Implant pioneer’s patient a 30-year success story

When they were first introduced, dental implants were an inconsistent and unproven treatment option. But that did not deter Paul Schnitman, DDS, MSD, from learning everything he could about them as a young dentist. Implant pioneer Dr. Paul Schnitman. Implant pioneer Dr. Paul Schnitman. Still, it took an inquisitive patient for him to place his first screw-type implants. In 1983, Elizabeth Scotland sought out Dr. Schnitman after learning about the new

Study: Hydroxyapatite doubles as a teeth whitener

Can hydroxyapatite be used as a teeth whitener in addition to helping prevent or reverse demineralization? Yes, according to a new study in the European Journal of Oral Sciences (August 2013, Vol. 121:4, pp. 382-388). For this in vitro study, researchers from Ludwig Maximilians University evaluated the efficacy of teeth whitening using different calcium phosphate-based formulations. Teeth were treated with three different hydroxyapatite preparations at different concentrations and with two

$10M gift to aid head/neck cancer research

A North Carolina couple has pledged $10 million to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for head and neck cancer research and treatment. Charles and Daneen Stiefel of Raleigh, NC, established the Charles and Daneen Stiefel Chair in Cancer Research in 2009 with a $1 million gift in gratitude for the care Charles received as a patient at the cancer center, the university explained in a press release. In

Endoscopic approach eases blocked salivary duct treatment

The current method for treating a blocked salivary duct is far more complicated and dangerous than it should be. Now Cook Medical is working to make the surgical procedure commonly employed to treat it in the U.S. obsolete, replacing it with an endoscopic method. “The analogy of this disorder can definitely be compared to kidney stones, in terms of this procedure and how it is advancing,” Thomas Cherry, Otolaryngology Head

Coltène offers Elasti-Dam dental dam

Coltène has introduced the Elasti-Dam, a powder-free, low-protein latex dam that offers low modulus handling for easier stretching to place over clamps. It comes in standardized 5 x 5 or 6 x 6 sizes, medium or heavy gauges, and mint-scented green or vanilla-scented blue colors, according to a company press release. It costs the same as the traditional Hygenic latex dam. Coltene’s product line includes Hygenic ready cut dam, Fiesta

What would you do with 55% higher case acceptance?

Every Halloween, jack-o-lanterns are eye-catching and, to say the least, interesting. These expressive pumpkins bring us all enjoyment. The carved masterpieces have transformed over the years from simplistic designs with smiles to intricate graphic art pieces. Why do jack-o-lanterns fascinate us, and why are we drawn to them? How do they hold our interest and mesmerize us? Is it the diversity in their expressions, for example, their toothless, jagged, or

Israel to end water fluoridation in 2014

The Supreme Court of Israel ruled July 29 that new regulations require Israel to stop adding fluoride chemicals to public water supplies starting next year, reports the Fluoride Action Network (FAN). The Izun Hozer Association for Dissemination of Health Education and Yaacov Gurman petitioned Israel’s highest court last November, demanding that the Ministry of Health order the cessation of fluoridation because it presents health dangers. A 1974 regulation mandated fluoridation

2 doctors launch professional whitening product

Two sisters, Pooneh Sabo, DDS, and her sister, Paris Sabo, MD, have founded a company called Start Pure to manufacture a new professional teeth-whitening system that they created. The company will be introducing Start Pure Pro, a 20-minute, in-office teeth-whitening system, this week at the California Dental Association’s fall meeting. The sisters developed the system and technique to address the needs of professionals looking for economical, U.S.-made products. Their product

ADA seeks 750 volunteers for MOM event

Volunteers are encouraged to register for the American Dental Association (ADA) Mission of Mercy (MOM) charity dental clinic scheduled to take place November 3 in New Orleans during the ADA’s 2013 annual meeting. Together with America’s Dentists Care Foundation and support from the Louisiana and New Orleans Dental Associations, the event aims to serve 1,000 people in need of dental care. Organizers hope to attract 750 dentists, their team members,

Study: Vaccine protects against oral HPV16/18 infection

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine affords strong protection against oral HPV16/18 infections, according to a new study in PLOS One (July 17, 2013). The findings suggest the vaccine may reduce the risk of HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers, in particular HPV16, the type most commonly associated with this cancer. HPV infection, particularly with type 16, is causing a growing number of oropharyngeal cancers (OPC), with a strong predominance of HPV16, which is

How 2 men changed dentistry forever

It’s funny how the universe aligns itself — theories and people — and then pings them off one another with galactic precision. In 1890, two such events had a profound effect on the future of dental science. First, 37-year-old Willoughby D. Miller, DDS, MD, theorized the chemoparasitic theory of caries. That same year, 21-year-old Alfred C. Fones graduated from the New York College of Dentistry with his Doctor of Dental

SurgiTel donates camera, video equipment to NCOHF

SurgiTel has made a $12,000 product donation of SurgiCam camera and video equipment to the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF): America’s ToothFairy. The equipment will go to America’s ToothFairy Affiliate network of nonprofit community healthcare facilities providing oral health services for children in need.