October 2010 Dental News
UK dental experts hail breakthrough product
"Some of the UK's leading dental experts have put their names behind a revolutionary new product that has been described as ‘the ultimate dentine substitute'.
Septodont launched its breakthrough new product, Biodentine in September and has already received rave reviews from some of the leading lights in dentistry about the cutting-edge technology, which, for the first time, offers a bioactive substitute for dentine."
Prevention And Management Of Nerve Injury During Dental Implant Surgery
"Although implant dentistry has become widely accepted to restore esthetics and function of teeth, it is not without risks. One serious complication that can occur is alteration of sensation due to nerve injury. Some reports place this occurrence as high as 13%. For dental practitioners, thorough understanding of anatomy, surgical procedures, and implant systems along with proper planning of treatment are essential to reduce this complication."
Consuming Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids May Lower the Incidence of Gum Disease
"Periodontitis, a common inflammatory disease in which gum tissue separates from teeth, leads to accumulation of bacteria and potential bone and tooth loss. Although traditional treatments concentrate on the bacterial infection, more recent strategies target the inflammatory response. In an article in the November issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, researchers from Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health found that dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) like fish oil, known to have anti-inflammatory properties, shows promise for the effective treatment and prevention of periodontitis."
Refuse dental treatment to people who won't give up sugary treats: government adviser
"People who refuse to look after their teeth by failing to brush properly or limit sugary drinks should be refused expensive dental treatment on the NHS, a government adviser has suggested.
Prof Jimmy Steele, Head of School and Professor of Oral Health Services Research, at Newcastle University, said providing expensive treatments when patients will not improve their own dental hygiene is a ‘waste of personal and public money’."
Chilean miners’ gum disease prompts oral health warning
"Gum disease suffered by the rescued Chilean miners has demonstrated the importance of proper dental healthcare, warn oral care experts.
None of the 33 trapped miners was able brush his teeth during the first 17 days of their underground ordeal – resulting in gum disease for a number of the men."
Drug rebuilds bone lost with gum disease
"A drug marketed to grow bone in osteoporosis patients may also work to heal bone wounds in gum disease patients, a study suggests.
The drug is teriparatide and is marketed by Eli Lilly and Co under the trade name Forteo, which is a type of parathyroid hormone and the only anabolic (bone-growing) osteoporosis drug approved on the market in the US."
Are You Ready for National Dental Hygiene Month? This Year it’s Better than Ever!
"ADHA is excited to announce that this year we are partnering with Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, manufacturer of Orbit gum, to celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month (NDHM) in October!
This new collaboration will revamp NDHM’s current format by providing information to consumers about oral disease prevention and focusing on community service and the day-to-day efforts of dental hygienists nationwide.
The new theme, “Healthy Habits are Easier than You Think,” focuses on maintaining optimal oral health while leading a busy, active lifestyle. Living a life on-the-go can be difficult sometimes, but keeping a healthy mouth shouldn’t be.
Prevention is the focal point of this year’s NDHM. ADHA stresses the value of working to increase public awareness about the importance of preventive services in keeping good oral hygiene and to encourage others to develop and continue with a daily oral health routine."
Dental implants more popular in recession
"Recession-hit Brits are seeking a 'cheaper-in-the-long-run' permanent solution to their teeth problems by opting for dental implants.
Dental implants have grown in popularity over the past two years as patients seek to save money and cut the costs of continued corrective dental surgery."
Dental X-ray camera goes space age
"Space-age technology has been incorporated into a new tool for dentists that may make a trip to the surgery less painful for patients.
The dental instrument is a small, high-resolution X-ray camera capable of imaging what goes on inside teeth with a minimal amount of effort – and a minimum amount of discomfort to patients."