Study: 4 factors may predict severe pain after root canals

Patients with certain characteristics are more likely to experience severe pain after root canal therapy, according to a new study in the Journal of Dental Research. Practitioners may be able to use these pretreatment predictors to better recommend pain management strategies for their patients at risk for severe postoperative pain. The study evaluated a variety of factors that may influence pain after root canal therapy (RCT). The authors found four

Study successfully screens for diabetes at dental visits with oral blood

Gingival crevicular blood collected at the dental visit can be used to screen for diabetes and monitor glycemic control for many at-risk patients, according to a new study from New York University (NYU) in the American Journal of Public Health (February 25, 2015). The study builds on an earlier work in which the feasibility and acceptability to patients and dental providers of using oral blood to screen for diabetes during

IADR 2015: Periodontitis link with rheumatoid arthritis measured

BOSTON – Periodontitis shares pathogenic mechanisms with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and may trigger its onset. A study presented at the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) 2015 General Session found that patients with RA showed a marked inflammatory profile in all microenvironments, including oral, despite routine dental care. The patients had highly elevated matrix metalloproteinase levels in all sites, the researchers found. They also noted that correlation between dental parameters

IADR 2015: Oral disease risk common among disabled

BOSTON – A study from Mexico found a high prevalence of oral disease in people with disabilities. The researchers presented their findings in a poster at this week’s International Association for Dental Research (IADR) 2015 General Session. A group from the Autonomous University of Nuevo León in Monterrey wanted to measure the prevalence of oral diseases associated with sociodemographic risk factors, health, and nutrition among people with disabilities. They studied

Dentophobia: What is it?

Fear is something that we all have experienced at one time or another, this is one of the most basic human emotions. From birth, we are equipped with the survival instincts to respond to fear or when to sense danger, the “fight or flight” reaction. However, there will be times when one will not be able to control these fears; or situations in which we are unable to fight. Can

Septodont donates sealant kits to America’s ToothFairy

Septodont has made a donation of sealant kits worth nearly $240,000 to America’s ToothFairy: National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF). The Toothfairy bisphenol A (BPA)-free pit and fissure sealant kits will be distributed to the America’s ToothFairy affiliate network of nonprofit clinics and programs providing oral health services to vulnerable children across the U.S., according to Septodont.

Sugar industry influenced caries research; Naked Dentist debuts; glass ionomer cement strength

Dear DrBicuspid Member, The sugar industry influenced U.S. caries eradication research during the 1960s and 1970s, according to a new study in PLOS Medicine. The report claims that by working closely with the National Institutes of Health, a sugar industry trade organization helped to shift the focus of federal research at the time from limiting sugar intake to finding alternative caries prevention strategies. Find out more by clicking here. Many

Osstell launches Osstell IDx at IDS

Osstell has launched the Osstell IDx osseointegration and implant stability monitoring system at this week’s International Dental Show (IDS) in Cologne, Germany. The device makes it easy to assess implant stability and the degree of osseointegration, ensuring that implants are stable enough for final restoration, according to the company. It also communicates with patients or the restorative dentists concerning the treatment plans. The platform features an intuitive user interface and

Study finds how T cells cause inflammation with oral candidiasis

Ohio dental researchers have found a method to study how T cells cause inflammation during oral candidiasis infections, according to a new study in the Journal of Visualized Experiments (February 18, 2015). The discovery could lead to new therapies or drugs that may improve the functioning of weakened immune systems. Pushpa Pandiyan, PhD. Image courtesy of Case Western Reserve University. Pushpa Pandiyan, PhD, an assistant professor at Case Western Reserve

Neutron imaging shows gaps in glass ionomer cements

Using neutron imaging, European researchers have shown how the lower mechanical strength in glass ionomer cements results from the presence of pores and also the increased hydrogen mobility within the material, according to a new study in the journal Scientific Reports (March 10, 2015). “The relationship between microstructure, hydrogen mobility, and strength brings insights into the material’s durability, also demonstrating the need and opening the possibility for further research in

Sugar industry influenced U.S. caries research in 1960s, 1970s

The sugar industry influenced U.S. caries eradication research during the 1960s and 1970s, according to a new study in PLOS Medicine. By working closely with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a sugar industry trade organization helped to shift the focus of federal research at the time from limiting sugar intake to finding alternative caries prevention strategies. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco uncovered a public collection of

Natural Dental Implants debuts updated tooth replacement system at IDS

Natural Dental Implants (NDI) is launching its updated Replicate Immediate Tooth Replacement System 2.0 at this week’s International Dental Show (IDS) in Cologne, Germany. The system features the Replicate tooth, an anatomically shaped, 100% customized, titanium-zirconia tooth, and the Replicate temporary protective crown, a customized cover shield designed to protect the Replicate tooth during the healing process. This new approach to single-tooth replacement offers patients an immediate, minimally invasive alternative