The evolution of the handpiece, one of the most frequently used devices in the dentist’s toolkit, has reached a stage where it is now possible to own a disposable one. But how well do they perform? The ADA has published a laboratory evaluation of two disposable handpieces that have recently hit the market, comparing them not only to one another but to reusable handpieces as well (ADA Professional Product Review,
Although it is rare for men to contract oral oncologic human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, single men and smokers face higher risks of developing HPV-driven oropharyngeal cancer, according to a new study in Lancet (July 2, 2013). Bisexual men and college-educated men also showed an increased risk of acquiring oral HPV infections, according to the study — largest prospective study to examine the natural history of oral HPV infection. HPV16 is
Vegetarians have healthier gums than meat eaters and are therefore less likely to suffer from bleeding gums and tooth loss, according to a study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (May 29, 2013). However, vegetarians suffer from more tooth decay and are less likely to visit their dentist, despite knowing the benefits of doing so and having a higher education, according to the study authors, from Hannover Medical School.
Poor oral hygiene or periodontal disease may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, according to researchers from the University of Central Lancashire School of Medicine and Dentistry (Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, May 10, 2013). They studied brain samples from 20 patients, half of whom had dementia and half of whom did not, explained an article on the university’s website. Those with dementia had evidence of the presence of Porphyromonas
Drinking certain lower-cost tea blends can push people’s fluoride intake over daily recommended levels, increasing the risk of skeletal and dental illnesses, according to a study in Food Research International (May 2013, Vol. 51:2, pp. 564-570). Researchers from the University of Derby compared fluoride levels in 38 tea products with each other and to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences’ (NAS) daily dietary reference intake. Using ion selective electrode analysis
Cigna is now offering insurance plans with fixed co-pays for surgical implants and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) treatment and therapy. The company’s new dental HMO options feature coverage for 26 additional procedures, including cone-beam CT, sinus augmentation, and bone grafting, the company noted in a press release. The new plans also offer employers the option of coverage for same-day, in-office dental restorations using digital impression and CAD/CAM processes. Cigna’s preventive care
Biolux Research has completed a new clinical study using a shorter, more efficient, photobiomodulation treatment protocol to increase implant stability after surgery. The clinical study was completed at the University of Toronto as a student’s Master of Science thesis in the graduate department of dentistry. The study investigated the efficacy of a new treatment protocol for the OsseoPulse, Biolux’s approved photobiomodulation product, on implant stability. The new treatment protocol consists
Only 3 in every 100 head and neck cancer (HNC) patients in the U.K. receive the ideal standard of care, according to the National Head and Neck Cancer Audit, which found wide variations in care. Just 3.1% of patients received care deemed important by experts, according to a story by Cancer Research UK. But the study also showed an improvement in survival rates among HNC patients over the last two
Endosseous dental implants, also known as blade-form implants, could get a boost in interest from the dental community as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) moves forward with efforts to reclassify the implants as lower risk. The FDA Medical Devices Advisory Committee’s Dental Products Panel met on July 18 to consider reclassifying the implants from class III to class II, first proposed in January. Class II medical devices are
The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) is offering free Web-based tool kits designed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The tool kits offer materials on avian influenza A (H7N9), novel coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The user-friendly tool kits draw on OSAP’s resources across the scientific, governmental, and practitioner communities to provide best practices for the safe and infection-free delivery of oral healthcare, according to
The Vita VM LC Classical line has been expanded to 15 colors. The new shades include B4, C1, C4, D2, and D4, completing the Classical shade line, according to the company. The Vita VM LC line is available in both 3D-Master and Classical shades. A new effect enamel material (EE2) also has been added to the line and can be used as an alternative to ENL. For less translucent results,
A student at Indiana University (IU) Northwest in Gary is launching a drive to provide dental supplies and education to local underprivileged communities. Chris Sicinski, a senior chemistry and predental student, suffered a painful tooth infection last year that required emergency oral surgery, according to a press release. The experience served as a catalyst to launch a collection drive for dental supplies that he plans to distribute along with oral
