For patients, root canals are like pulling teeth

What’s the worst dental procedure? It may not be root canals. The treatment faired about the same as extractions and prosthodontic services in a recent study examining oral health-related quality of life. In the study, researchers compared the quality of life for patients who underwent root canal treatment to those who received other common dental procedures. Their findings were published in the Journal of Endodontics (June 13, 2019). “Patients who

Which stops caries better in preschoolers: ART or SDF?

Atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) has become known as an inexpensive way to treat early childhood caries in public health settings, but silver diamine fluoride (SDF) also has been investigated as a low-cost method. Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial to determine which method may be better to use when treatment access is limited. They randomly assigned 68 children with 118 active dentine caries lesions on the occlusal surface of primary

New product: Dentsply Sirona launches data transmission portal

Dentsply Sirona has launched a new portal for the secure transmission of scan data and case information. The Connect Case Center replaces the Sirona Connect portal. Features include direct communication with a dental technician through the chat function and the ability to send photos to the dental lab as attachments. The platform also includes the Connect Case Center Inbox, which enables all labs to access the case center, regardless of

Week in Review: Crown removal via laser | Using checklists | Avoiding ransomware

Dear DrBicuspid Member, Are there advantages to using a laser for crown removal? In our latest case report, Dr. Timothy Anderson reports on a 52-year-old man who needed to have a crown on tooth #15 removed. He describes using a laser for removing the crown and explains the advantages for both the practitioner and patient. Research suggests dental practitioners average two errors per day, and about 1% of these errors lead

Sugary beverages linked to higher cancer risk

Drinking sugary beverages may be associated with an increased risk of cancer, according to the findings of a study published in BMJ on July 10. The evidence suggests sugary drinks, including 100% fruit juice, may contribute to the overall cancer rate. The study included health and nutrition data from more than 100,000 French adults. While the researchers urged caution when interpreting their findings, they also called for strategies that curb

Study compares methods of denture impression fabrication

Completing a final impression during the fabrication of complete dentures can be time-consuming. Researchers compared a method using the denture’s baseplate and one using custom trays and found that the baseplate method was faster and had similar clinical outcomes. Their study included 68 edentulous patients referred for denture treatment who were randomly divided into two groups: a custom trays group (n = 30) and a trial denture baseplate group (n

47 new genes linked to dental diseases

Can you blame mom and dad for a patient’s caries? Maybe. An international team of researchers identified dozens of new genes associated with oral health and dental diseases. Their findings suggest many dental traits are heritable. Scientists have long known that two people with similar diets and oral hygiene routines can have vastly different levels of oral health. Researchers explored whether genetics may explain this conundrum in a new study,

New product: Garrison Dental launches matrix system

Garrison Dental Solutions has launched a new section matrix system. The NiTin sectional matrix system is primarily used for class II posterior composite restorations. The system includes matrix bands with a significantly pronounced curvature, color-coded, anatomically correct wedges, ergonomically designed ring placement forceps, and band placement and removal forceps, according to Garrison Dental Solutions.

NJ names new dental director

The New Jersey Department of Health has appointed Darwin Hayes, DDS, MHA, as the state’s new dental director. Dr. Hayes will oversee dental services and programs for New Jersey residents and be responsible for developing and overseeing the state’s Oral Health Plan. He was previously the lead co-director of the General Practice Residency Program at BronxCare Health System.

The New World of Medical Tourism

Medical Tourism has become popular thanks to all the benefits that it brings for those who need medical treatments. It is true that this practice has been growing in the last years, still getting reliable information is challenging. Here we share everything to know about the New World of Medical Tourism, which hopefully helps many make an informed decision. Why are people traveling for Medical Tourism? People are traveling because of

Talking to patients about real beauty

Several years ago, a colleague, Dr. John, told me about his patient, whom I’ll call Gloria. He told me Gloria was fixated on beauty. She dressed immaculately, wore expensive perfume, and must have taken a long time to apply her makeup. You may have patients like this in your practice. Alvin Danenberg, DDS. She went to Dr. John to have her upper front six teeth crowned to make her look “more beautiful”

Kids’ dental anxiety increases as they age

More children experience dental anxiety at age 9 than at age 7, according to a new study. Researchers also found that factors such as tooth pain, fear of drills, and parental dental fear contributed to this anxiety. Researchers wanted to see if dental fear and anxiety in children changed and what factors influenced this anxiety. They followed 160 7-year-old children at a large, public service dental clinic in Sweden for