New product: Komet launches enamel stripping system

Komet USA has launched a new stripping system to help with interproximal enamel reduction before orthodontic treatment. The DISCstance IPR system. Image courtesy of Komet USA. The DISCstance IPR system (kit 4671) is designed to simplify and quicken interproximal enamel reduction on adults before receiving treatment with braces or dental aligners. The system can be used for correcting mandibular tooth sizes disproportionate to those of the maxilla, eliminating crowding, and

Week in Review: DSO customer service; EPA reinstates amalgam rule; and nerve injury legal case

Dear DrBicuspid Member, Patients appear dissatisfied with the dental service/support organization (DSO) experience, according to the results from a new survey. Those who received services from DSOs ranked their customer experience far below that of other industries, including insurance and retail. Read more here. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lifted its hold on finalized standards to reduce the discharge of mercury and other metals in wastewater from dental practices

10 Awesome Oral Care Tips

Did you know that having poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental problems in the future? Yes. Gum disease, infections, bone loss, heart disease, and strokes are only a few of the problems you can have if your hygiene habits are not good. Having a great smile comes with a lot of responsibility, and we would love to help you achieve this goal. That’s why we’ve prepared

Second Opinion: Outpatient detoxification for opioid-addicted patients

Opioid abuse has risen significantly for the past several years. This is mainly because such drugs seemed so easy to prescribe. In fact, opioid prescribing nearly doubled from 11.3% to 19.6% from 2000 to 2010, while nonopioid analgesic prescribing remained essentially unchanged (26% to 29% of visits), according to an October 2013 study from the journal Medical Care. U.S. healthcare providers wrote nearly a quarter of a billion opioid prescriptions

Which instruments are best for reducing post-endo pain?

Do rotary or reciprocating instruments produce less pain for patients after endodontic treatment? The results of previous research have not produced a clear winner. Therefore, the authors of a new study performed a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials to provide a definitive answer. Practitioners seek to find the most efficient root canal treatment with the least pain for the patient. After a comprehensive literature search, the researchers found a difference

Study: Laser therapy reduces dentin hypersensitivity

With dentin hypersensitivity being one of the most common complaints of patients, general dentists and periodontists are eager to find ways to ease patient discomfort. Recent research suggests that laser therapy is a promising option. Researchers from Barcelona, Spain, tested the effectiveness of laser therapy on patients who experienced dentin hypersensitivity following basic periodontal therapy. They published their findings in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry (May 1, 2017).

EPA regulation on amalgam waste to be reinstated

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will lift its hold on finalized standards to reduce the discharge of mercury and other metals in wastewater from dental practices into municipal sewage treatment plants on June 14, 2017. The rule will go into effect on July 14, 2017, with a compliance date for dental offices of July 14, 2020. In December 2016, the agency originally issued its finalized standards, which were scheduled

Legal Cases: Claimed nerve injury and trismus after mandibular block

HuangshanDental.com is pleased to present the next column from two lawyers who spend every day defending dentists in litigation and before the licensing board. The purpose of this column is to offer our readers a fresh perspective on common practice and risk management issues from attorneys who litigate these issues in the real world. The patient, a 45-year-old woman, presented initially to our client, a general dentist with many years

FDA releases new consumer update on braces

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a new consumer update on orthodontics. The update addresses common questions that patients ask about braces and invisible aligners. The FDA has provided answers to questions such as what braces try to accomplish, how they work, cleaning teeth, and more.

Week in Review: Oral cancer screening; treating senior patients; and new products

Dear DrBicuspid Member, Screening of every dental patient older than 18 for oral and oropharyngeal cancer is a must, writes Jo-Anne Jones, RDH. Taking the time to screen each patient can make an impact on oral cancer survival rates. However, dentists and oral healthcare professionals have a few common misconceptions about these cancers. Learn more here. Also this week on HuangshanDental.com, dental care is out of reach for many U.S.

Spring 2017 new-product roundup from DrBicuspid.com

During spring 2017, new products ranging from a topical anesthetic gel to dentures and scalers were introduced. Here is our roundup of new products from Vita North America, Komet USA, Premier Dental Products, and other companies. Anesthesia & pain management Cetylite adds new flavor to topical gel line Pharmaceutical manufacturer Cetylite has debuted a new mint flavor for its topical anesthetic gel. Cetacaine topical anesthetic gel is indicated for anesthesia

Ore. school-based program gets $124K grant

An Oregon program that provides school-based dental care for children has received a $124,000 grant from the Ford Family Foundation. The funds given to the Healthy Kids Outreach Program run by the Mercy Foundation will provide continued support for the organization’s dental hygiene and education services for students in Douglas County, according to the foundation. The program provides school-based dental screenings, sealants, and fluoride varnish to children. It also offers