Mannitol makes dental anesthesia more effective

Combining mannitol with lidocaine significantly increases the effectiveness of an inferior alveolar nerve block, according to a new study in Anesthesia Progress (Spring 2013, Vol. 60:1, pp. 3-10). A team of researchers from Ohio State University tested the efficacy of lidocaine with epinephrine compared with equal amounts of lidocaine with epinephrine plus mannitol. After injecting the anesthetic, the subjects’ teeth were electric pulp-tested for sensation. The researchers also measured pain

How does silver diamine fluoride stop dental caries?

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) arrests dental caries by reducing the demineralization process and inhibiting the growth of multispecies cariogenic biofilms, according to a new study in Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials (February 26, 2013). A team of researchers from the University of Hong Kong and Anhui Medical University used a computer-controlled artificial mouth to study the effect of 38% SDF on cariogenic biofilms and dentin carious lesions. “Clinical studies

Study questions costs of routine dental antibiotic prophylaxis

Routine antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) for dental patients who may be at risk of infection from invasive dental procedures costs the U.S. healthcare system more than $150 million annually, according to a study in Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology (March 2013, Vol. 115:3, pp. 345-353). But there is little scientific basis for AP prior to dental procedures, noted the study authors, from the Carolinas Medical Center and Wingate

Parents balk at vaccinating daughters against HPV

A rising number of parents say they won’t have their teenage daughters vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) even though physicians are increasingly recommending adolescent vaccinations, according to a new study in Pediatrics (March 18, 2013). More than 40% of parents surveyed by researchers at the Mayo Clinic believe the HPV vaccine is unnecessary, and a growing number worry about potential side effects, the clinic noted in a press release.

Renishaw licenses dental additive manufacturing patents

Renishaw has licensed several patents held by BEGO Bremer Goldschlägerei Wilh. Herbst, which specializes in dental prosthodontics, related to additive manufacturing in dental applications. The new licensing agreement between Renishaw and BEGO will allow the Renishaw Group to strengthen its existing dental business on a global basis, the companies noted in a press release. BEGO launched additive manufacturing technologies into the dental industry in 2001. The process allows the production

3M ESPE donates to America’s ToothFairy

3M ESPE has contributed Adper self-etch adhesive to the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF): America’s ToothFairy. The donation, worth more than $17,000, will benefit 21 America’s ToothFairy affiliate nonprofit programs that provide educational, preventive, and restorative services for underserved children, according to the organization. The network is comprised of nonprofit community clinics and outreach programs dedicated to providing oral health services for children in need.

VirtualGrid releases updated VRMesh software

VirtualGrid has launched VRMesh v7.6, the latest version of its 3D point cloud and mesh processing software designed to aid in creating dental implant drill guides. This release adds new capabilities to streamline the process of creating the drill guide, according to the company. The typical workflow for dental drill guide design is a four-step process: Separate cylinders and tubes from a dental cast. Extract a desired region for producing

$4.1M grant will fund new salivary diagnostics center

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center is giving the Forsyth Institute a $4.1 million capital grant to fund the new Forsyth Center for Salivary Diagnostics. The facility will seek to revolutionize the way disease testing is performed, the organizations noted in a press release. The center will develop and commercialize saliva-based tests to replace blood-based disease detection tests that are currently used. Saliva contains virtually all the same medical diagnostic information as

Marty @ IDS 2013: The grand finale

COLOGNE, Germany – Saturday, Day Five: I again saw some interesting products, including one developed by a friend of mine, Dale Miles, DDS. Dr. Miles is an oral radiologist who has written many books on radiography and cone-beam CT technology, and now he has developed a software product called Easy Writer. After you do a cone-beam CT scan, you are legally responsible for interpreting any potential pathologies in the scan, whether

OCF sponsors oral cancer awareness month

The Oral Cancer Foundation (OCF) is sponsoring the 14th Annual Oral Cancer Awareness Month this April. The foundation is encouraging dental practices across the U.S. and Canada to offer free oral cancer screenings for at least three hours one day during April. Through this group collaboration, the foundation hopes to see oral cancer brought to the attention of as many individuals as possible and have the disease get the national

Human microbe study yields periodontitis insights

Scientists at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have found the genetic code of bacteria, which could lead to treatments for periodontitis, according to a new study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (March 18, 2013). The study profiles the SR1 bacteria, a group of microbes present in many environments — ranging from the oral cavity to deep within the Earth — that have never been cultivated in

Dos and don’ts for hygiene production: Reinvent your hygiene department

It is time for re-evaluation and restructuring of the hygiene department. A high percentage of the adult population has some form of periodontal disease. Therefore, the need for a strong hygiene program in your office is important. In addition, an ongoing upgrade of maintenance recording, documentation, and patient communication skills will be needed to maintain a high standard of care. Understand the duties of an effective hygienist: Communication of dental