniors, according to the company. What’s more, Zahn’s supplier partners — 3Shape, Dental Smart Solutions (DESS), Dentsply Sirona, Desktop Health, Keystone Industries, Kulzer, Myerson, Roland DG, and Sierra Dental — have also contributed to Feeding America’s hunger relief activities, the firm said. Zahn

Week in Review: Rare lesions on dental x-rays | Cuspies winners announced | Debt plaguing dental grads

Dear DrBicuspid Member, Rare and aggressive vascular maxillofacial lesions were detected as an incidental finding on two patients’ dental x-rays. Our top story of the week summarized the highlights of the case report. The report describes a teenager and young adult diagnosed with asymptomatic juvenile angiofibroma after undergoing imaging in preparation for orthodontic treatment. Though benign, these tumors can spread to the sinuses, throat, and brain and can damage bones

Why is Mexico so Popular for Dental Vacations?

Mexico is a country full of wonders that attracts the attention of tourists from all over the world. Its beaches, its people, its food, and its culture as a whole have become subjects of interest to people from all around the globe. Mexico finds pride in its history and cultural diversity; it doesn’t hold any of its enthusiasm toward tourists back and makes it evident through the warmth and eagerness

Gut microbiome composition can predict type 2 diabetes

The composition of the gut microbiome can help predict the onset of type 2 diabetes, according to research published recently in Diabetes Care. A team from the University of Turku, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, and other institutions identified six bacterial groups from the family Lachnospiraceae and its close relatives, all of which were associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes during follow-up. The researchers

Veneers may trump crowns for restoring teeth with fluorosis

Ceramic veneers are minimally invasive, preserve tooth structure, and provide long-term aesthetic rehabilitation and, therefore, may be a better option than crowns for patients with fluorosis, according to a study published on February 17 in BMC Oral Health. Fluorosis can cause white lines and blurred areas on teeth, as well as more severe staining and pitting. When treating generalized fluorosis with tooth surface defects, unsupported and pitted enamel or dentin

Gum disease is serious: Why don’t we talk about it that way?

Gum disease is a serious condition that can have severe implications for oral and overall health. So why don’t dental professionals talk about it that way? In a video timed for Gum Disease Awareness Month, Dr. Samuel Low explained why the dental industry should up the rhetoric about gum disease. “We need to probably put the act of god in them,” Low said during an interview with HuangshanDental.com. “Don’t talk