A 30-year-old man presented to the dental practice with a chief complaint of a sensitive tooth on the upper left posterior. Upon examination, the patient’s discomfort was found to be due to decay and a leaking old amalgam on tooth #14. A thermal test produced normal results, and a diagnosis of reversible pulpitis was determined. The patient presented with a leaky filling and recurrent decay on tooth #14. All images
Voco has introduced a new composite rapid warming and application device for its VisCalor composite line. The new VisCalor dispenser combines several innovations for the rapid warming of VisCalor in 30 seconds, while maximizing the working time to as much as two minutes and 30 seconds, the company said. The VisCalor dispenser features a removable, autoclavable sheath for infection control and is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery. The VisCalor
Preventive dentistry services provided more than just better health outcomes for Medicaid beneficiaries in New York, according to a study published on April 21 in the Journal of Dental Research. Participants who took advantage of preventive dental care also saved the state Medicaid program money. A team of New York-based authors looked at data from the state Medicaid program, including emergency department use, inpatient admissions, and costs for both pharmacy
Biolase is launching a Waterlase Pediatric Dental Academy for pediatric dentists to train on integrating Waterlase technology into clinical practices. The academy will provide an immersive training experience through peer-led learning, best-practice sharing, and ongoing mentorship, according to the company. Dentists who participate will have access to virtual and in-person continuing education opportunities, as well as clinical support sessions to review cases, best-practice techniques, and exclusive content. The new academy
Researchers from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine have identified the function of a gene responsible for the development of craniofacial abnormalities. The gene, called ALX3, controls the shaping of the area between the eyes and above the lip, and it may provide insight into craniofacial abnormalities in humans, such as cleft palates, according to a statement from the university. The findings were published in the April issue
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is hosting a webinar on May 12 about trends in opioid and antibiotic prescribing for pediatric patients. Dr. Natalia Chalmers of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will discuss the topic. The session will not be recorded. The webinar is part of the agency’s residency lecture series, which aims to help current and prospective residents and others better understand the American Board
Oral surgeons should consider prematurely extracting the third molars of children before they start bone disease therapy to prevent jawbone destruction, according to an article published on April 20 in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Removing underdeveloped wisdom teeth before children begin antiresorptive therapies to treat osseous diseases and cancer-related conditions may prevent them from developing medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), the authors wrote. “Understanding the potential
Scientists analyzed five extracted wisdom teeth to conduct the first comprehensive single-cell atlas of the human tooth. Published recently in iScience, the study found novel insights into the working of stem cells and could pave the way for regenerative medicine. Stem cells are an intense area of focus for scientists interested in their ability to regenerate lost or damaged tissue. These cells are found in many parts of the human
Dental technology firm Sonendo and affiliate technology company TDO Software are partnering to sponsor Save Your Tooth Month, an annual initiative by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE). Save Your Tooth Month highlights the value of preserving natural teeth when possible and the importance of seeing an endodontist when experiencing tooth pain, according to Sonendo. The theme for this year’s campaign is “A Healthier Mouth = A Healthier You” and
Overdose risk is nearly three times higher for patients who fill opioid prescriptions after undergoing dental procedures, according to a study published on April 29 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Additionally, the risk of overdosing may double for family members of those dental patients. The findings strengthen the case that opioids should not be prescribed for most dental pain, the researchers wrote. “Findings further highlight the importance of
Voco announced it is expanding its Profluorid varnish line to include a new pina colada flavor. The mix of pineapples and coconuts will add to the current lineup of caramel, mint, cherry, bubblegum, melon, and cola lime. The varnish comes in the same single-dose delivery system and has the same quick uptake formulation as the existing lineup, the company said. Profluorid varnish. Image courtesy of Voco.
Glidewell has announced a new no-fault lifetime warranty for its Hahn tapered implants, custom abutments, and BruxZir restorations. The warranty covers the products through the life of the patient and protects dentists from any additional costs in the event of complications, according to the firm. The Hahn tapered implants have a success rate of 99.2%, and BruxZir showed a 100% survival rate and zero terminal fractures in a 10-year study,
