Restoratives Insider: Study finds reasons for composite failure have changed

Dear Restoratives Insider, Has the failure rate of direct resin composite restorations in vital posterior teeth improved over the last decade or decreased, and have the reasons for these failures changed over time? Researchers from Australia examined these important clinical questions in a new literature review. Read our Insider Exclusive. In other Restoratives Community news, which tooth wear evaluation tool works best? None, according to a new study. Researchers found

Does imaging lead to overdiagnosis of TMDs?

What role can imaging play in determining the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in patients with suspected cases? Researchers from Switzerland sought to build on previous studies to determine if imaging findings lead practitioners to believe patients have temporomandibular pain when actually there is none. “In individuals with manifest[ed] or suspected TMDs, clinical decision-making as well as TMD-related prognostic statements of dentists are primarily based on somatic factors, such as

New product: Proove Biosciences launches genetic test for TMD

Genetic testing company Proove Biosciences has introduced a new genetic test to help determine personalized treatment recommendations for patients with a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). The Proove TMD Profile test analyzes DNA markers and integrates genetic data with stress and tender points reported by patients. The profile also helps clinician offer individualized treatment options for patients, according to the company.

The new gingival inflammation code: Part 2 — Case examples

In the first part of this series, Patti DiGangi introduced the new Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature (CDT) 2017 code D4346. She wrote that this code fills a gap in exiting insurance codes and has the power to finally bring the medical relevance to gingivitis treatment. The second part of her series offers case examples and discusses opportunities for practices. Periodontal charting for everyone To understand code D4346, let’s

Second Opinion: Foreign dental prosthetics put U.S. patients at risk

One hundred billion dollars is a great deal of money, particularly when it leaves the U.S. That amount of dental work is done for U.S. patients in other countries, and the work can put the U.S. dental patient at risk. Many foreign dental prosthetics use materials that are not close to being similar to materials approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and they often are subpar. Permanently affixing

Study projects U.S. dental visits to increase through 2026

In 2013, about 42% of the U.S. population saw a dentist. But what will happen in 2017 or 2026? Will the number of dental visits by Americans increase or decrease through the next decade? That is the question two economists and a dental public health researcher wanted to answer in a new study in Health Affairs. The researchers sought to see how demographic trends and healthcare policy will affect future

How to Get Your Beautiful Smile Back with Invisalign

Are your teeth crooked? Do you hate the nerdy look that braces give you? Then it’s about time you invested in Invisalign. It’s different from your usual “ugly” braces look because they’re invisible. They’re made of clear material so that when you smile, it’ll take more than just a second glance to see that you’re actually wearing braces. The Invisalign advantage works twofold: It’s unnoticeable and it’s effective at gradually straightening

South African implant firm opens U.S. operations

International dental implant company Southern Implants has announced the opening of its North American subsidiary. Southern Implants North America will be based in Jupiter, FL. The company also announced Lars Janson will serve as president and Ed Sabin will serve as chief operating officer. The company was founded in 1987 and has focused on the top-end specialist sector of the dental implant market, according to the company.

The Causes and Treatments of Swollen Gums

Are your gums swollen? Isn’t it painful to eat with swollen gums? The pain might end up driving you crazy, especially if you can’t help but obsess over it with your tongue, touching it over and over until you aggravate whatever injury or infection it’s suffering from. If it’s just a canker sore or mouth sore, it’s best to leave the wound alone and gargle with anti-bacterial mouthwash to lessen

Bleeding Gums Treatment

When you brush your teeth, then spit out the rinsed out the toothpaste residue, do you end up with blood on your sink? Then you might be suffering from bleeding gums. A little bit of bleeding while brushing or flossing is normal (especially if you’ve neglected to do so for a couple of days), but you should be alarmed if it becomes excessive. Bleeding gums shouldn’t be ignored. It could

Dental care access disparities narrow among U.S. kids

The number of U.S. children receiving dental care significantly increased from 2000 to 2014, according to a new study in Pediatrics. Even more positively, the researchers found a steep narrowing of coverage disparities in race/ethnicity and income. However, they are concerned about the future of treatment coverage under the new U.S. administration. The authors knew from previous studies that insurance coverage had improved as pediatric enrollment in public health insurance

The new gingival inflammation code: Part 1 — Opportunity or chaos?

There have been very few times in the history of dentistry that a single innovation or technology has been the catalyst for radically changing the game. This is one of those times. The game-changer, however, isn’t some sort of high-tech gadget. It’s something as mundane as an insurance code. But this is not just any insurance code. The recently issued Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature (CDT) 2017 introduces the