Transforming patient lives through nerve reconstruction in mandibular surgery

Mandible reconstruction goes far beyond the mere removal of a tumor; it’s about restoring a patient’s quality of life and their ability to interact with the world. Historically, the focus has been on tumor excision, often with less emphasis on the long-term functional and sensory outcomes. However, as surgical techniques and cancer treatments advance, patients are living longer, making their quality of life after surgery increasingly important. The mandible is

Drug may upend gum disease, other systemic diseases

An antibiotic may eliminate an oral cavity germ known to trigger the onset of periodontitis, indicating a potential breakthrough in preventing the progression of other serious systemic diseases. The study was published recently in the Journal of Oral Microbiology. Furthermore, the narrow-spectrum antibiotic FP-100 (hygromycin A) eradicates Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) in a mouse model and in vitro without negatively affecting the oral or gut microbiomes. This study is believed to

ADHA releases stance on fluoride

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) supports community water fluoridation as a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay. This stance is in response to the National Toxicology Program’s (NTP) August 2024 report on fluoride and its impact on brain development. The U.S. Public Health Service advises a fluoride concentration of 0.7 mg/L in drinking water, which has been proven to reduce tooth decay by 25% in both children

Root canal material led to anaphylaxis-related death

After being treated with temporary endodontic material containing polyethylene glycol (PEG), two patients experienced anaphylaxis, one of whom died, according to a case report published on September 13 in the Journal of Endodontics. The case report not only sheds light on the possible harm that PEG can cause to some patients but that an allergy to this chemical should be explored in cases of anaphylaxis related to endodontic treatment, the

Clinical tip: Get the most out of your dental investment with CEREC Primemill

This week, Dr. Meena Barsoum returns with another clinical tip that is sure to help your dental practice grow. This time, Dr. Barsoum is focusing on the CAD/CAM side of your practice, especially the CEREC Primemill. You can watch the video below, as well as read the transcript, for Barsoum’s tips. Additionally, learn more about CDOCS’ memberships and CDOCS’ hands-on workshops. Video transcript “Today, I’d like to focus on milling strategies. We’re going

Clinical tip: Printing dental splints using inLab software

Dr. Meena Barsoum is back this week with another tip that can help the digital side of your dental practice. Check out Dr. Barsoum’s thoughts on printing dental splints using inLab software below. You can also learn more about CDOCS’ memberships and CDOCS’ hands-on workshops. Video transcript “Today, I want to show you a nice technique that I utilize when I’m going to print my 3D design splints in the

When it comes to TMD relief, it may be no pain, no gain

Multimodal interventions, including physical activity, may improve pain and other outcomes for patients with orofacial pain (OFP) caused by temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The systematic review was published on September 23 in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. Aerobic exercise (AE), manual therapy (MT), and jaw and neck exercises may provide the most favorable results for patients with TMD and OFP associated with headaches, the authors wrote. “Aerobic exercise plus MT and

Water fluoridation may no longer be beneficial to curb caries

Now that people in the U.S. use toothpaste and mouthwashes that contain cavity-fighting fluoride, drinking fluoridated water may not be so important, according to a review published October 4 in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. However, starting or stopping community water fluoridation requires further consideration, the authors wrote. “The benefits of fluoride in water supplies may be smaller than they were before the widespread addition of fluoride to toothpaste,” wrote

40% face a potentially risky condition during dental anesthesia

About 4 in 10 dental patients experience transient bradycardia or lower heart rates, which may lead to heart failure and cardiac arrest, while being administered local anesthesia under sedation. The study was published in BMC Oral Health. Patients with a gag reflex and trait anxiety, a form of anxiety that occurs often and remains a consistent part of a person’s personality, appeared to experience the highest incidence of transient bradycardia,

Where dental patients feel most sensitive during whitening

Dental bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide may pose a higher risk of tooth sensitivity (TS) in the lower arch compared to the upper arch, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Dentistry. Although there were no significant differences in gingival irritation or bleaching effectiveness, clinicians should be aware of these sensitivity differences, the authors wrote. “In-office dental bleaching induces higher risk and the intensity of TS in

DrBicuspid’s 10 most spine-chilling case reports

Workforce shortages, unhappy patients, and low reimbursements may bring daily dread to dental teams, but the biggest scares may be what happens in the dental chair. In the spirit of Halloween, DrBicuspid reviews its most frightening case reports. The top case report relates two patients who experienced anaphylaxis, including one who died, after undergoing endodontic treatment. Other petrifying cases include a devastating toothbrush injury, a rare genetic condition that led

A surprising cause of toothaches

Other than caries, tooth pain may be due to musculoskeletal, neuropathic, or neurovascular issues, according to a case report published recently in the Journal of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. Clinicians must consider these causes to avoid patients’ unnecessary, permanent treatment, the authors stated. “Surprisingly, myofascial pain characterized by trigger points in tender muscles can mimic a toothache, leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment,” wrote the case report’s authors, led by