A recent article in the Journal of Oral Implantology looks at long-term treatment for a patient with severe periodontal damage (December 2013, Vol. 39:6, pp. 737-742). In the article, the authors anticipate that the higher risk of implant failure in this patient will be offset by coating the implants with a rough, oxidized surface called TiUnite and emphasizing the need for diligent oral hygiene. They also expect that by using
A recent report in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine (June 2012, Vol. 42:6, pp. 563-570) suggested that an additional 30 million Americans will be obese in 16 years (costing an additional $549.5 billion on medical expenditures), and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting that 35% of U.S. adults are obese today. How many of your patients are overweight? How many would you consider obese (that
Hawaiian officials have started an investigation of an Oahu dentist whose 3-year-old patient died after the girl was sedated with different drugs during an extensive dental procedure. The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is investigating dentist Lilly Geyer, DMD, who performed a root canal procedure on Finley Boyle on December 3, according to an Associated Press story. The girl went into cardiac arrest after being sedated with Demerol,
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in dentistry today. But a new study has found that although it has a positive impact on patients’ quality of life — for instance they smile more without embarrassment — it also has downsides, such as difficulty in brushing teeth and pain resulting from treatment (Journal of Dentistry, December 4, 2013). Bleaching has become a popular procedure in dental offices,
Kids Smiles, a nonprofit children’s dental care organization, has received grants totaling $55,000 from the Walmart Foundation and Oral Health America (OHA). The money will support the organization’s mission of providing dental healthcare and education to underserved children and youth in Philadelphia and Washington, DC. Kids Smiles operates dental centers located in Southwest and West Philadelphia, as well as Ward 7 in Washington, DC, and also provides education and outreach
Hawaii dentist Lilly Geyer, DMD, has notified her patients via a letter that she is closing her practice. This comes after a 3-year-old patient died after undergoing a dental procedure with sedation at the practice. The letter informed patients that the Kailua office, Island Dentistry, is permanently closed, effective January 1, according to a report at WTVM.com. It also lists the names of area pediatric dentists and outlines patient record
The Washington State Dental Association (WSDA) has established a toll-free number and website to help parents connect their children to local dentists that accept their children’s insurance. The Dental Referral Program for Children coincides with the January 1 implementation of mandatory pediatric dental coverage for all children in Washington, according to a press release. Washington and Nevada are the only two states that require all children to have a dental
A 3-year-old Hawaiian girl who suffered massive brain damage after undergoing a dental procedure last month has died. Finley Boyle died January 3 after falling into a coma nearly a month earlier, according to a foxnews.com story. Her parents have filed a lawsuit alleging negligence and dangerous conduct against Lilly Geyer, DMD; Island Dentistry for Children; and unidentified staff members, claiming that the girl was not monitored during a December
The introduction of dental implants has proved to be a pivotal technology in dentistry. In a profession that strives to help patients keep their dentition, the point when it becomes necessary to opt for dental implants is a judgment call. Now, a new critical review published in the Journal of Dental Research comparing the long-term survival of implants and teeth that have been treated endodontically can help clinicians gain perspective
Adolescents are often teased and bullied if they have missing, misshaped, or discolored teeth, according to a new study in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (December 2013, Vol. 144:6, pp. 872-878). The study, which was conducted among sixth-grade students (ages 11 to 12) in Amman, Jordan, found a significant prevalence of bullying in school was due to the children’s dental or facial appearance. Researchers analyzed 920 children
The mother of a 3-year-old Hawaii girl who slipped into a coma after being sedated during a dental visit does not expect a recovery, according to an article at KHON2.com. Ashley Boyle, the girl’s mother, and her attorney, Rick Fried, made the announcement during a press conference at a Kailua hospice where the girl is staying. Boyle explained that her daughter, Finley may pass within 24 hours and that they
Minnesota dentists will provide free dental care services for children in need during the Minnesota Dental Association’s (MDA) Give Kids A Smile event on February 7 and 8. The event will provide care to 6,000 children at more than 200 dental clinics throughout the state, according to the MDA. The association is sponsoring the 12th consecutive year of Give Kids A Smile as part of the national Children’s Dental Health
