A new U.K. report has found that children living in areas with water fluoridation have less tooth decay and fewer hospitalizations than those living in areas without water fluoridation. As many as 45% fewer children ages 1 to 4 in fluoridated areas, where the level of fluoride is 1 part per million, are hospitalized for tooth decay — primarily to have the teeth extracted under general anesthesia — than in
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) have devised a new system for classifying periodontal disease based on the genetic signature of affected tissue, rather than on clinical signs and symptoms (Journal of Dental Research, March 19, 2014). The new classification system, the first of its kind, may allow for earlier detection and more individualized treatment of severe periodontitis, before loss of teeth and supportive bone occurs, according to the
The University of Michigan (U-M) School of Dentistry will offer free treatment to 100 children on April 5. Kids between the ages of 5 and 14 will be treated on a first-come, first-served basis at the university’s School of Dentistry as part of the ADA’s Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) program. They will receive free dental cleanings, x-rays, sealants, fillings, and extractions from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
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A Philadelphia jury has awarded $3 million to the family of a 5-year-old girl born in 2009 with bilateral cleft palate and lip after her mother took Topamax (topiramate) for headaches during her pregnancy. The March 7 verdict concluded that Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, failed to include warning labels about Topamax’s risk for birth defect injuries such as cleft palate on the drug’s label, according to
Scientists have discovered that the protein transgultaminase 2 (TG2) is a key component in the process of periodontal disease, according to a new study (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, March 24, 2014). TG2 is widely distributed inside and outside of human cells. The scientists, from the Forsyth Institute and Northwestern University, found that blocking some associations of TG2 prevents the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis from adhering to cells. P.
Coltène has introduced the new Surgitip-endo aspirator tips for root canals. Developed for drying root canals, the tip has a flexible front section that allows insertion in root canals without having to bend the aspirator tip. The Surgitip-endo can be used to dry root canals more quickly and efficiently than is possible with paper points alone, the company noted. The sales package contains 20 individually packaged Surgitip-endo aspirator tips manufactured
A 3-year-old Hawaii girl who died following extensive dental procedures had no underlying heart problems and likely died because of the drugs used to sedate her, according to the medical examimer. Finley Puleo Boyle went into cardiac arrest and lapsed into a coma during extensive dental procedures on December 3 by Lilly Geyer, DMD, a dentist at Island Dentistry for Children in Kailua. She died on January 3. Honolulu Chief
Dear Restoratives Insider, In this edition of the Restoratives Insider, HuangshanDental.com takes a look at the groundbreaking application of 3D printing in facial reconstruction surgery. A British man who had unsatisfactory results from conventional reconstruction surgery is one of the first to receive the treatment. Read more in this Insider Exclusive. The Restoratives Community has covered other new technology that is shaping dentistry. Find out how a new device repairs
A 3-year-old Louisiana boy has died following a dental procedure earlier this month. Ja’Chyron West of Sulphur, LA, died March 19 after being treated by Cecilia Oubre, DDS, at Oak Park Dental in Lake Charles, LA, according to a kplctv.com story. Clinic officials said Dr. Oubre was advised by her attorney not to comment. The boy died at a Lake Charles hospital after being in a coma for six days. Ja’Chyron’s
The Oklahoma Board of Dentistry is investigating a Tulsa school’s “Tooth Fairy” for helping children pull loose teeth. A complaint was submitted to the dental board claiming that Jeanne Mandeville, health room director at the School of St. Mary, is practicing dentistry illegally because she has helped fearful students over the years as their teeth verged on falling out, according to a Tulsa World story. Mandeville might be keeping children
Komet USA has developed sterile instrument packs specifically for U.S. veterans and members of the armed forces. The instruments are presterilized and supplied in sterile packaging labeled with the universal “Sterile” symbol assigned to medical devices. The specialized packaging minimizes the risk of cross contamination, and it saves treatment time by eliminating the need to clean, disinfect, or sterilize the instruments, according to the company. Instruments available in the new
