Biolase touts Repair Perio clinical results

Dental laser firm Biolase is highlighting data published on July 2 in the Journal of Periodontology demonstrating that its Repair Perio protocol is more effective for treating periodontitis than conventional procedures, with shorter times and less bruising, swelling, and postoperative bleeding. The study was conducted at the McGuire Institute, and co-author John Gunsolley, DDS, and colleagues compared Biolase’s Repair Perio process with the conventional minimally invasive surgical technique (MIST) treatment

The EPA amalgam rule: 16 years in making, 3 years to comply — so what now?

Due to 40 CFR Part 441 (the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] amalgam rule), July 15, 2020, became the first day in U.S. history that any dental office that removes amalgam mercury in the ordinary course of patient restorations is required, by federal rule, to have an amalgam separator capture the mercury particulates before they go down the drain. In all honesty, and despite the fact that I have dedicated

Aesthetic Smile to award complete smile makeover

Aesthetic Smile Reconstruction is launching a project called Smiles for Boston Heroes that will award a complete smile makeover to a person selected from nominations received through the end of the month. The project is intended to support one of Boston’s “unsung heroes,” the company said. “There are so many unsung heroes in Boston who deliver smiles every day by making things better for us during this crisis,” said Aesthetic

Podcast: One dentist shares her journey into the realm of sleep dentistry

Michelle Weddle, DDS, is a general dentist who says that she focuses on the oral-systemic health of patients in her private practice in New Jersey. Part of that focus includes diagnosing and treating sleep disorders in her patients. A special focus of her practice is managing adult and pediatric patients with airway issues. Dr. Weddle believes that these issues affect the individual’s dental health and overall well-being and also the family’s

A fingernail stuck in a boy’s mouth shows need for intervention

A doctor had to remove a fingernail that became lodged in between the gum tissue and front tooth of a 10-year-old boy, highlighting the need for clinicians to monitor and discourage nail biting, according to a case report published on June 7 in BMJ Case Reports. Clinicians should consider fingernail biting and possible nail impaction when young children and adolescents present with gingival swelling or injury. These patients also should

Dentistry in Calif. unaffected by reopening rollback

California’s move on July 13 to roll back its reopening plans due to surges in COVID-19 cases does not affect dental practices, according to the California Dental Association (CDA). For now, “dentists are advised to continue to adhere closely to California Department of Public Health guidance, including the recommendation to have two weeks of [personal protective equipment] available, and to access the [CDA]’s Back-to-Practice Resource Center for training, checklists, and

Pikos Institute launches online CE platform

Michael Pikos, DDS, has created Pikos Online, a new website for continuing education (CE) courses and clinical content. The Pikos Online learning platform consists of comprehensive, step-by-step instruction for essential surgical protocols. The first full online course, Sinus Grafting for Implant Reconstruction, offers 25 CE hours and contains 1,400 slides and 50 videos. The course will cover surgical concepts, complications, risk minimization, and more.

Why Fluoride’s Your Dentist’s Best Friend

Conspiracy theories are everywhere these days. But as dentists, you know the one that really gets our goat? The idea that fluoride treatment is some kind of government-sponsored tranquilizer out to turn America’s citizens into zombies. Huh? Yes, there are people who really do peddle this one — several others. But dentists from Cleveland to Timbuktu will tell you that fluoride doesn’t just protect your teeth from decay —

Tooth position and the 2nd deadly sin of smile design

Last week on the seven deadly sins, we discussed our first (and only) nonclinical sin assumption. This week, let’s jump right into sin No. 2: tooth position. This sin is a biggie and encompasses three major principles: the smile line, incisal edge position, and midline. What are our goals with smile design? Know the what Understand the why Integrate the how to into your practice The smile line When your

AAO supports orthodontic innovation with investment in KLOwen braces

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) has invested $50,000 from its Innovation and Transformation Fund in the KLOwen custom braces system, an in-office, same-day, custom bracket solution that reportedly increases doctor efficiency. Brandon Owen, DDS, who developed the system and holds seven patents, with 20 more patents pending, was named the 2019 AAO Ortho Innovator Award recipient. In addition to AAO investing in KLOwen braces, a member of AAO leadership

Biolase laser reduces risk of COVID-19, meets CDC advice

The Epic Hygiene laser from Biolase meets guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which recommends banning the use of ultrasonic scalers to minimize the risk of COVID-19. Biolase’s laser allows hygienists to perform treatments for bacterial reduction and managing periodontal disease without using water. Traditional scalers create a visible water spray that may contain water, saliva, blood, and microorganisms that can help spread the virus.

What to know about antibiotics and the risk of cardiovascular death

A recent study showed a statistically significant increase in relative risk and absolute risk of cardiovascular death with the outpatient use of azithromycin when compared with the use of amoxicillin (an antibiotic not known to increase cardiovascular events) within a five-day window after exposure (Zaroff et al, JAMA Network Open, June 17, 2020). Tom Viola, RPh. Interestingly, the researchers found an increased risk of cardiovascular death within five days of