Centrix launches topical vitamin E treatment

Centrix has debuted a topical vitamin E treatment for damaged gingival tissue. E-Lieve provides instant relief for soft-tissue irritation and damaged gingival tissue. The product soothes chapped lips, relieves the discomfort from new dentures, and protects lips and gums from carbamide and hydrogen peroxide during whitening procedures, according to Centrix. The treatment comes in 0.5-mL single-dose tubes, eliminating cross-contamination and providing easy cleaning. It can be easily added to patient

FDA to regulate flavored e-cigarettes after spike in use

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced plans on September 11 to regulate flavored electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in response to an alarming spike in use by children. The FDA will finalize new guidelines to pull flavored e-cigarette products from the market until manufacturers secure approval from the agency, said U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar in a press conference. He did not announce a time frame for

2 keys to anesthesia safety: Patient and case selection

Safe anesthetic procedures begin with patient and case selection, according to oral and maxillofacial surgery expert Stuart Lieblich, DMD. He spoke about keeping patients safe during office-based anesthesia procedures at the recent 2019 ADA FDI World Dental Congress in San Francisco. Stuart Lieblich, DMD. Dr. Lieblich, a practicing oral surgeon and clinical professor at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, emphasized that office-based anesthesia procedures are an important part

Orthodontist pleads not guilty to charges of bribing Ark. lawmaker

An orthodontist who is accused of paying $157,000 in kickbacks and providing free dental work to an Arkansas lawmaker has pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to a report in the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette. Benjamin Burris, DDS, entered a plea of not guilty on September 9 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas to 15 counts of fraud and wire fraud charges. Dr. Burris allegedly

Elevate Oral Care debuts glass ionomer

Elevate Oral Care has introduced a new glass ionomer cement that bonds to and masks surfaces treated with silver diamine fluoride (SDF). The Smart Advantage glass ionomer is a fast-setting restorative that hides discoloration and can be used for either stand-alone or aesthetic restorations. The novel yellow polyacrylic acid (PAA) tooth conditioner is easily differentiated from blue SDF during treatment. The high-viscosity, opaque cement comes in three capsule delivery kits

Anesthesia and patient safety are a team effort

As a board member for a malpractice insurance company, I review claims submitted by oral and maxillofacial surgeons who use anesthesia in their private practices. In virtually every anesthesia-related claim, the following three issues repeatedly come up: Inappropriate patient selection Lack of emergency preparedness Complacency among the staff Ultimately, the safest anesthesia administration is a team effort made by dedicated, highly trained professionals who have thoroughly vetted the patient ahead

Antioxidants are good for oral health — here’s why

SAN FRANCISCO – Pass the dark chocolate and berries. Antioxidants found in these and other common foods and spices can help boost oral health, according to a presentation at the 2019 ADA FDI World Dental Congress. “You can think of antioxidants as the natural defense system in our body,” presenter Karen Davis, RDH, told HuangshanDental.com. Antioxidants promote health by combatting damage from free radicals, a term that has less to

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