Week in Review: Perio classification | 2019 ADA meeting coverage | New Dental Exam feature

Dear DrBicuspid Member, SAN FRANCISCO – Welcome from the 2019 ADA FDI World Congress, where thousands of dental practitioners have arrived to improve their clinical and practice management skills. We’re featuring some of the highlights. Updates to periodontitis and peri-implant disease classifications can help dentists improve the care of their patients, according to a presentation by Dr. Søren Jepsen at this week’s conference. The new classification facilitates the use of precision

ADA 2019: Technology use equals more productive dental teams

SAN FRANCISCO – Improved patient engagement and greater productivity at dental practices hinge on embracing new technologies. Bringing new technology into dental practices empowers staff to take more responsibility, which leads to a boost in patient engagement and productivity, according to a presentation at the 2019 ADA FDI World Dental Congress. Using diagnostic tools such as fiber-optic transillumination and interoral cameras helps hygienists better communicate with patients, which, in turn,

Kuraray debuts self-adhesive resin cement at ADA 2019

SAN FRANCISCO – Kuraray has introduced a self-adhesive resin cement at the 2019 ADA FDI World Dental Congress this week. The Panavia SA Cement Universal is a single-step cement that adheres to porcelain, lithium disilicate, composite resin, and glass ceramics. The cement incorporates a silane coupling agent, LCSi monomer, so it does not require a separate silane or primer. The product can be stored at room temperature and is easy

Garrison Dental launches new matrix band

Garrison Dental Solutions has introduced a new type of matrix band that is more resistant to deformation. The Composi-Tight 3D Fusion firm matrix band. Image courtesy of Garrison Dental Solutions. Composi-Tight 3D Fusion firm matrix bands feature eZ-Place technology, which incorporates specially processed stainless steel and a proprietary matrix forming process to provide increased resistance to deformation when used during posterior class II composite restorations, according to the company. They

ADA 2019: New perio classifications help improve patient care

SAN FRANCISCO – Updates to periodontitis and peri-implant disease classifications can help dental professionals improve the care of their patients, according to a presentation at the 2019 ADA FDI World Dental Congress. The new classifications, which aim to allow dental professionals to better diagnose, prevent, and treat periodontal and peri-implant diseases, were released in June 2018 following a thorough review from approximately 100 experts from around the globe. “The new

Henry Schein to distribute Solea laser

Henry Schein Dental has partnered with Convergent Dental to distribute Convergent’s Solea laser. The Solea laser cuts hard, soft, and osseous tissue. It is one of the top-selling all-tissue lasers, according to Convergent.

4 tips to prevent medication errors

Medication errors and adverse events are not uncommon, and they seem to be happening with increasing frequency. Experts outlined four ways dentists can help prevent patient harm from medications in the September issue of the Journal of the California Dental Association. Today’s dental patients tend to have more complex medical histories than those in the past. These patients, including seniors, often take a myriad of pharmaceutical drugs with complex interactions

Tooth decay more likely in kids exposed to trauma

Children who grew up with household dysfunction were more likely to have tooth decay in a new study, published in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry on August 28. Also, children who experienced more than four adverse childhood events — such as having divorced parents or witnessing domestic abuse prior to age 18 — were less likely to visit a dentist for preventive care. Researchers conducted a cross‐sectional study using

DenMat launches multisurface primer

DenMat has introduced a multisurface primer designed to improve crown bond strength. Zirconia Prime is designed for zirconia, metal, and alumina restorations. It boosts the bond strength between cement and all three types of restorations, according to the company. The primer is compatible with self-, light-, and dual-cure resin cement.

Osstell guided implant tool gets FDA clearance

Implant stability measurement developer Osstell has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Osstell Beacon guided implant treatment tool. The Osstell Beacon helps practitioners measure implant stability and guide treatments in straightforward and complex cases. With the clearance, the tool is now available in 49 countries.

Tramadol linked to low blood sugar in new study

Tramadol is one of the most used opioid analgesics, but new research suggests it may have a severe side effect — hypoglycemia. Patients who used tramadol were significantly more likely to experience low blood sugar than those who used comparable medications. The number of tramadol prescriptions has dramatically increased in recent years, as have the number of patients visiting the hospital for tramadol-related adverse effects. Recent case reports have suggested

Hu-Friedy adds new line of forceps

Hu-Friedy has released its new line of forceps for atraumatic tooth extraction. The Atlas forceps feature an internal spring hinge that keeps the instrument open. The design helps to reduce hand manipulation during extraction, according to the company. The hinge is also laser-marked for easy forceps identification. The forceps are constructed in surgical stainless steel and come in 14 designs. There are also two design styles: standard and apical, which