dentalblogs.com » Dental Materials

A New Definition for Dental Implants

Administrator — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:32:56 +0000

Human molar scaffold by Dr. Mao of Columbia University Medical Center

Here at DentalBlogs, we were giddy to bring you news about scientists making prosthetic sheep bones from wicker. We thought that might have been the absolute coolest thing ever. We jumped up and down while typing blog posts (thank goodness for spell check) that told you about stem cells that promote implant stabilization. We love to bring you exciting news from the world of dentistry every day. But nothing – nothing – has tickled our fancy as much as the new report from Columbia University Medical Center.

Nine weeks. New tooth. No prosthetic. Seriously.

The recipe for re-growing a tooth is as follows:

Insert a special scaffold made of natural materials
Direct stem cells within the body to the scaffold
Let the body do its work for nine weeks

In an animal study, this recipe has shown success in growing a fully integrated, new, natural tooth in place of a missing tooth. In addition, alveolar bone and periodontal ligaments grew to support the tooth. The only outside substance required for the procedure is the human molar scaffold [pictured], made from natural materials.

The research conducted by Dr. Jeremy Mao and his team was published in the Journal of Dental Research. Dr. Mao hopes that this discovery will lead to a cost-effective alternative to pricey dental implants, as well as a practical option for people who are not good candidates for implants.

SOURCE: http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/news/press_releases/MAOtooth.html

Pain-Free Dentistry: Nasal Anesthetic (Sniff, Sniff)

Administrator — Fri, 14 May 2010 16:10:07 +0000

This is pretty darn cool. The lab of William Fray, Ph D and Leah Hanson, Ph D at Regions Hospital in St. Paul were pleased when their employee, Neil Johnson, discovered that lidocaine or xylocaine inhaled through the nose of laboratory rats ran down the trigeminal nerve to numb the teeth, jaws, and mouths. The results were 20 times stronger than when the same medications were administered to the brain or in the blood.

In addition to using the new discovery for numbing dental patients during procedures, the technique may be used to treat dental phobia, severe facial pain, migraine headaches, and other problems.

The research indicates that the sprayed lidocaine or xylocaine may be administered into the maxillary sinus for quick, precisely focused numbing. There is hope that the technique will become a widely used alternative to traditional injections.

Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/188713.php

Vertise Flow at AACD

Administrator — Thu, 06 May 2010 13:54:52 +0000

New Zirconia Primer from Bisco at AACD

Administrator — Tue, 04 May 2010 15:57:22 +0000

No More Dental Drill with Icon Caries Infiltrant

Administrator — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:05:41 +0000

Minimally invasive is in. That makes DMG America one cool cat.

Instead of treating a decaying tooth with remineralization or a filling, dentists can now rebuild a decaying tooth with Icon caries infiltrant by DMG America. No drill. No filling. No problem.

Icon is a microscopic, invasive material that literally fills and reinforces tooth enamel. The product can be used for smooth surfaces and proximal caries that extends to the first third of dentin, D1.

In just 15 minutes, you can restore the integrity of a tooth with progressing caries. Simply prepare the area with a rubber dam, then treat the tooth with a gel containing 15% HCL. The pores will open in the affected area, and you will then rinse, apply ethanol to dry, and then air dry the tooth. Apply Icon to the lesion and light cure. A second layer of Icon is recommended.

Learn more about Icon by DMG American by visiting www.dmg-america.com.

Evora Plus™: The First Probiotic Mints for Complete Oral Care

Administrator — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:11:38 +0000

Fresh breath. White teeth. Balanced oral health.

Evora Plus™ mints for adults and EvoraKids™ chews for children add good bacteria and a low level of hydrogen peroxide to the oral environment for fresher breath, a healthier mouth, and whiter teeth. Twenty-five years of research went into the making of this innovative product, developed by Jeffrey Hillman, DMD, PhD.

The company’s website states: “Within 30 days of using EvoraPlus twice daily, the natural healthy oral balance of good bacteria will be greatly restored and you will begin to notice a whiter, brighter smile and long-lasting fresh breath.”

How it Works

For some time, scientists have known that probiotics promote good digestive health. Yogurt, a food rich with probiotic power, is often recommended for patients with stomach aches and digestion issues. The same philosophy backs the effectiveness of Evora.

Good oral bacteria “crowd out” bad bacteria to promote a positive balance in the mouth. In addition, by reducing bad bacteria, Evora mints reduce potential for foul breath caused by bad bacteria. Good bacteria actually bond to teeth and gums, and even below the gum line for lasting results. This is unlike traditional mouthwashes that kill all bacteria in the mouth, not just the bad bacteria.

As for teeth whitening, Evora’s by product is a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, which is known to naturally brighten tooth enamel without causing sensitivity or irritation to oral tissues.

Each Evora mint has one calorie, and patients are instructed to use two mints each day for best results. Today, Evora is sold at these retail stores: Albertson’s, A&P, Kerr Drug, Walgreen’s, Sweetbay, Heartland, and Pathmark. Online, consumers can purchase Evora through ActiveForever.com, CVS.com, Drugstore.com, ProHealth.com, Quick2You.com, Swansonvitamins.com, Target.com, and Walgreens.com.

Visit Evora online at http://www.evoraplus.com/.

Dental News: Mercury in Americans – Is it all that bad?

Administrator — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:14:51 +0000

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention tells us that measurable levels of mercury existed in most participants of a recent study, “Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals.” Blood and urine samples provided a comprehensive result. These tests showed that in participants over six years old, mercury levels grew with age. However, the finding is in line with other developed nations.

We have to balance this with the fact that mercury can be found in the earth’s elements – soil, water, and air – as well as household items like light bulbs and thermometers. In industry, mercury is released when burning fossil fuels. So while it is toxic in high levels, mercury is a fact of life. For more information, read this MedicalNewsToday article.

As a dentist, your main concern is how the mercury in dental amalgam affects patients. One report in Chemical Research in Toxicology tells of a study in which scientists analyzed 20-year-old amalgam fillings. They found that these restorations contain beta-mercuric sulfide (metacinnabar), which is unlikely to be toxic in humans. Furthermore, whether from evaporation, foods, or oral hygiene products, the mercury in amalgam fillings is reduced by about 95% over time. So old fillings have less mercury today than when they were placed. The article at MedicalNewsToday.com notes that scientists are not yet certain that mercury in amalgam fillings is safe.

Renova Caries Softens Decay = No Dental Drilling or Shots

Administrator — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:44:41 +0000

A small article posted at www.livinginperu.com on October 31st, 2009 tells us about a new product, Renova Caries, that can soften tooth decay so that it can be removed without a drill, and thus, without administering anesthesia to the patient. The product is a gel created from the Papaya arequipena fruit, scientifically known as Carica pubescens. Renova Caries was presented at Catholic University of Santa Maria in Arequipa by the Interdisciplinary Center for Research and Innovation. Dr. Zaida Moya led the research team.

Paypaya contains an enzyme that has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory influence, and this causes caries degradation. Up to 20 applications are possible with the product, which costs 36 nuevos in Peru.

Teeth Grinding/Bruxism: Statistics, Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options

Administrator — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:15:31 +0000

The etymology of “bruxism” stems from the Greek work brychein, which literally means gnashing of teeth. As the most comprehensive online resource available, Dr. Moti Nissani’s research and findings tell us that about 5-20% of Americans suffer with teeth grinding, yet only 80% are aware of the condition. Many people grind their teeth while sleeping, though this is not always the case.

According to MayoClinic.com, the two primary causes of bruxism are stress and age. Regarding stress, high stress, anger, and frustration can cause teeth clenching or grinding. As far as age, young children often brux, but they tend to grow out of it. Neuromuscular dentists would place TMJ disorder as a primary cause, as well, in that misaligned jaw joints cause stress on muscles and nerves, which results in bruxing – though Mayo Clinic does list TMJ disorder under complications caused by bruxing.

The MayoClinic.com site also lists symptoms ranging from grinding loud enough to awaken a sleeping partner to tooth wear, sensitivity, headache, face pain, earache, and others. Controlling bruxism can be based on behavior changes and stress relief exercises, correcting teeth misalignment with orthodontics or equilibration, or wearing an oral splint.

Data on the number of people who suffer from bruxism varies greatly:

Chestjournal.org study found 8.2% of 13,057 participants 15 and younger were bruxers.
Benchmark Dental Lab claims that up to 50% of Americans are bruxers.
SLP (Bitestrip) says that 14-20% of children, and 8% of adults in the US have bruxism.
Health Day stated that up to 40 million Americans brux, and 10% of those are prone to tooth damage as a result.

StressGard

Dentists and patients have a plethora of oral splints to choose from when it comes to treating bruxism. The appliances are called by the names nightguards, stressguards, teeth grinding guards, dental guards, occlusal guards, and others. In many cases, dentists create custom bruxism guards onsite or through a dental lab. Patients may also buy boil-and-bite or one-size-fits-all guards over the counter. Here are a few brands, with websites for reference:

StressGard Night Guard (www.totalgard.com)
SleepRight Dental Guard (www.splintek.com)
DenTek Custom Comfort Nightguard (www.dentek.com)

If you find that splint therapy does not work for a patient, other options exist. A comprehensive article by Moti Nissani, PhD, “When the Splint Fails: Non-Traditional Approaches to the Treatment of Bruxism,” can be found here.

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StressGard Night Guard provided some information for this article. The company’s press release follows…
TotalGard Corp. a company based out of Massachusetts and New Jersey, offers the StressGard Night Guard for people that suffer from teeth grinding, bruxism, and teeth clenching. The StressGard® Night Guard was designed by Dr. James Bancroft to provide the most cost effective simple solution for the millions of adults who grind and clench their teeth.The StressGard® provides a cushion between your upper and lower teeth thus helping to protect them from the harmful effects of grinding and clenching. Compare the StressGard® to any and all of the other night guards and we believe you will find the StressGard® to be the most cost effective, easiest to use and comfortable Night Guard available. TotalGard is in the business of helping people who suffer from teeth grinding, teeth clenching, and bruxism.

Bruxism (teeth grinding) is the involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth. This is a subconscious behavior done mainly while one sleeps. Bruxism can generate tremendous force on the teeth causing broken teeth, loose fillings and loss of tooth enamel. Bruxing can also cause teeth to become more sensitive to hot and cold foods and liquids. More often than not, the leading cause of teeth grinding is stress. Everyday stress and tensions from our fast pace lifestyles are the leading causes of teeth grinding. Fortunately most of this is temporary and episodal.

The StressGard® is ideal and will help you get through these times of grinding. The StressGard® does not require boiling or molding to fit, and is a one size fits all. The StressGard® Night Guard is uniquely designed by an orthodontist with a patented flexible groove to help you deal with the daily stress and tension that may cause you to clench and grind. Simply place the StressGard® between the upper teeth and lip and the bite tabs between your upper and lower teeth. It can also be used on your lower teeth. Simply flip the StressGard® over and place between your lower lip and bottom teeth and once again the bite tabs between your upper and lower teeth.

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SOURCES:

Chest Journal

http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/reprint/119/1/53

Benchmark

http://www.benchmarkdentallab.com/pdfs/bulletin.pdf#search=’occlusal%20splints%20prescribed’

SLP

http://www.bitestrip.com/dynamicPage2P.asp?menuid=68

Health Day http://www.keepmedia.com/pubs/HealthDay/2005/04/15/814382?extID=10032&oliID=213

Moti Nissani

http://www.is.wayne.edu/mnissani/bruxnet/Incidenc.htm

The Pressure’s On for Finding Better Dental Impression Materials

Administrator — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:04:09 +0000

D4D Digital Impression System

This month, in a Dental Products Report Web Exclusive, Dr. Gary Radz reviews the benefits and downfalls of various impression materials. His quest for the perfect impression material leads him through polyvinyl silicone (PVS), polyether (PE), alginate alternatives (AA), and on to digital impressions. Dr. Radz calls digital impressions “fairly simple and seamless.” He’s used the iTero for eight months and has found improved precision because of the technology. Read the full article here. And to learn more…

Visit these sites:

iTero
CEREC CAD/CAM
D4D
Lava COS
Futar Scan
CADbite

Invisalign Teen Goes International

Administrator — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:54:25 +0000

Invisalign Teen by Align Technology, Inc. was introduced in the US and Canada in mid 2008. Now the innovative clear braces technology is going world wide. Dentists in key markets across the globe will be able to offer this exciting orthodontic option to image-conscious teens.

Invisalign Teen is unique in that it addressess patient compliance, eruption of permanent teeth, and movement of teeth roots – all important factors in young adult orthodontic therapy. Learn more about Invisalign Teen here.

Stronger Bonds Between Composite Fillings and Teeth

Administrator — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:52:53 +0000

Professor Tjaderhane of Finland has found that MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases), which naturally occur in teeth, break down the extracellular matrix of composite fillings. Collagen, found in dentin, is one part of the matrix that is affected. Dentin produces MMP, so teeth are actually responsible for the bond deterioration. As much as 50% deterioration in a composite filling bond can occur in one year. Clinical trials have shown a way to reduce, and possibly eliminate, this problem.

By applying chlorhexidine, which your office probably has on hand, you can inhibit MMP enzyme activity. Chlorhexidine application can also slow tooth decay. Tests have been performed on animals to this point, so further research is necessary. However, this simple solution could be immediately implemented in dental practices once research is complete.

SOURCE: MedicalNewsToday.com

SeLECT Defense™ Orthodontic Products Improve Oral Hygiene

Administrator — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:30:03 +0000

Class One Orthodontics has launched SeLECT Defense in Texas and will launch it nationally in April. The product coats orthodontia components to reduce plaque and improve oral hygiene overall. It also eliminates the potential white spots on teeth that are caused by orthodontic brackets. Adhesives, cements, and sealants may also be mixed with SeLECT Defense to deter deminieralization and decalcification. No alteration to the orthodontic process is required from a patient standpoint.

Researchers at University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio studied the products to gauge effectiveness. Results showed complete prevention of white spots on tooth enamel where brackets reside. This is 60% greater effectiveness than chlorhexidine varnish. In addition, teeth showed reduced demineralization and SeLECT Defense does not deteriorate with tooth brushing.

Orthodontists can pre-order the product now, and ligature ties, closing chains, brackets, adhesives, cements, and sealants will be available for on April 19, 2009.

SOURCE: MedicalNewsToday.com

Lead in Crowns

cranham — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:17:54 +0000

On the issue of lead being found in dental work outsourced overseas: On the topic of outsourcing, we should keep in mind that many of the international labs are going to continue to get better. The lead issue is serious, no doubt, but it does not mean that all dental work from overseas is substandard. More importantly, I think that a dentist should consider the relationship benefit of using a local lab. I use a local lab that does everything in house. If something goes wrong with a case, I can call and talk to my lab about it. Cost is a factor for restorations, but I like trouble shooting with my local lab. The lab industry, in my mind, is relationship-based. Easy access and familiarity gives you an advantage that you just don’t have if you outsource your lab work overseas and call them when you need to discuss something.

Twofold Protection with Fluor Protector by Ivoclar Vivadent

Administrator — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 13:44:38 +0000

Dental erosion, the deterioration of tooth enamel, occurs when teeth are exposed to acidic or abrasive factors, such as carbonated colas, citric acid, and harsh teeth brushing. Ivoclar Vivadent’s Fluor Protector, a fluoride varnish, has been shown to reduce dental erosion, more so than other products. Researchers believe that the fluoride ions released from the varnish directly impacts dental enamel, and there is also a mechanical protection issue, so benefits are twofold. Read the full report on the Ivoclar Vivadent website here.

IPS e.max CAD

Administrator — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:26:25 +0000

Rick Coker referred me a case after he gave up on trying to bond it. I extracted 8 and temporized for two months. I have not been very happy with the Zirconia bridges with single empress units. They never seem to have the same value. This is a three unit eMax pressed bridge and a single emax unit on 10. #9 looks darker in these photos but it was perfect in the mouth. Lab work by Aurum Las Vegas. I made two provisionals to follow the healing before final impressions. Visit IPS e.max CAD online here.

3M ESPE introduces Lava COS to compete with iTero

Administrator — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:39:25 +0000

The world of dental impressions is evolving – and this change is good. Really good. Showcased at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting last week, 3M ESPE’s new Lava™ Chairside Oral Scanner takes digital impressions – sound familiar? A few months ago, DentalBlogs covered the iTero, which does the same thing. As a recap, digital impressions are 3D images that take the place of traditional impressions. Both patients and doctors are saying, "Thank you…and it’s about time!"

Lava COS is not yet available, but 3M ESPE plans to roll it out by region, rather than make it available to all dentists at once. For this reason, Dentalcompare.com does not yet have a Lava COS comparison to iTero, so if you want to compare the two, checkout their websites, biased as they may be, by clicking below:

Lava

iTero

Lava Video from Chicago Midwinter Converence - Watch this movie!

Lava Press Release

Is Snap On SmileÂ® Right for Your Patients?

Administrator — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:31:33 +0000

Invented by Brooklyn, New York dentist Dr. March Liechtung, Snap On Smile advertises as the alternative to veneers and caps that requires no shots, no drilling, and no adhesives. The Snap On Smile is a custom appliance made of crystallized resin. It requires no tooth preparation and is available in 23 shades. The View, USA Today, and The New York Times have featured stories about Snap On Smile, and it was rated one of Dentistry Today’s "Top 100 Products" in 2007.

Snap On Smile can be used as an alternative to veneers or caps – or for diagnostics, an alternative to a partial, temporary crown and bridgework, an alternative to whitening, a provisional, or a nightguard for bruxism. Care requires a special polish and a soft toothbrush, and the appliance can be worn all day, every day, and at night.

The process of creating a custom Snap On Smile involves taking and upper and lower impression, then sending those impressions to the lab. In about 10 days, the Snap On Smile is ready. Simply show your patient how to attach it to back teeth, run through some phonetical exercises, and make small structural adjustments to the appliance if necessary. A Snap On Smile should last 3 to 5 years. Cost is equivalent to a crown or veneer.

Visit the Snap On Smile website to review videos, a brochure, and testimonials.

DentalTown also featured a story on how Snap On Smile can help phobic patients overcome their fear of dentistry. Read it in the November 2007 issue on page 80.

Amalgam Safety Old News? Not Quite.

Administrator — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 14:29:01 +0000

According to one DentalBlogs reader, the Philadelphia City Council is scheduled to vote on the Mercury in Dentistry Bill tomorrow. If passed, the bill will require that dentists must inform patients (with a brochure) that amalgam fillings are 50% mercury and could be hazardous to their health. Governments in Maine, New Hampshire, and California are considering similar laws.

Of course, dentists use amalgam because it offers a less expensive alternative to patients not interested in esthetic restorations. DentalBlogs has addressed research that indicates the cost increase to the general public and the potential adverse health risks for those (especially children) who cannot afford composite resin fillings. The ADA has deemed amalgams safe. Still, many dentists have voluntarily chosen to place only composite resin fillings because of their esthetic appearance and safety issues.

Some research indicates that amalgams cause gray hair, affect hormones, cause hair loss, gum disease, migraines, poor memory, depression, anxiety, mental lethargy, chronic fatigue, eczema and asthma, arthritis, backaches, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, MS, other neurological disorders – excuse me while I take a breath – damages DNA, alters structure of proteins, disrupts communication between cells, induces free radical tissue damage, inhibits antioxidant enzymes – and the list goes on.

Want to research both sides of this issue?

Check out the ADA (for) and Consumers for Dental Choice (against) online.

Imprintâ„¢ 3 VPS Impression Material (by 3M ESPE)

Administrator — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:36:38 +0000

Though 3D imaging is the wave of the future, the truth is, may dentists currently rely on impressions. REALITY NOW recently reviewed 3M ESPE’s Imprint™ 3 Impression Material and rated it 4 stars. Imprint™ 3 claims to be highly hydrophilic with excellent flowability, as well as drip resistant and flexible for minimal distortion risk. The goal is one-time imprint and a well-fitted resutling restoration. Promotion materials claim, "I…nine out of 10 dentists judged restorations made with Imprint 3 VPS impression materials to be equal or superior to those made with their current material."

See Imprint™ 3 VPS Clinical Cases pdf by cutting and pasting this link into your browser: multimedia.mmm.com/mws/mediawebserver.dyn?6666660Zjcf6lVs6EVs66Sd3LCOrrrrQ- -

See Imprint™ 3 VPS Flyer pdf by cutting and pasting this link into your browser: multimedia.mmm.com/mws/mediawebserver.dyn?6666660Zjcf6lVs6EVs66Sc72COrrrrQ- -