Can a laser improve root canal success rates?

What effect does an erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser have on the binding strengths of glass-fiber posts in root canal treatments? A new in vitro study measured the effect these lasers have on treatment success. Researchers examined the effect of roughening the root surface using an Er:YAG laser on the binding strength of 90 single-rooted teeth undergoing root canal treatment. Using the laser facilitated disinfection and roughening of the

Study: Dentists prescribe only 2% of opioids

The amount of opioids prescribed by all healthcare practitioners in the U.S. has increased over the last 15 years, but the total quantity of opioids prescribed by dentists has declined, according to new study published on January 15 in Annals of Emergency Medicine. Sarah Axeen, PhD. The resarchers calculated the quantity of opioids prescribed over a 15-year period by converting prescriptions to total milligrams of morphine equivalent (MME). As of

Study: Sleep apnea increases risk of stroke recurrence

Stroke survivors who also have sleep apnea are more likely to experience another stroke or even die, according to a study presented this week at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference in Los Angeles. In a study that detailed the importance of screening for sleep apnea, researchers from the University of Michigan found that 24% of stroke survivors with sleep apnea were likely to have another stroke or die

ADA Foundation names continuity of care grant winners

The ADA Foundation has announced three organizations as the recipients of its 2018 Give Kids A Smile Continuity of Care Grants. The Oklahoma City Indian Clinic will receive a $20,000 grant to serve 75 low-income American Indian families with children in Oklahoma. The Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Foundation in New Orleans will receive a $12,500 grant to serve about 200 children at a local school that has a

Study: Periodontal disease increases stroke damage

Chronic periodontitis can increase the damage from an ischemic stroke, according to a small animal study presented this week at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference in Los Angeles. Chronic infection and persistent systemic inflammation are significant risk factors for poor outcomes for stroke patients, and chronic periodontitis is one of the most common chronic immunoinflammatory infections, according to the researchers from the University of Florida in Gainesville. Previous

Young Innovations acquires Mydent

Dental supply manufacturer Young Innovations has acquired Mydent International. Mydent is a supplier of infection-control products, impression material systems, rotary instruments, and restoratives, including the Defend brand of products. Young announced that Andrew Parker, Mydent’s founder and CEO, will serve in an advisory role for a transitional period. The transaction price was not disclosed.

Does bariatric surgery increase caries risk?

Bariatric surgery is a good option for treating obesity in certain patients, but it can cause some gastrointestinal complications and oral problems. Does it increase the risk of developing caries? The authors of a new review looked for answers. Researchers conducted a search for published journal articles related to caries or salivary flow in bariatric surgery patients. They found that it was plausible that undergoing the procedure places patients at

New product: Dia-X rotary file system debuts

Dental instrument company DiaDent has launched a new nickel titanium rotary file system. The Dia-X rotary file system has a progressive taper design and an 11-mm handle. The files are heat-treated to provide greater fatigue resistance than nontreated files, according to the company. The convex triangular x-section reduces rotational fiction and contact with canal wall for increased safety.

6-year funding approved for CHIP

Long-term funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) was included in the short-term U.S. government funding bill signed by President Donald Trump on January 22. The bill included six years of funding for the program, which helps 9 million children maintain their dental and medical coverage. The bill also keeps the U.S. government funded through February 8. The program’s funding had expired on October 1, 2017. A previous short-term funding

Regular dental care linked to reduced stroke incidence

Regular dental care may be able to significantly lower patients’ stroke risk, according to a January 15 study published in the journal Stroke. This research furthers the scientific evidence that cardiovascular health is deeply connected to oral health. The study, which included thousands of U.S. adults, found a significant association between inflamed gums and ischemic stroke incidence. Inflammation may be the link between periodontal disease and stroke, and further studies

Kulzer names new president for North America

Kulzer has named John Vitale as its new president for the U.S. and Canada. Vitale has worked in the dental and medical device fields for more than 20 years for companies such as Procter & Gamble, Nobel Biocare, Keystone Dental, and others. He will report to Marc Berendes, the company’s chief sales officer.

Endodontics Insider: Can a laser improve root canal success rates?

Dear Endodontics Insider, Can using a laser improve outcomes of your root canal treatments? A new in vitro study compared laser and nonlaser treatments on the binding strengths of glass-fiber posts. Researchers found that the laser was a useful addition to treatment. Read our Insider Exclusive for more. You can obtain continuing education credits (CE) for reading this article here. In other Endodontics Community news, you might know the best