Can a common artificial sweetener treat gum disease?

Using an air-polishing powder containing a sugar alcohol commonly used as an artificial sweetener during nonsurgical periodontal treatment may result in positive outcomes for patients, according to a small study published on December 29 in BMC Oral Health. Those patients who had erythritol air-polishing powder applied with a nozzle system during subgingival instrumentation (SI) had significantly fewer sites with high probing depths than those who didn’t. The patients also showed

Podcast: What you need to know about serotonin syndrome

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Serotonin syndrome occurs when you take medications that cause high levels of the chemical serotonin to accumulate in your body.” “Serotonin is a chemical your body produces that’s needed for your nerve cells and brain to function,” the Mayo Clinic continues. “But too much serotonin causes signs and symptoms that can range from mild (shivering and diarrhea) to severe (muscle rigidity, fever and seizures).” So

Can you use dental drills safely during the pandemic?

Drilling at lower rotation speeds and eliminating the use of dental drills that use both air and water could significantly reduce the spray of aerosols, which may contain SARS-CoV-2, according to a study published on December 16 in the Journal of Dental Research. Knowing how to reduce the aerosols generated from dental tools may help dentists better protect patients from exposure to SARS-CoV-2. “Multiple mechanisms for atomization of fluids from

Letter documents Napoleon ‘tormented’ with toothache

A letter detailing the medical condition of Napoleon Bonaparte in his later years details how the military leader dealt with an extreme toothache, CNN reported. Irish surgeon Barry Edward O’Meara wrote the letter, which is dated June 4, 1818. O’Meara treated Napoleon while the leader was in exile on the island of St. Helena. The letter recently sold at auction for $2,000, and it details Bonaparte’s maladies, including headaches, fever,

OncoZenge announces European patent for BupiZenge lozenge

Moberg Pharma subsidiary OncoZenge announced that the European Patent Office has granted the firm patent No. 3,284,459, which protects its BupiZenge lozenge. The sustained-release lozenge containing bupivacaine is currently being developed for the treatment of pain due to oral mucositis. The patent is in effect until 2032 and is a divisional of the previously granted European patent No. 2,701,681. The previous patent specifically protects the use of lozenges for the

Weno Exchange offers free e-prescribing service

Weno Exchange is offering a free e-prescribing service to dental providers who need to electronically prescribe controlled substances (EPCS) to satisfy Medicare’s Every Prescription Conveyed Securely Act. The act took effect on January 1 and requires electronic prescribing of controlled substances when a drug is covered by Medicare Part D, Weno Exchange said. As the cost of doing this can be prohibitive for small practices, starting at $42,000 with annual

4 questions about the biggest dental industry shake-up of the new year

Earlier in the week, news broke that Dentsply Sirona had purchased Byte, which, according to the company, has a direct-to-consumer clear aligner system supported by a U.S. network of licensed dentists and orthodontists. The transaction was reportedly an all-cash deal worth $1.04 billion. The news had many in the dental industry wondering what this meant for both Dentsply Sirona and Byte. Don Casey, CEO of Dentsply Sirona, shared some general thoughts

The top 5 case studies of 2020

Dr. Juan Yepes, of the Indiana University School of Dentistry and Riley Hospital for Children, provides case studies that offer valuable continuing education. HuangshanDental.com‘s top five cases of 2020 included a baby with a rare alveolar ridge, patients with gum lesions, and more. Here are the top five case studies from 2020: ol.editorialList li {margin-bottom:15px;} 1-day-old newborn with unusual alveolar ridge A baby born preterm at 31 weeks of gestation

TMJ disorders: Examining the role of the dentist, chiropractor, and physical therapist

For many people, jaw or neck pain can become a serious problem that interrupts their daily lives. Unfortunately, these same individuals are often in a quandary as to what type of healthcare professional they need. With the coronavirus pandemic at its peak in many states (at the time of this writing), some healthcare professionals are wary of taking in new patients or any patients at all, and patients who are

Podcast: What new findings on bisphosphonates could mean for your patients

Bisphosphonates may be commonly prescribed to help slow bone loss, but could these drugs also be causing issues for your patients in terms of their oral health? A recent investigation into the subject by Izano et al, published December 7, 2020, in JAMA Network Open, revealed some interesting findings on the long-term effectiveness of bisphosphonates. Dental professionals should be aware of these findings, especially when it comes to any jaw

Aspen Dental closes acquisition of ClearChoice Management

Aspen Dental Management (ADMI) has closed the previously announced acquisition of ClearChoice Management Services (CCMS). ADMI announced the acquisition of ClearChoice from Sun Capital Partners in November. The organization said it brings together two leading dental brands that provide fixed and removable prosthetics in the U.S. CCMS provides practice support services to the U.S. network of more than 60 ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers, while ADMI has more than 860 locations

Collagen Matrix acquires Guidor line from Sunstar

Medical device firm Collagen Matrix has agreed with Sunstar Group to acquire the Degradable Solutions division, including the Guidor line of resorbable synthetic medical implants. Switzerland-based Degradable Solutions has been part of the Sunstar Group since 2011. The firm develops and markets tissue regeneration products, which are distributed globally for use in dental surgery and restorative procedures. Degradable Solutions offers the Guidor line of bone graft substitutes and the Guidor