Mouthguard may detect early signs of caries, periodontitis

A wearable, fluorescent mouthguard can detect early signs of tooth decay and periodontitis by ferreting out the secretions of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in the oral cavity, according to a recent study published online in Advanced Materials. With the help of imaging, the zinc oxide-poly(dimethylsiloxane) (ZnO-PDMS) nanocomposite device was able to highlight the locations of hidden dental lesions, according to the authors. “The mouthguards successfully uncover the precise locations of

Align launches virtual Invisalign care tools

Align Technology has launched two new virtual tools to keep patients and doctors connected in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Invisalign Virtual Appointment allows doctors to schedule and host video appointments with patients to discuss Invisalign treatment. Invisalign Virtual Care is part of the My Invisalign app and can be used for remote consultations, for treatment progress assessment, and to discuss adjustments, the company said; patients can submit pictures,

Antibiotics alter how brains of rats react to opioids

New research shows that antibiotics may change how the gut-brain connection works in rats dependent on opioids. The use of antibiotics altered the way the rats’ brains responded to opioid use and withdrawal, according to the findings of a study published on April 27 in ENeuro. The research was inspired by the life experiences of lead author Sierra Simpson, PhD, a newly minted doctoral scholar from the University of California,

New podcast focuses on laser-assisted procedures

The Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry and Millennium Dental Technologies have partnered to create a new podcast featuring dentists who have used lasers to treat periodontitis and peri-implantitis in their practices. The “Dentistry for the New Millennium” podcast contains conversations around the clinicians’ passion for dentistry, patient experience, and the impact of laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP) protocols and laser-assisted peri-implantitis procedure (LAPIP) protocols on dental practice. New episodes are

AAE kicks off Save Your Tooth Month

The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) officially launched its annual Save Your Tooth Month celebration on May 1 with some modifications. Typically, the month is marked with creative decor, donated services, and even state proclamations, according to the association. However, this year, the AAE is encouraging association members and patients to submit stories highlighting the work of endodontists. The stories will be shared on the AAE Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and

Does a parasite hold the key to better periodontal disease treatment?

Entamoeba gingivalis, a parasite found in the mouth, may be an underestimated source of oral inflammation that causes destructive forms of periodontitis, according to a study published in the May issue of the Journal of Dental Research. Eliminating the parasite, which penetrates gum tissue and feeds on host cells, may improve treatment effectiveness and long-term outcomes in patients with gum disease, according to the authors. “In conjunction with abundant colonization

Tooth migrates into man’s chin, shows need to x-ray full mouth

A man’s incisor migrated to an unusual space — the deep tissue below his chin. It required surgical removal, highlighting the need for secondary reviews and scans of facial trauma, according to a case report published online April 18 in Trauma Case Reports. The case shows the importance of clinicians performing a second exam and panoramic radiograph, which is an x-ray of a patient’s entire mouth, including the upper and

Yes, We’re Back Open! Our Patient Dental Care Plan During COVID-19

We’re back! We missed you and your beautiful smile. Following Gov. Mike DeWine’s guidelines, we reopened our offices to all patients May 1. We couldn’t be happier! It’s been a long couple of months, but we understood the Governor’s orders to shut down for a few weeks. This not only kept our staff and community safe, but ensured you stayed healthy. We’re committed to doing everything we can to slow

SoftSmile reveals new aligner software solution

SoftSmile has introduced a new aligner software package for orthodontists that is based on biomechanics and machine-learning algorithms. Debuted at the 2020 virtual American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) meeting, the software enables orthodontists to create aligner treatment plans in-house that are then developed using 3D-printing technologies, according to the vendor. The software includes visualization of teeth roots and movement of the lower jaw during the treatment. In addition, the software

Tips for opening back up the restorative side of your practice

As a dentist in upstate New York, trust me, I am as anxious to return to the dental practice as many of you are. I miss working with my team, seeing my patients, and helping them down the path toward optimal oral health. I went to school to be a dentist, and sitting on the sidelines has been as tough for me as it has for so many of you.

AAE elects new president

The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) has elected Alan Gluskin, DDS, as its new president, effective April 30. Dr. Gluskin graduated from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco and earned his endodontic certification from Temple University in Philadelphia. He is vice chair of the department of endodontics at the University of the Pacific and a fellow of the International College of Dentists and the American College

Week in Review: Business advice to help you reopen your practice | Highlighting a rare dental condition

Dear DrBicuspid Member, With a new month comes new hope for our industry. As May dawns, several states have either already witnessed the reopening of their dental practices or are on the cusp of that anticipated reopening. It’s an exciting time as dentistry begins to ramp back up and many dentists and team members are able to return to work and the thing they love most in their professional lives