‘Homing beacon’ immune cells may treat perio disease

Periodontal disease could be effectively treated by beckoning the right kind of immune system cells to the inflamed tissues, according to a new animal study by U.S. and Brazilian researchers published October 28 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Periodontal disease currently is treated by keeping oral bacteria in check with daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular scaling and root planing, which remove tartar above and

Global biomaterials market to hit $88.4B by 2017

The global biomaterials market produced $44 billion in revenues in 2012 and is expected to double to $88.4 billion by 2017, according to a new market research report. The market is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2012 to 2017, noted MarketsandMarkets, a global market research and consulting firm. The company’s biomaterials market report categorizes and analyzes the global market under two broad

New snoring, sleep apnea device launched at ADA 2013

Airway Management has launched the myTAP oral appliance for treating snoring and sleep apnea at this week’s ADA 2013 conference in New Orleans. The oral appliance can be precision-fit in less than 15 minutes, according to the company. The fit trays of the myTAP are made from a plastic that when heated becomes soft and can be accurately molded to the teeth at the time of fitting, the company said.

Isolite introduces Isovac isolation adapter at ADA 2013

NEW ORLEANS – In the company’s first product designed specifically for hygiene, Isolite Systems unveiled the Isovac dental isolation adapter at the ADA 2013 annual session. The Isovac adapter provides the same suction control of the upper and lower quadrants as the company’s Isolite and Isodry dental isolation systems. The company highlighted a noteworthy difference: The Isovac replaces the high-volume evacuator (HVE) at the hose while the Isolite and Isodry

Sulzer Mixpac patent claims upheld

A German court has upheld Sulzer Mixpac’s patent claim against German firm Ritter in a dispute over Sulzer’s dental mixing tips. Sulzer’s mixing tips are two-component static mixing solutions for dental applications. They have a unique trademark dome shape and colors (yellow, teal, blue, pink, purple, and brown) used with a materials cartridge. Mixpac dental products are made exclusively by Sulzer Mixpac at its factory in Switzerland. The dispute between

Sinclair to sell VELscope in Canada

LED Medical Diagnostics has signed a distribution agreement with Sinclair Dental to sell LED’s VELscope Vx oral cancer screening device in Canada. VELscope Vx uses blue-spectrum fluorescence to check for neoplastic lesions, chemical irritation, side effects from medication, thermal damage, and fungal, viral, or bacterial infections. A recent study found the VELscope may also be a useful aid in the surgical treatment of osteonecrosis of the jaw induced by bisphosphonates

OHA, Hu-Friedy offer kids’ coloring page

Oral Health America (OHA) and dental manufacturer Hu-Friedy are encouraging kids of all ages to take care of their teeth by offering a fun coloring page for this year’s Fall for Smiles campaign. Good oral health habits should be taught from an early age, and the coloring page is a fun way to introduce oral health to kids. The page features a fall scene and tips for taking care of

Ortho treatment makes life better for adults

Adult orthodontic treatment contributes to significant improvements in both professional and personal lives, according to a new survey. The survey was conducted on behalf of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) for National Orthodontic Health Month in October, and included adults who had orthodontic treatment provided by orthodontists. The survey included questions regarding respondents’ pretreatment concerns, such as “How will I look?” and “Am I too old?” According to the

Study: Extract symptomatic 3rd molars, improve other teeth

For many Americans, conventional wisdom says that third-molar extraction is part of growing up. Meanwhile, in dentistry, there is considerable debate about the clinical indications that should lead to third-molar extractions. A new study published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery has found support for the removal of third molars in patients with only mild symptoms of pericoronitis (October 2013, Vol. 71:10, pp. 1639-1646). “Removal of third molars

Premium Dental adds dental, ortho supplies

Impression materials manufacturer Premium Dental Supplies has added a complete line of dental and orthodontic supplies to its product catalog. The company has added disposables, orthodontic equipment, brackets, molar bands, buccal tubes, lingual attachments, adhesives, elastomerics, wires, headgear, and other patient care materials. Premium Dental offers a wholesale pricing structure that offers increased profitability and saves time for dentists, according to the company. Dentists who provide Premium Dental with their

European prosthetics, CAD/CAM market set to rise

In 2012, the total European market for dental prosthetics and CAD/CAM systems was valued at nearly 10 billion euros ($13.8 billion), according to a new market research report from Reportbuyer.com. The economic instability in Europe affected various segments of the prosthetics and CAD/CAM markets in adverse ways, but both markets are expected to continue to rise over the 2012-2019 forecast period, the research firm noted. Factors driving growth include the

OHA gives $300K in grants to oral health groups

Oral Health America’s Smiles Across America (SAA) program has distributed $300,000 in grants to organizations across the U.S. that provide oral healthcare to children. SAA supports oral health programs nationwide in school-based and school-linked settings that provide preventive and restorative dental care to students, including fluoride treatments and dental sealants, and educate children and families about the importance of oral health. The grants were made possible through the financial support