AAE guide encourages endodontics before extraction

A new clinical resource guide from the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) is aimed at helping practitioners save the natural tooth rather than extract it. “Treatment Options for the Compromised Tooth: A Decision Guide” helps clinicians evaluate a patient’s condition and develop a treatment plan to save the natural tooth, according to the organization. The guide features case examples with radiographs of successful endodontic treatment in difficult cases and is

Free coffee, recycling for charity at Greater NY meeting

The National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF) and 3M ESPE encourage Greater New York Dental Meeting attendees to support the America’s Toothfairy program through recycling efforts at the conference, the organizations announced. From November 28-30, 3M ESPE “street teams” at the meeting will distribute complimentary beverages as part of the RelyX Unicem 2 automix self-adhesive resin cement launch. The cup bands can be recycled at 3M ESPE’s booth; for each

New oral health products supports ‘good’ bacteria

Impact Fusion International has expanded its Intact Nutrition product line with Intact Oral, which uses Nutri-Mastic — a combination of magnesium, calcium, ionic trace minerals, and mastic gum — to support oral bacteria that are beneficial to oral health and the digestive system. Nutri-Mastic supports delivery of nutritional absorption into the cellular system and delivers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, the company noted. It also supports oral, digestive, and immune systems;

Study: Graphic images deter smokers

Highly graphic images of the health consequences of smoking have the greatest impact on smokers’ intentions to quit, according to a study by researchers from the University of Arkansas, Villanova University, and Marquette University. The study will appear in the fall issue of the Journal of Public Policy & Marketing. The findings support the U.S. FDA’s recent announcement that starting in 2011 it will require larger warnings and graphic images

Xlear contest shows benefits of xylitol

Xlear has announced the winners of the Spry Dental Defense Project, which was created to motivate patients to use xylitol products and evaluate bacterial plaque biofilm levels in patients following the use of several xylitol products for 30 days. The winners of the contest were dental hygienists Cindy Schoeninger, Sandra Dlugosz, Carla Gantz, Donna Grzegorek, and Helen Fortner. Each will have the opportunity to present her findings at the by-invitation

Can ozone be used to whiten teeth?

Ozone shows promise as a stain-removal agent for teeth, according to a new study in Acta Odotontologica Latinoamericana (August 2010, Vol. 23:2, pp. 84-89). Researchers from the University of Buenos Aires wanted to evaluate the efficacy of using ozone to lighten tetracycline-stained incisors. They randomly assigned 40 young rats to one of three groups. Two control groups, C21, and C60 (n = 8, each) were used to document the usual

Milestone Scientific reports increased revenues, loss in Q3

Milestone Scientific, maker of computerized anesthesia injection systems, reported increased profits for the third quarter of 2010 (end-September 30), the company announced. Net loss for the quarter was $584,000, compared with a net loss of $373,000 during last year’s third quarter. Revenues climbed 1% to $1.93 million in the quarter, up from $1.91 million in the third quarter of 2009. International sales rose 40% to $1.06 million, compared with $758,000

Pulpdent donates products for NC dental clinic

Pulpdent donated products at the dental clinic held last month at the Coastal Carolina Community College in Jacksonville, NC, the company announced. The company provided Embrace WetBond pit-and-fissure sealant, Etch-Rite etching gel, and Flecta disposable mirrors to be used at the clinic. Each dental hygienist worked with a volunteer registered dental hygienist or dental assistant to place dental sealants on 38 children from Northwoods Elementary School. The team of volunteers

Ortho Technology to distribute AMD lasers worldwide

AMD Lasers has expanded distribution channels for its Picasso laser system through a new agreement for Ortho Technology to distribute AMD’s products to the orthodontic market in more than 65 countries, including the U.S., the companies announced. Through this exclusive agreement, Ortho Technology will distribute the Picasso Lite laser to orthodontists worldwide. The Picasso Lite laser can be used to expose unerupted teeth; remove soft tissue for bracket, band, and

BPA: It’s time to ask the right questions

Bisphenol A (BPA) has hit the news once again, and the ADA has confirmed that many popular root canal sealers contain BPA. Last month Health Canada declared BPA toxic, making it easier for the government to regulate the use of the chemical. And earlier this year, the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences launched 11 new animal studies to investigate the possible effects of BPA, and the FDA issued

Mouthguards have minimal impact on reducing concussions in rugby players

Existing headgear and mouthguards have limited or no benefit in reducing concussions in rugby players, according to a new study (Neurosurgery, November 2010, Vol. 67:5, pp. 1404-1418). Lead author Michael Cusimano, MD, PhD, from the division of neurosurgery at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, and colleagues assessed the quality and content of studies that evaluated injury prevention strategies for rugby players and reported on neurological outcomes. In their review, they

CDA addresses Calif. city’s amalgam resolution

The California Dental Association (CDA) is working on amalgam awareness with locally elected officials of Costa Mesa, CA, after the city council endorsed a ban on dental amalgam, according to an ADA News article. The city council approved a nonbinding resolution on October 19 calling on state and federal agencies to take steps to eliminate the use of mercury in dental practices. “While this action does not have the force