U.S. House overwhelmingly passes opioid reform bill

The U.S. House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan bill that addresses the ongoing opioid epidemic. The bill, titled the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act (HR 6), combines more than 50 individual bills targeted at bolstering opioid research, prevention efforts, and treatment and recovery programs. Specific provisions of the bill include the following: ul.editorialList li {margin-bottom:6px;} Require the U.S.

Which endo file is best for reducing post-op pain?

Not all endodontic files are equal when it comes to reducing pain after root canal treatment. A new study found that patients reported less pain after being treated with the Self-Adjusting File from ReDent Nova than other, similar endodontic files. Researchers tested three different types of similarly sized, nickel-titanium endodontic systems to see whether the tools affected postoperative pain. They found the Self-Adjusting File outperformed the ProTaper Next (Dentsply Sirona)

New AAP staging system aims to improve perio treatment

A new staging and grading system for periodontitis and classifying peri-implant diseases and conditions is one of the highlights of a publication on June 21 from the proceedings of an international workshop on periodontal disease by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). The 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions brought together more than 100 experts to provide an update to the last workshop,

Week in Review: New perio system | Is water fluoridation effective? | Kids’ dental fear

Dear DrBicuspid Member, Periodontitis classification has gotten its first update in 20 years. A new staging and grading system for periodontitis is one of the highlights of a June 21 publication by the American Academy of Periodontology. The publication also features the first classification for peri-implant diseases. Learn more here. The dental community generally praises the merits of fluoride, but how effective is water fluoridation at preventing caries? Pretty effective,

New product: Nobel Biocare debuts ceramic implants

Nobel Biocare has launched its NobelPearl ceramic implants at the EuroPerio9 meeting in Amsterdam. The two-piece, screw-retained implant system was designed for patients who prefer implants that do not contain titanium or other types of metal. The NobelPearl is made out of ceramic and contains a cement-free internal connection and acid-etched surface. The implants will be integrated with the company’s NobelClinicin CAD/CAM software and digital workflow.

New product: Osstell debuts implant treatment tool

Implant stability measurement developer Osstell has introduced a new tool to guide implant treatments. The Osstell Beacon helps practitioners measure implant stability and guide treatment in straightforward and complex cases. The device is designed for small private practices and large university clinics, according to Osstell. The tool will be available in the U.S. upon regulatory approval. The Osstell Beacon implant diagnostic instrument. Image courtesy of Osstell.

How effective is water fluoridation at preventing caries?

Recent research is scant on the dental health effects of water fluoridation in the U.S., despite the public health importance of this intervention. Therefore, the researchers of a new study investigated the association between community water fluoridation and dental caries occurrence in U.S. children. They combined data on water fluoridation by county with dental exam results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Their analysis found that children

Kids with siblings fear dentist more than only children

Family structure may partly influence whether children experience dental fear and anxiety, according to the results of a new study. Researchers found that children with siblings feared the dentist more than only children and children from single-parent households. The researchers conducted surveys with hundreds of schoolchildren and their parents to see how parenting styles and family structures influenced children’s dental fear and anxiety. Their findings were published in BMC Oral

New product: Crosstex adds amalgam separator

Crosstex has added an amalgam separator to its product line. The Syclone amalgam separator captures mercury-containing amalgam particles from dental offices’ wastewater. The product features a cyclonic design with rapid velocity and waste capture, according to Cantel Medical, the parent company of Crosstex. The separator was previously known as the Apavia amalgam separator. Cantel Medical acquired the filtration technology and related assets from Enpress and its subsidiary Apavia. The device

Managing pain for the adolescent brain

Fast cars, unprotected sex, and opioid addiction? Adolescent brains are wired so that teenagers and young adults are more likely take risks and are more susceptible to addiction. That’s why dentists have a special responsibility when treating this age demographic, according to anesthesiology and pharmacology expert Paul Moore, DMD, PhD, MPH. Dr. Moore is a professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and member of the ADA Council

3Shape updates CAD/CAM software

3Shape has launched the latest version of its Dental System CAD/CAM software. Dental System 2018 adds a number of new features, such as the ability to combine multiple types of scans, including surface, preparation, bite, and face scans. Additional features include the following: ul.editorialList li {margin-bottom:6px;} Ability to save and access designs at any step in the CAD/CAM workflow Auto snap of crowns to neighboring teeth or antagonists Automatic creation

New CE courses focus on handpiece sterilization, insurance

Two new continuing education (CE) courses are now available from HuangshanDental.com. Topics include dental handpiece sterilization and insurance independence. Kathy Eklund, director of Occupational Health and Safety, Forsyth Institute Dental Handpieces: Reprocessing and Reuse, Got Contaminant? Studies have consistently shown that proper sterilization of handpieces is lacking in many dental practices. And even if you are diligent about sterilization, if you don’t clean your water lines or sterilize motors attached