Dos and don’ts for cosmetic dentistry: Strike a balance

Increasing cosmetic acceptance Cosmetic dentistry is an area where dentists can still substantially increase their profitability. The most successful practices offer a mix of traditional and cosmetic dentistry, and are thereby able to cater to a wider array of patients. Start with whitening. Whitening can increase cosmetic dentistry revenue and also lead patients to accept more complex procedures in the future. Patients who are agreeable to whitening treatment are also

New Zealand has high caries rate

A new survey shows that more than 80% of New Zealanders have caries, and a majority show early signs of periodontal disease. The dental health study, conducted by Oral-B, found that many New Zealanders ignore the most basic dental hygiene guidelines, including brushing and flossing, according to the company. The study showed more than half of the respondents experienced bleeding gums, and 42% said they sometimes have halitosis. Just over

Halitosis compound transforms dental stem cells

Japanese scientists have found that the odorous compound responsible for halitosis is ideal for harvesting stem cells taken from human dental pulp (Journal of Breath Research, February 27, 2012). Researchers from Nippon Dental University showed that hydrogen sulphide (H2S) increased the ability of adult stem cells to differentiate into hepatic (liver) cells, enhancing their reputation as a reliable source for future liver-cell therapy. It is the first time that high

C3 Jian gets $30M financing for caries drug

C3 Jian has raised $30 million in equity financing, which will be used to conduct clinical trials of its caries-fighting peptide drug. The company plans to file a new drug application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in April for the drug, C16G2. The financing will also be used to support the development, manufacturing, and clinical testing of a handheld diagnostic product related to C16G2, according to C3 Jian.

Study links high fiber to healthy gums in older vets

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – U.S. researchers who followed healthy male veterans for up to 24 years found that older men who ate more high-fiber fruits were less likely to show signs of gum disease. For more than 600 men participating in a long-running Veterans Affairs (VA) dental study, each serving of high-fiber food was linked to an almost 30% lower likelihood of lost teeth and a 24% lower risk

Dental groups call for global action on oral disease

In a meeting February 24 at the ADA headquarters in Chicago, the ADA, FDI World Dental Federation, and dental associations around the world urged their respective governments and the United Nations (U.N.) to recognize and address the global impact of oral disease. The ADA is a member of the FDI, an international organization comprised of approximately 200 national dental associations and specialist groups. “When we improve the nation’s oral health,

NDSU students win award for implant design

Students at North Dakota State University (NDSU) won first place and $5,000 for designing a porous ceramic dental implant. NDSU’s annual Innovation Challenge encourages students to translate research into commercial products or processes, creating intellectual property and applying microtechnologies to medical and dental devices, according to the university. The porous ceramic dental implant is designed for people who cannot use traditional titanium implants. Since the implant is made from a

AddBio develops bioactive nanolayer for implant stability

AddBio has developed Zolidd, a bioactive nanolayer that improves the stability of dental implants. A randomized clinical trial conducted at Linköping University Hospital in Sweden showed that dental implants with a bisphosphonate nanolayer have improved stability, according to the company. After surgery, it may take several months for the bone around the implant to heal and become strong enough for the patient to regain normal chewing function. Developed by Per

Acteon releases Piezotome Solo surgical device

Acteon North America has released the Piezotome Solo LED piezoelectric osseous surgical device. The product provides cutting power of 60 watts and includes an autoclavable LED handpiece, according to the company. The device can be used with all preimplant bone surgeries, including extractions, sinus elevations, bone grafting, ridge splitting, and crown lengthening. Piezotome Solo LED is also compatible with the entire range of Piezotome 2 tips.

ND oral surgeon awarded $895K in whistleblower case

A North Dakota oral and maxillofacial surgeon who filed a whistleblower case against MeritCare (now Sanford) was awarded $895,000 by a jury. Mitchell Magid, DMD, is a former MeritCare surgeon who sued the company, claiming he was fired for raising concerns about the reuse of disposable breathing circuits and about a fellow surgeon’s clinical practice issues, according to law firm Nichols Kaster. The jury award included $745,000 in compensatory damages

RelyX Ultimate yields optimum bond strength

CHICAGO – 3M ESPE introduced an adhesive resin cement at the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting this week that the company says delivers significantly higher bond strength, initially and over time, when combined with Scotchbond Universal adhesive. Approved for a wide range of indications, RelyX Ultimate adhesive resin cement is approved for all indications, including veneers, inlays, onlays, crowns, and bridges, and is ideally suited for CAD/CAM and glass ceramic

Android finds new app in dental lasers

CHICAGO – Millennium Dental Technologies has developed what it says is the first Android-based control screen for a dental laser. The new display, unveiled this week at the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, is a next-generation upgrade to the company’s PerioLase MVP-7 laser system, according to Pat McCormick, chief financial officer of Millennium. The PerioLase MVP-7 laser system. Image courtesy of Millennium Dental Technologies. The PerioLase MVP-7 laser system. Image