Endodontics Insider: Study finds link between bisphosphonate use and root canal success

Dear Endodontics Insider, A recent study finds a link between how long patients take bisphosphonate medication and the success of nonsurgical endodontic therapy. Researchers found patients who used zoledronate for less than one year had better outcomes than those who took the drug for longer. Read more in the Insider Exclusive. In other Endodontic Community news, Corinne Jameson-Kuehl, RDH, writes about relationships between specialists and general practitioners. She gives the

Dentsply launches intraoral scanning for Atlantis abutments

Dentsply Implants has introduced intraoral scanning for its Atlantis abutments with 3Shape’s Trios intraoral scanner. Using the Trios scanner, clinicians can now take a digital color impression that is then sent to the dental lab. A technician reviews the scans, creates model data, and submits the order. Dentsply then designs, manufactures, and delivers the abutments, which are finalized by the dental technician and sent to the clinician for restoration placement.

UCSF dental school names Dr. Kalenderian as new chair

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Dentistry has appointed Elsbeth Kalenderian, DDS, MPH, PhD, as the new chair of the department of preventive and restorative dental sciences. Dr. Kalenderian is the associate professor and chair of the department of oral health policy and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine in Boston. She is also the chief of quality for the Harvard Dental Clinic. She will assume

Obtura Spartan launches new Nano Gutta Percha Points

Obtura Spartan Endodontics has introduced its new Nano Gutta Percha Points for filling root canal systems. The product is made with a newly developed precision manufacturing process and is shaped to precisely correspond to the exact apical size and taper of almost any file system used to shape canals, according to the company. The proprietary formulation improves heat conductivity and the ability to work at a lower working temperature, enabling

Report: Kool Smiles protocol could save states money

A recent report issued by the dental service organization Kool Smiles claims that state dental programs could save millions and provide oral care to more children if Medicaid dental providers used the company’s care protocol and utilization rates. Medicaid dental programs in seven states could save more than $550 million annually and provide Medicaid dental care to an additional 1.9 million children if the organization’s practices were adopted, according to

How to Prevent Cavities

When we talk about cavities we refer to the holes in your teeth that result from tooth decay. If you don’t treat tooth decay, it may lead to the weakening and destruction of the enamel of your teeth, forming a cavity. The main problem with cavities is that they are a permanent damage, so the only way to fix it is getting dental work done. You can prevent this by

Week in Review: Children’s dental health; marketing your practice; inventory issues

Dear DrBicuspid Member, In her latest Sheri’s Solutions, Dr. Sheri Doniger writes about some of the many ways you can make a difference in your community during Children’s Dental Health Month, including directly talking to those most affected by oral health issues, your community’s children. Over 40% of more than 1,000 U.S. adults surveyed believe they have little or no control over whether they get a cavity, according to a new

Golden Dental’s $1.26M patent infringement award upheld

Golden Dental Solutions (GDS) announced that a $1.26 million award for patent infringement has been upheld by a U.S. district court. The suit was filed against Jang Lim, doing business as Dental USA, for patent infringement for its Power Elevator extraction instruments, illegal selling and manufacturing counterfeit and defective Physics Forceps, and deceptively marketing its product as the new Physics Forceps to the dental community. The $1.26 million was awarded by

Sheri’s Solutions: What are you doing for Children’s Dental Health Month?

“Are you doing anything for Children’s Dental Health Month?” Absolutely! How better to market the need for healthy teeth and the oral-systemic connection than talking to kids about keeping their teeth healthy for a lifetime? Sheri B. Doniger, DDS. I have been an active participant in Children’s Dental Health Month (CDHM) programs since my days as a dental hygiene student. My partner in crime, Andi, and I went into schools

Medical Tourism – Everything You Need to Know

You’ve probably heard of medical tourism before. This practice has become popular thanks to all the benefits it represents for people who need medical treatments. Nowadays, there are towns and cities all over the world which are specialized in providing medical tourism services to their visitors. There can be several types of medical tourism, from cosmetic to dental tourism. If you want to know more about medical tourism and why

Whole-body health and our role in substance abuse

I handed my boarding pass to the gate attendant, and she looked at my carry-on bag. “It looks too big,” she said. “It cleared on the way here,” I spoke sweetly — not wanting to check my bag and wait for it to get unloaded in Detroit. She asked me to put it into the rectangular bag holder. I shoved it in there. “If you have to shove it, you

USC unveils new mobile dental clinic

The University of Southern California (USC) Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry has unveiled its newest mobile dental clinic at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Pasadena, CA. The 22 x 48-ft clinic is USC’s eighth and also one of the largest mobile dental clinics in the world, according to the school. It includes eight dental chairs, a separate x-ray room, and a system that soothes patients’ nerves with soft music and vibrant