Far-flung taste, smell sensors may affect dentistry’s future

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine found that some taste receptors aren’t solely located on the tongue but throughout the body, and these and smell receptors may lead to new therapies in dentistry. Eventually, these sensors may help protect against periodontitis or lead to new ways to relieve dental pain, according to a university press release dated July 29. Furthermore, taste receptors in the airways, gums,

Sometimes, jaw surgery can also make you look younger

When the jaw and teeth are properly supported during orthognathic surgery, it may create a more youthful appearance, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. More specifically, the angle between the nose and upper lip becomes smaller, the lines from the nose to the mouth shorten, and the upper lip appears longer and fuller, the authors wrote. “When adequate dentoskeletal support is provided

Dentsply launches advanced cleft orthodontic program

Dentsply Sirona and Smile Train, a cleft-focused nonprofit, are celebrating Cleft Awareness Month by launching an advanced training program in digital cleft orthodontics. Dentsply Sirona’s new training program in Medellín, Colombia, educates cleft professionals from Latin America on digital workflows for various stages of treatment. Additionally, Dentsply Sirona is hosting a global fundraiser among its 15,000 employees to support cleft surgeries, donating $25 to Smile Train for every dental checkup

Why you should talk to parents about their dental anxiety, more

Understanding parents’ dental anxiety and oral health literacy, which may be affected by income and other factors, may help dentists build trust with them and encourage early, regular dental visits for their children. The study was published in BMC Oral Health. During a child’s first dental visit, dentists should assess these factors and the family’s sociobehavioral characteristics using appropriate scales and semistructured interviews, the authors wrote. “By focusing on these

Formlabs’ Premium Teeth Resin gains FDA 510(k) clearance for temporary crowns, bridges

3D dental printing company Formlabs Dental has received 510(k) medical device clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Premium Teeth Resin, the company announced in a press release. The approval governs the company’s resin for crowns, inlays, onlays, veneers, and up to seven-unit temporary bridges, according to Formlabs. The resin comprises a nanoceramic biocompatible material that mimics the natural opalescence of teeth and allows users to

Clinical tip: Grafting and suturing techniques following an extraction

This week’s clinical tip from CDOCS comes from Dr. Doug Smail, and he’s focusing on improving your grafting and suturing game. You can watch the video with Dr. Smail below. You can also visit CDOCS to learn more, and learn more about CDOCS’ hands-on workshops. Dr. Smail’s clinical tip “Now here we have, and you can see in the mirror shot, a simple extraction of tooth #19. The walls are intact. You can

Orthodontic pain from fixed appliances, clear aligners equal

Patients with fixed appliances (FAs) and clear aligners (CAs) experience comparable pain levels and intensities two days after receiving appliances, according to a study recently published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Furthermore, FA pain intensity peaks at two days before decreasing by seven days. CA pain, by contrast, follows a similar pattern initially but remains minimal afterward, the study’s authors wrote. “Both the FA and CA

This strategy may reduce repeat dental anesthesia in kids

The use of full-coverage restorations on primary molars and canines during general anesthesia (GA) may be linked to pediatric patients needing repeat GA. The study was published in the Journal of the American Dental Association. In contrast, resin restorations and sealants on primary second molars were associated with a higher likelihood of requiring repeat GA (GA2), the authors wrote. “Full-coverage restorations should be considered strongly for young children undergoing GA

High birth weight may be a risk factor for caries

High birth weight may serve as a predictor for early childhood tooth decay and should be factored into risk assessments to prevent caries, according to a birth cohort study published in BMC Oral Health. Furthermore, a birth weight of 4,000 g (8.8 lb) or more was associated with a higher risk of caries in toddlers, the authors wrote. “It may be essential to pay more attention to children with high

Occurrence of orofacial pain may be on the rise

The incidence of orofacial pain appears to have risen since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with patients reporting spikes in facial and oral mucosal pain before and after infection. This cross-sectional study was published in the International Dental Journal. However, factors like sex, infection timing, and beverage preferences may affect COVID-19 infection and orofacial pain (CIOP), the authors wrote. “The morbidity of orofacial pain appears to have increased significantly

How one dentist carved out a cosmetic dentistry niche

In the competitive dental landscape in Southern California, Dr. Tyler Hales figured out a way to stand out, both with his personality and clinical skills. Dr. Tyler Hales, aka “Dr. Bowtie.” With a bowtie that became a part of his dress code after a comment from his grandfather when he graduated from dental school (and which he wears as a tribute to his grandfather, who wore a bowtie), Dr. Hales

This is the key to designing an aesthetic smile

When creating an aesthetic smile, it’s critical to keep in mind that 2D and 3D symmetry of natural incisors are rare, highlighting the importance of authenticity over flawlessness. The study was published in the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry. The findings not only raise challenges about the efficacy of some smile design software programs that are based on symmetry, as well as digital mock-ups that are based on 3D