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Bioluminescence - Have you used it?

ATP-Driven Bioluminescence Is A Useful Tool At The Dentist's Office For Predicting Children At High Risk For Tooth Decay.pdf

I took particular interest in this news due to my Pediatric background. I was surprised to learn of Bioluminescence via the internet and not my rep, honestly ! However, I wonder if this technique will become main stream?

The technique detects and links ATP to streptococci and total numbers of bacteria. Caries risk is then addressed based on the tests findings. This approach can then be used to test mouth rinses, special toothpastes, ect.

Personally, I feel this would be a great tool available. To actually test a child patient after a last 6 month recall visit, after being prescribed a caries control toothpaste. Also if a patient used a recommended mouth rinse, whether it be an over-the-counter product, or an in-office application to take home, it would be most helpful to have a tool in doing so. Especially since in Pediatrics, this is most of the efforts of prevention that we strive for. Early routines, bacteria control in the mouth, and good oral hygiene habits are key for children.

Whether you work with children in your office or not...what do you think !?!
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We are happy to announce our

new course in Orthodontic Mini Implants. As
you know, orthodontic screws are the latest in treatment mechanics.
This method will reduce the strain on anchorage and also provide new
areas form which force can be applied, thus introducing new and
interesting biomechanical possibilities. We are also offering the NeoAnchor Plus,
titanium alloy orthodontic implant kits at attractive discounts for the
participants. NeoAnchor Plus is a South Korean research product and is
available at very economical prices only to the participants of this
course. You can see the details at the site

http://drravikumar.in/miniscrew.html

For more about Orthodontics Courses, Please contact us at

orthocourse@drravikumar.in

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A technique pioneered in the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory of Dr. Jeremy Mao, the Edward V. Zegarelli Professor of Dental Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, can orchestrate stem cells to migrate to a three-dimensional scaffold infused with growth factor, holding the translational potential to yield an anatomically correct tooth in as soon as nine weeks once implanted.

People who have lost some or all of their adult teeth typically look to dentures, or, more recently, dental implants to improve a toothless appearance that can have a host of unsettling psycho-social ramifications. Despite being the preferred treatment for missing teeth nowadays, dental implants can sometimes fail and develop other problems.

An animal-model study has shown that by homing stem cells to a scaffold made of natural materials and integrated in surrounding tissue, there is no need to use harvested stem cell lines, or create an environment outside of the body (e.g., a Petri dish) where the tooth is grown and then implanted once it has matured. The tooth instead can be grown “orthotopically,” or in the socket where the tooth will integrate with surrounding tissue in ways that are impossible with hard metals or other materials.

"These findings represent the first report of regeneration of anatomically shaped tooth-like structures in vivo, and by cell homing without cell delivery,” Dr. Mao and his colleagues say in the paper. "The potency of cell homing is substantiated not only by cell recruitment into scaffold microchannels, but also by the regeneration of periodontal ligaments and newly formed alveolar bone."

The work of Dr. Mao and his laboratory, however, holds manifold promise: a more natural process, faster recovery times and a harnessing of the body’s own potential to re-grow tissue that will not give out and could ultimately last the patient’s lifetime.

“A key consideration in tooth regeneration is finding a cost-effective approach that can translate into therapies for patients who cannot afford or who aren’t good candidates for dental implants,” Dr. Mao says. “Cell-homing-based tooth regeneration may provide a tangible pathway toward clinical translation.”

This study is published in the most recent Journal of Dental Research, the top-rated, peer-reviewed scientific journal dedicated to the dissemination of new knowledge and information on all sciences relevant to dentistry, the oral cavity and associated structures in health and disease.

Comments are appreciated!

Source: Columbia University Medical Center

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Appointment Texting

Preview of “New text message trial for dentist appointments (From Stourbridge News)”.pdf

As you know, now more than ever before, new technology is around us. With this comes new ways of integrating the technology into all facets. Many new advances are available. Capitalizing on them is of course just another avenue.

What do you think about the possibility of "texting" patients about appointments? If done right, it could be helpful. I do find in my experience that often times, voicemail messages are lost or forgotten, while ansewering machines are a thing of the past! Many people now own handheld devices as a primary form of communication. Calendars are now handheld within these devices as well. Perhaps a notification that a patient "checks" often throughout the day is effective. What do you think?

Check out this short article attached and lets discuss!
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June 7, 2010, Woburn, MAVirtual Dental Solutions has announced that its free dental webinar for this month will take place on June 17. The online dental meeting, titled “Pediatric Dentistry Pearls”, will be presented by Lance Kisby, DMD from 7-8 PM EST / 4-5 PM PST. This informative dental webinar will give useful tips for dental professionals in the pediatric field. Interested attendees can register for the webinar on http://www.e-dds.com/form.asp.

This dental webinar will cover:

  • The slot prep primary and permanent teeth
  • Prevention: Sealants / MI Paste / Chlorhexadine
  • Restorative Materials: RMGI
    (Resin modified glass ionomer cements) in primary teeth
  • MTA pulpotomies – how and why, step by step

Virtual Dental Solutions, a one-stop dental solutions company, provides dental professionals with useful tools to enhance their practice’s performance. As part of this endeavor, the company has been organizing a series of free dental webinars, conducted by industry experts, which enables attendees to manage their dental practices better. A lot of dental professionals like Dentists, Orthodontists, Endodontists, Periodontists, Prosthodontists, Oral Surgeons, etc. have attended these online dental meetings in the past few months.

For more information on this free dental webinar, visit http://www.e-dds.com/pediatric-dentistry-pearls.asp

Check past webinars by e-DDS from http://www.e-dds.com/past-webinars.asp.

About Virtual Dental Solutions

Virtual Dental Solutions is a one-stop resource for smart solutions to run your dental practice more efficiently. The company’s services include Financial Management, Practice Analysis, Marketing Solutions, Practice Sales or Transition Services and Office Design. The e-DDS team consists of the industry’s leading experts with over 40 years of cumulative experience. For inquiries email us at: mark@e-dds.com.

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ESSENTIALS FOR DENTURE WEARERS

By Dr.Sahar Rakhshanfar

The first few days – You’re in good company. More than 5 million Canadian adults (about one in four) wear dentures! With a positive attitude and approach to denture care, wearing dentures can become as natural and easy as putting on and taking off shoes.

While you are sure to become comfortable with your dentures, wearing them for the first time may seem challenging. It might take some time just to get used to the feel of the denture in your mouth. You may experience some irritation or even soreness at first. But as your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures, these problems should gradually lessen.

Over the first few days, you may want to wear them most of the time, including sleeping. After this initial adjustment period, you will probably be told to remove the dentures before going to bed. This will let your gum tissues rest and allow you to clean your dentures at night with a tablet solution.

Soon you should find that after wearing them consistently, they will begin to feel more comfortable. With the right attitude and some practice, wearing and caring for dentures will become second nature. Always follow your dental professional’s instructions. Should you experience any ongoing discomfort, be sure to make an appointment to discuss your concerns.

Regular check-ups – You’ve probably seen your dental professional several times to get just the right fit. Now it’s up to you to continue to take care of your dentures. Regular dental check-ups are important for your general oral health, and to monitor any changes with the fit, or feel, of your dentures.

Fit and feel – Your dentures may feel odd at first. You may even gag slightly once they are in. They may feel slightly uncomfortable or even loose until your cheek muscles and tongue learn to keep them in place. Take heart! Within a few days they will begin to feel normal. With a little practice, you will be able to adjust to this initial feeling and soon you will barely notice them.

Once you’ve been fitted with your new dentures, you may notice excess saliva (the fluid in your mouth). Don’t worry. This is a normal response. For the first few days wearing your new dentures, try to swallow more frequently. Within a few days, your mouth will become comfortable with the dentures and the flow of saliva should return to normal.

Eating – Becoming comfortable eating may take a little practice. Start off with soft foods. You may notice that you can’t bite down quite as hard with dentures, or chew in quite the same way. Try taking smaller bites and chew gently to prevent dentures from becoming loose. Soon practice and patience will get you back to eating your favourite foods again.

Speaking – You may find that it’s difficult to speak when you start wearing your new dentures. That’s normal. Many new denture wearers find it difficult pronouncing “s” at first. Practice by reading or repeating a few words. Read aloud from a book or magazine in front of a mirror so that you get used to speaking. Try biting or swallowing before speaking to “set” your dentures in position.

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Kodak RVG 6100 Intraoral X Ray System

Digital Radiography System


Highest Quality. Highest Resolution.

The KODAK RVG 6100 Digital Radiography System has the highest resolution digital imaging sensor on the market today. We understand how image resolution is related to confident diagnoses - and ultimately to the quality of patient care. The RVG 6100 System provides the high resolution you need for complex examinations and to make diagnoses quickly and confidently.


Comfortable and Durable.

Due to technological advances with the optical plate and scintillator, all size sensors have increased "sensitivity," which allows practitioners to decrease the radiation dose — up to 10% decrease for sizes 1 & 2 and 40% decrease for size 0 (depending on type and age of x-ray generator). In addition, the sensor’s rounded corners and ergonomic design helps make positioning easier than ever.

Check more info at http://eamer.kodakdental.com/en-GB/digital-imaging/intraoral-radiography/rvg-6100.aspx

Note: I received this device as a gift and I would like to sell it. Brand new (never used and with warranty). My email is fkdcampo@hotmail.com just in case.

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Graduates and Screening Sleep Disorders

US Dental Schools Unprepared To Screen For Sleep Disorders.pdf

This subject has been coming up in the past couple of years that I notice. The "health history" of patients seems to become all encompassing! More and more information is asked....but as this article points out, more is needed to be asked!

It may seem invasive, but in reality we are are health care providers and need to know this valid information. Even such things as what this article touches on, like sleep disorders, is of importance in our field. The up and coming graduates especially should be educated to understand these new precautions and need to be trained accordingly.


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Treatment on a train ???

Missoula children climb aboard for train ride, dental checkup.pdf

I wanted to share this with you all ! It will make you stop and feel good about what our profession CAN and SHOULD bring to the table.

Children were aboard this train in Montana to .....yes......get a dental check up. The kids of course were so excited and fears set aside. Three dentists and four dental assistants signed up for this unique event. The state put aside money to do this.

I find it so inspirational, both because I work with children , and because I work in dentistry! So read this and SMILE :)
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Green Dentistry article in Dental Chronicle

A few months ago I was asked to participate in a phone interview by a writer for the Dental Chronicle. It was going to be about Green Dentistry and she wanted to know what some of the things I was doing as a dentist in Richmond Hill to be more "green friendly". (Beyond just having "green" in our practice name "Richmond Green Dental Care".) So I spoke to her about the pros of being able to construct our dental office from scratch and incorporate green friendly materials and technology right from the start. Although I probably spent more in the initial costs I think it will turn out to be a really great investment in the long run. Definitely am very happy that I chose to make the investment. Here's the link to the article. http://www.richmondgreendental.com/green-inspired/dental-chronicle-article
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Surfil >>> We use it...do you?

SureFil SDR flow from Dentsply Caulk.pdf

We use Surfil quite often now in the office. Wanted to touch base with all of you and compare our experiences with the product.

We use it as a base most often. The product is flowable and without fear of voids or "slump". No packing or condensing required. One of the doctor's I work with loves this product!

Tell me what you think?

Thanks!
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My partner, Giovanni Castellucci, and I have been treating periodontal disease in our periodontal practice for over 29 years. Every day, we see an ever increasing amount of requests from our restorative colleagues and patients from Boston, Newton, Framingham, and the surrounding metrowest communities for Laser Periodontal Treatment as an alternative to more conventional surgical modalities. Dental lasers have been around for many years, and, in my opinion, are here to stay. Several laser devices and treatment protocols exist today including LANAP (laser-assisted new attachment procedure) and LPT (Laser Periodontal Therapy) from Millennium Dental Technologies, WPT (Wavelength-optimized Periodontal Therapy) from Lares Dental Research, and LAPT (Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy) from other companies such as Biolase, Kavo, and HOYA ConBio - just to name a few. Benefits include virtually pain-free procedures without surgical incisions and stitches, usually minimal or no bleeding, reduction of bacteria levels, shorter treatment times, and faster recovery. Our patients welcome these possibilities.

It is important to consider that every case must be evaluated on its own merits, and not all cases are best treated with dental lasers. Time-tested conventional periodontal therapy including elimination of bony defects by resection or bone regeneration techniques continues to play an active role in our daily practice.

The number of scientific research studies relating to the use of lasers in dentistry continues to expand. Evidence-based protocols for the treatment of gum disease and associated periodontal problems is of paramount importance for our patients.

What has been your experience? Are your patients requesting laser periodontal treatment? Comments are appreciated.

Cary Feuerman, DMD
PERIODONTAL ASSOCIATES

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Are you content with your career's direction?Could you use a boost, or a lifesaver?Are you interested in discovering how you can use your existing education and expertise in new and exciting ways? Beth and Shirley are here to assist you in your change in direction or attitude adjustment. CareerFusion is designed to help you explore opportunities you never knew existed to fuse your passion with your career.The process includes a 4 ½ day retreat each January in Daytona Beach, FL to refine and add skills to enhance your present situation while experiencing networking in a unique and supportive atmosphere. Our membership is annual, join us anytime, there are ongoing opportunities, and learning activities each month to network with corporate, media partners and others on a similar journey to advance, supplement or change your career path. We are here for you year round!Learn With CareerFusionENHANCE.....LEARN.....EXPLORE.....ENJOY~ Leadership ~ Marketing ~ Writing ~ Verbal Communication ~ Technology skills, tricks and tips ~ Consulting ~ Career Development ~ Publishing ~ Visual Display and Presentation ~ Networking ~ Reflection time including Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates and moreThough no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.— Carl BardSyndicate content
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Flossing prevents memory loss ??

Flossing can help prevent...memory loss.pdf

I love when I find facts about dentistry that surprise me, after 12 + years in the field!

This is quite amazing that a link excists between flossing a memory loss. Inflammation in the body "is linked to stiffening of the blood vessels." This is of course, is linked directly to memory loss. The study finds that the tests reflect a similarity to those diagnosed with early Alheimers disease. Again, m ore reason to stress to patients, indeed........FLOSS !


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CEREC® 25th Anniversary Celebration (C25) will be held August 26 – 28that Caesars Palace in Las Vegas


Charlotte, NC (May 21, 2010) - Sirona Dental Systems, LLC is celebrating the 25-year anniversary of its CEREC® CAD/CAM system with a three-day CAD/CAM extravaganza geared toward all
dental and laboratory professionals.


The milestone CEREC 25th Anniversary Celebration (C25) will take place August 26 – 28th atCaesars Palace in Las Vegas. Participants can earn up to 18 CE credits while enjoying CAD/CAM-focused workshops, premium entertainment, and plenty of memorable celebrations among luxurious accommodations provided by Caesars Palace.


Following Sirona’s “CAD/CAM for Everyone” philosophy, the CEREC 25th Anniversary program offers an extensive list of CAD/CAM courses for the entire dental team. Programs include clinical techniques, practice management, marketing, hygiene, and hands-on workshops. The celebration is open to all who want to advance their CAD/CAM education and experience. Attendees can also explore the C25 exhibit hall showcasing top dental companies and their products and services.


Sirona plans to present a “who's who” of digital dentistry during the CEREC 25th Anniversary. An outstanding educational curriculum will be taught by the most prominent lecturers in the dental and lab community, including:


  • Dr. Gordon Christensen
  • Dr. Rella Christensen
  • Dr. Dennis Fasbinder
  • Mr. Jim Glidewell
  • Dr. Paul Homoly
  • Mr. Imtiaz Manji
  • Dr. Edward A. McLaren
  • Prof. Dr. Albert Mehl
  • Dr. Mark Morin
  • Prof. Dr. Werner H. Mörmann
  • Mr. Bill Mrazek
  • Dr. Sameer Puri
  • Mr. Matt Roberts
  • Dr. David Roessler
  • Dr. Frank Spear
  • Mr. Ingo Zimmer, and many more!
Celebrity entertainment includes appearances by Olympic Gold Medalist Rulon Gardner, the Second City Comedy Troupe, and five-time Emmy® Award winning comedian and actor Dennis Miller.

Attendees are also invited to celebrate in style at the sophisticated WHITE PARTY taking place at Pure Nightclub on Saturday night. The WHITE PARTY promises to be the hottest dental event of the decade! An “Entertainment-Only Pass” is also available for a spouse or guest who chooses to attend social events only.


“Attendees have the opportunity to build long-lasting business relationships and join thousands of fellow CEREC and inLab® owners and educators by registering now for this once-in-a-lifetime event,” remarked Michael Augins, President of Sirona Dental Systems. “The C25 celebration is slated to be a great place for additional CAD/CAM education provided by the best in our field, as well as a great open communication forum for Sirona, our colleagues, clients, associates, and other professionals who hold the same interests. This event is intended for everyone, just as one of our top goals in the past 25 years has been providing accessible CAD/CAM for everyone.”



Moreover, doctors and laboratories are encouraged to take advantage of special early registration packages:


  • Register in the months of May and/or June and receive Thursday (Aug. 26) night free at Caesars with full-price tuition
  • Sign up in May & June: Bring along 2 staff/lab personnel members at regular tuition rate and get 1 staff member free!
For more information and/or to register for Sirona’s CEREC 25th Anniversary Celebration, please log onto www.CERECVIP.com, or call 877-360-6275.

About Sirona Dental Systems, LLC


Recognized as a leading global manufacturer of technologically advanced, high-quality dental equipment, Sirona has served equipment dealers and dentists worldwide for more than 125 years. Sirona develops, manufactures, and markets a complete line of dental products, including
CAD/
CAM restoration equipment (CEREC® and inLab®); digital and film-based intraoral, panoramic, and cephalometric X-ray imaging systems; dental treatment centers; and handpieces. Visit http://www.sirona.com for more information about Sirona and its products.



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Red Wine and Oral Health

Red Wine & Oral-Dental Health – Red Wine, Heart Health, Tooth Decay and Gum Disease Prevention pdf.pdf


This article is very surprising! It states that red wine actually helps prevent bacteria from sticking to saliva and teeth. In addition, the wine limits inflammation and periodontal disease. Of course this leads to preventing gingivitis and tooth decay and tooth loss. This all points to the antioxidant effects that we are most aware of in red wine. In addition the article states that white wines are so acidic that it may erode the teeth.

Bottom line being, would you agree that the pro's outway the con's? More an more we hear about red wine being "good" for the heart, and now this information distributed to health care professionals such as ourselves.

Tell me what you think?


Cherie Tschudi
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Modern dentistry has eliminated much of the "ouch!" from getting a shot of local anesthetic. Now a new discovery may replace the needle used to give local anesthetic in the dentist's chair for many procedures. Scientists are reporting evidence that a common local anesthetic, when administered to the nose as nose drops or a nasal spray, travels through the main nerve in the face and collects in high concentrations in the teeth, jaw, and structures of the mouth.

The discovery could lead to a new generation of intranasal drugs for noninvasive treatment for dental pain, migraine, and other conditions, the scientists suggest in American Chemical Society's bi-monthly journal Molecular Pharmaceutics. The article is scheduled for the journal's May-June issue.

William H. Frey II, Ph.D., and colleagues note that drugs administered to the nose travel along nerves and go directly to the brain. One of those nerves is the trigeminal nerve, which brings feelings to the face, nose and mouth. Until now, however, scientists never checked to see whether intranasal drugs passing along that nerve might reach the teeth, gums and other areas of the face and mouth to reduce pain sensations in the face and mouth.

Neil Johnson, working in the labs of Frey and Leah R. Hanson, Ph.D., at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn., found that lidocaine or Xylocaine, sprayed into the noses of laboratory rats, quickly traveled down the trigeminal nerve and collected in their teeth, jaws, and mouths at levels 20 times higher than in the blood or brain. The approach could provide a more effective and targeted method for treating dental pain/anxiety, trigeminal neuralgia (severe facial pain), migraine, and other conditions, the scientists say.

Furthermore, these scientists discovered an improved future location to administer anesthetic, the maxillary sinus. The maxillary sinus is a golfball-sized space located underneath each cheek where drug can be sprayed. Delivery into this confined space may be the next generation approach beyond a nasal spray in providing a more rapid and focused delivery of anesthetic.

The American Chemical Society is a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. With more than 161,000 members, ACS is the world's largest scientific society and a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

Journal Reference:

  1. Neil J. Johnson, Leah R. Hanson, William H. Frey. Trigeminal Pathways Deliver a Low Molecular Weight Drug from the Nose to the Brainand Orofacial Structures. Molecular Pharmaceutics,
    2010: 100510131956016 DOI: 10.1021/mp100029t

Story Source:

Adapted from materials provided by American Chemical Society, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

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