Clinicians often misdiagnose an aggressive tooth lesion

Lesions appearing on radiographs with gum swelling are often misdiagnosed as lateral periodontal cysts instead of odontogenic keratocysts, which are more aggressive. The study findings were published on December 16 in the Journal of Endodontics. Both types of lesions can present with similar clinical and imaging appearances; however, the rare but benign keratocyst is a locally aggressive developmental cyst with a high rate of recurrence. Therefore, a diagnosis needs to

Forward Science releases oral pain-relief gel

Forward Science has released BioStom, a nonopioid oral pain-relief gel that is part of its professional use product line. The gel can be used to manage the pain of oral wounds, mouth sores, injuries, and ulcers of the oral mucosa, the company said. It works by adhering to the oral tissue and forming a protective barrier for the wound, preventing irritation and contamination. It also maintains a moist wound environment,

Regular cannabis use may prolong orthodontic treatment

A synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) made of cannabis compounds may diminish orthodontic tooth movement, extending treatment for regular drug users. The animal study was published on December 17 in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. This is believed to be the first study demonstrating that dronabinol, a compound that contains cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, attenuates tooth movement by reducing bone resorption and inhibiting alveolar bone remodeling, the

Meet the Cuspies 2021 semifinal candidates

Below is a list of the candidates for the 2021 Cuspies awards. The awards recognize the best and brightest in dentistry and celebrate excellence in 12 unique categories. The Cuspies semifinal list is directly influenced by your nominations. This year’s candidates represent some of the most notable people, institutions, products, and events in dentistry in the past year. Through December 31, 2021, you can vote for the semifinal candidates you

Endodontist accused of stealing $8M in COVID-19 relief loans

An Oregon endodontist was arrested December 14 for allegedly stealing approximately $8 million in U.S. COVID-19 relief loans, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ charged the dentist with aggravated identity theft and wire fraud. Dr. Salwan Adjaj was detained on December 15 pending further court proceedings, stated the release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. In March 2021, Adjaj purportedly submitted dozens of

Three Reasons To See Your Dentist Before Christmas

Whether you’re a student or a working professional, chances are you’ve been granted a long holiday break. As a result, seeing a dentist probably isn’t on your agenda during your time off. Self-care is a necessity, though. You may have stopped working – but your teeth haven’t. In fact, there is no better time to see a dentist than right before Christmas. Here are three reasons why. Say ‘Candy Canes!’

Austin Oral Surgery raises awareness of sex trafficking

Austin Oral Surgery, which has multiple practices in central Texas, has raised awareness about child sex trafficking by training dental teams and fundraising. In the past five years, the practice has helped about 2,300 dental professionals in the state recognize the warning signs of child sex trafficking. Also, it has raised nearly $28,000 for the Refuge for DMST, a nonprofit organization that helps girls who have been subjected to sex

Snap fix: Clinicians use bra hooks for condylar break

With no typical intermaxillary fixation materials available, clinicians used bra hooks to facilitate the treatment of a woman’s condylar fracture, according to a technical note published on December 13 in the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Bra hooks provided the essential hardware that was affixed to the 30-year-old woman’s maxillary and mandibular arches. The team’s emergency fix allowed her treatment to be completed, the authors wrote. This technique

Computerized anesthesia devices cause less pain, anxiety

Using computerized anesthesia devices results in less pain and anxiety for adult dental patients compared to traditional anesthesia delivery, according to a review article published online in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. However, the authors stopped short of encouraging dentists to drop conventional anesthesia methods and invest in computerized local anesthesia devices (CLADs), partly due to high costs and learning curves associated with CLAD systems. “We do not

Higher costs, future COVID-19 shutdowns weigh on dentists

As the pandemic continues, dentists remain concerned about higher operating expenses, another COVID-19-related shutdown, and employees’ inability to come to work, according to a study published online December 12 in the Journal of the American Dental Association. However, dentists remain optimistic and anticipate monthly collections and net practice income that are the same or greater in 2022, the authors wrote. “Despite shutdowns and workflow changes, dentists have financially rebounded and

Henry Schein supports TeamSmile program

Henry Schein has donated more than $100,000 in products, software, training, and support to nonprofit organization TeamSmile for its 2021 program. TeamSmile is a nonprofit organization that provides children with dental experience through sports. Henry Schein Dental’s support for the organization included donations of $30,000 in cash and nearly $40,000 in dental supplies and personal protective equipment, as well as training and a monthly subscription for Henry Schein One’s Dentrix

Drayer recognized for work with children in Jerusalem

Henry Schein executive Keith Drayer was honored at the Dental Volunteers for Israel 40th Anniversary Virtual Gala last month for his commitment to helping expand access to oral healthcare for underprivileged children in Jerusalem. Drayer is vice president and general manager of Henry Schein’s Schools and Specialty Services Group, as well as vice president of the American Friends of Dental Volunteers for Israel. Dental Volunteers for Israel (DVI) has been