Week in Review: 100M opioids unused? Plus, end-of-the-year office prep and perio research

Dear DrBicuspid Member, One of the most pressing stories of the year is the abuse of prescribed opioids and concerted efforts to reduce the number of these prescriptions. However, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania found that more than half of opioids prescribed after a dental extraction are not taken. This means it is likely that too many opioids are still being prescribed and patients aren’t aware of safe disposal

Report: Hawaiian children have highest U.S. caries rate

Hawaii’s Department of Health said it released a new report that concluded elementary school children in the state have the highest rates of caries in the U.S. The report is based on data collected from more than 3,000 third-grade students in 67 public elementary schools during the 2014-2015 school year, according to a press release from the agency. The survey’s key findings include the following: More than seven out of

Does ultrasonic activation change sealer failure rate?

While there’s no doubt sealers play an important role in preventing root canal failure, does a product’s bond strength change when ultrasonically activated? Where are sealers most likely to fail? Researchers from Turkey looked at these questions in a new study in BMC Oral Health. Three epoxy resin-based sealers — AH Plus (Dentsply Maillefer), Acroseal (Septodont), and Adseal (Meta Biomed) — were tested with the idea that there would be

Endodontics Insider: Is there a safer approach to preventing root canal infection?

Dear Endodontics Insider, Endodontic biofilms are a common biological cause of root canal disease and infection. While identifying the biofilms and pathogens that contribute to these infections, including Enterococcus faecalis, is relatively straightforward, getting rid of them is not as easy. A new review article points a way toward a new and safer treatment approach. Read our Insider Exclusive. In other Endodontics Community news, a new study in BMC Oral

Company introduces caffeinated toothpaste

Power Toothpaste has introduced a new toothpaste with caffeine. Caffeine in the toothpaste is absorbed through the gums, and brushing with it provides the same energy as a cup of coffee, according to the company. The toothpaste, which costs $15, is available through the company’s website.

Can cannabinoids treat gum disease?

Research is just research. It is information that may make a difference in humans once it has been tried and tested in humans. I see the potential in new research published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation (June 3, 2016) that could enhance the treatment of periodontitis. We as a profession have not adopted this new research yet. Alvin Danenberg, DDS. The new research revolves around biochemicals that are manufactured by

Report: Kids’ dental coverage often inadequate, expensive

Although mandatory pediatric dental insurance was included in U.S. healthcare reform, actual coverage is a stark departure from the benefits envisioned by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and those required under Medicaid, according to a new report. Coverage isn’t always as comprehensive as it should be and is often unaffordable for families, the authors concluded. Colin Reusch, senior policy analyst, Children’s Dental Health Project. Image courtesy of

Komet adds new line of diamond instruments

Komet USA has launched a new line of diamond instruments for crown preparation. The new Deep Purple line has uniformly sized, extra-coarse diamond grains embedded in the instruments, according to the company. The heads come in three sizes: 1.6 mm, 1.8 mm, and 2.1 mm. The company also offers an identically matched finisher that has a size and configuration that matches the size of the selected Deep purple diamond.

What Dental Bonding Options Are Available for Your Teeth?

You can repair discolored, fractured, chipped, and severely decayed teeth with the bonding process, which is an application of a tooth-colored composite resin or plastic over the tooth in question. It’s different from filling in that it’s capable of making the tooth appear longer and can fill in more tooth material than other filling types. Is Composite Resin Bonding Right for You? Here are the benefits of composite resin bonding. Affordable and

The Causes of Toothache

Tooth decay is typically the main reason you have a toothache. However, that reason doesn’t cover all cases. This is why you should have a complete oral examination first in order to determine the cause of your aching tooth and learn what you need to do in order to address your dental problem. There are many reasons behind the toothache. Some of them are serious and some of them are

Wisdom Tooth Removal and Recovery

If your wisdom tooth has ended up impacted from within, under, or beneath your healthy teeth (that is, there isn’t enough room on your jaw for it to erupt by virtue of evolutionary oversight, so it now becomes your constant dose of pain), then you should have it removed. You need to specifically search for a dentist or a maxillofacial surgeon in order to extra this errant tooth. This is a procedure

Root Canal Treatment Explained

A root canal treatment is medically known in the dentistry field as a type of endodontic treatment. Here’s the etymology of the term: “Endo” is the Grecian word for “inside” while “odont” is the Grecian word for “tooth”. In other words, it’s a treatment dealing with the inside of your tooth, specifically the tooth root and pulp. Whenever the soft tissue inside the root canal or the pulp becomes infected or inflamed,