Week in Review: Root canal treatment gone wrong | Severe malocclusion cured without surgery | Nanoparticles that suppress caries

Dear DrBicuspid Member, Our top story of the week detailed a case in which a substance often used to disinfect root canals was injected incorrectly into a 16-year-old girl during endodontic treatment. Calcium hydroxide was injected beyond the girl’s tooth apex during a root canal, leading the patient to experience severe pain and a change in skin color on her cheek near her molar. The patient also experienced swelling, bruising,

Elevate Oral Care hosts webinar on glass ionomers

Elevate Oral Care is hosting a free webinar on November 9 at 8 p.m. EST that will address prevention in dentistry using glass ionomer restoratives and sealants. The course will present the history, science, chemical action, and current clinical applications of glass ionomers and how they can benefit practices.

Tonsillectomies boost risk of periodontitis

The risk of periodontitis may be significantly higher in individuals who have their tonsils removed, and that risk is magnified for those younger than 12, according to a study published on October 28 in the Journal of Periodontology. Periodontitis occurs due to a complex relationship between periodontal pathogens and the immune system, which could be influenced by factors such as peritonsillar infection and sleep apnea. The authors believe the new

Endodontics Insider: Dissertation raises concerns about gen practitioners doing endo

Dear Endodontics Insider, A dissertation by a Swedish dentist and researcher raised concerns about potential complications of root canal treatment performed by general dental practitioners. In a series of studies, 30% of patients failed to complete root canal treatment, most often because the tooth was extracted instead. What’s worse, half of patients who completed treatment reported pain or discomfort one year later. See more findings in this edition’s Insider Exclusive.

AI system improves dentists’ ability to detect caries

Artificial intelligence (AI) can increase dentists’ diagnostic accuracy but may also increase invasive treatment decisions, according to a study on the use of AI for caries being published in the December issue of the Journal of Dentistry. The increase in sensitivity enabled by the use of AI was demonstrated in enamel caries but not early or advanced dentin lesions, concluded the authors, led by Sarah Mertens of the department of

OrVance launches temporary tooth repair product

OrVance has launched its OrVance Temporary Tooth Repair (TTR) kit for temporary relief from broken teeth and lost fillings and crowns. The company expects the product to hit retail shelves in 2022. It aims to partner with a consumer packaged goods company for distribution, OrVance said. In addition, OrVance released findings from a market survey of dentists. The results indicate 91% of dentists surveyed would prefer patients use OrVance TTR

Root canal disinfectant causes rare reaction in teen

A substance often used to disinfect root canals was injected incorrectly and caused an unusual cutaneous reaction in a 16-year-old girl during endodontic treatment, according to a case report published on October 31 in the Journal of Endodontics. Calcium hydroxide (CH), which has been used successfully for years but can cause serious damage if used incorrectly, was inadvertently injected beyond the girl’s tooth apex during a root canal. This caused

Dental visits decreased during the pandemic

The frequency of dental visits decreased during the pandemic, especially during the period of lockdowns when dental practices were closed, according to an article published recently in the Journal of the American Dental Association. Researchers looked at patients visiting dentists in Alberta, Canada, from March 12, 2020, through the end of September 2020. They compared visits during that time frame with visits in the same months in 2018 and 2019.

LightForce secures $50M in series C funding

Customized 3D printing company LightForce Orthodontics has secured $50 million in series C funding. The funding will further the development of 3D printing technology and support the company’s existing customers with expanded service, training, and education, LightForce said.

Artist sends her wisdom tooth into space

New York- and Beijing-based artist Xin Liu sent her wisdom tooth into outer space in a custom built, robotic machine as part of an art project, according to an October 28 report in the Los Angeles Times. Liu is arts curator of the MIT Media Lab Space Exploration Initiative and an adviser to the Art + Technology Lab at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Times reported. Her

Clinicians correct severe malocclusion without surgery

Clinicians corrected a woman’s class III malocclusion and cured her of chronic orofacial pain without the need for surgery. They described their use of an occlusal splint and fixed restorations in a case report published on October 25 in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Adults with malocclusion with a skeletal component, such as mandibular prognathism, often undergo corrective surgery of the jaw and orthodontic treatment. However, this approach becomes complicated

National Council on Disability offers incentive award

The National Council on Disability (NCD) is offering a $100,000 award to give dental providers an incentive to treat patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities through Medicaid. “Approximately [60%] of people in the United States with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) rely on Medicaid for their health insurance coverage, and effective coverage is no doubt dependent on a sufficient number of providers willing to participate in the program and provide