All Posts (4871)

Sort by

Launching of www.designsmile.com this coming Friday!

Hi Doc,
We are launching a Dental Platform this coming Friday. It is called www.designsmile.com and we like you help us to beta test it. We would actually drive patients to the dental office with a real time Online Booking engine. It is pretty neat, you will enjoy it. Thanks in advance.

Koh from the Designsmile Team
Read more…

Self-Etching Agents

Preview of “Bond strength of different adhesives to normal and caries-affected dentins”.pdf

I added this topic as it seems to come up in my clinical procedures often. One doc I work for has been a DDS for over 30 years now and still the one-step (etching + bonding) approach is stressed to him each time our sales rep. comes in !

The point being that we have tried many ! But still, ecthing and bonding still holds true in our clinical experience as a two-step application. I am wondering if you experience the same in your office?
Read more…
Lanmark Group Research will be moderating a series of research interviews on behalf of a leading dental equipment manufacturer at the upcoming CDA Scientific Session in Anaheim, CA.We are looking for 10 practicing dentists to provide professional feedback that will be used in the design of an ergonomic dental chair.The research interviews will last only 30 minutes, and will be conducted on Friday, May 14th, at the Anaheim Marriott at 700 West Convention Way, which is just a short walk from the Anaheim Convention Center.There will be five ½-hour sessions in the morning, and five ½-hour sessions in the afternoon.There will be a $100 honorarium for each of the 10 participants selected. If you are interested, please contact Erin Foster via e-mail at efoster@lanmarkgroup.com.Please be prepared to provide Erin with your name, address, office and cell phone numbers, e-mail, area of specialty, years in practice, and whether you prefer a morning or afternoon research interview session.Thank you for your interest.
Read more…
Researchers at Rice University, the University of Texas Health Science Centers at Houston and San Antonio and the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have found that gently applying a brush to a lesion on the tongue or cheek can help detect oral cancer with success rates comparable to more invasive techniques, according to preliminary studies. The test that uses Rice's diagnostic nano-bio-chip was found to be 97 percent "sensitive" and 93 percent specific in detecting which patients had malignant or premalignant lesions, results that compared well with traditional tests.

The study appeared online in the journal Cancer Prevention Research.

"One of the key discoveries in this paper is to show that the miniaturized, noninvasive approach produces about the same result as the pathologists do," said John McDevitt, the Brown-Wiess Professor of Chemistry and Bioengineering at Rice. His lab developed the novel nano-bio-chip technology at the university's BioScience Research Collaborative. The future is with nano-bio-chips -- small, semiconductor-based devices that combine the ability to capture, stain and analyze biomarkers for a variety of health woes that also include cardiac disease, HIV and trauma injuries. Researchers hope the eventual deployment of nano-bio-chips will dramatically cut the cost of medical diagnostics and contribute significantly to the task of bringing quality health care to the world.

This is an interesting development and technology that could have a major impact on the way we evaluate and screen for oral pathology. Check it out. Your thoughts and comments are appreciated.

Source: Science Daily
Photo credit: University of Texas

Read more…

Zirconia – The Truth



Open Discussion Forum / Q&A


Thursday 13 May, 2010


at the CAD/CAM & Computerized Dentistry Int’l Conference 13-14 May 2010, Dubai UAE


Researchers, Clinicians, Manufacturers will answer all your questions.

Post your questions here or visit:

http://www.cappmea.com/cadcam4/pages/zirconia.htm


The aim of this Open forum is to evaluate the effect of different surface treatment methods and in particular the effect of
the quality of “fake” CAD/CAM zirconia blocks on the market, the flexure strength
of zirconia frameworks, proper preparation and proper bonding.




Delegates will interact with the panel participant (all on stage) and post their questions and comments. They will have the answers from
the researchers’, clinical and industry point of view.


AGENDA:


1. Truth of the product? 10 min – research presentation.


2. Truth of the preparation? 10 min – clinical presentation.


3. Truth of the result? 10 min – manufacturer presentation.



Q/A interactive session following the above topics with equally active
participation.



PANEL PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Nadim Aboujaoude, Lebanon; Dr. Andreas Kurbad, Germany; Dr. Peter
Gehrke
, Germany; Dr. Atef Shaker,
Egypt; Ralph
Riquier, Germany; Dr. Ilan Preiss, UK


MODERATOR: Dr. Munir Silwadi


Read more…
As a Dental professional you need to be certain of the specific exclusions on your Professional Liability policy.Botox and Dermal Fillers are a "hot topic" amoungst Dentists and Insurance companies over the past few years. Some insurance companies have adapted to allow a minimal amount of procedures however, even more companies have opted to exclude any type procedures outside of the tyical scope of dentistry.All policies are not the same, be sure you know what your coverage offers!
Read more…
How Dental Care Will Be Changed by Healthcare Reform - Dental Health Magazine.pdf

This is of course particularly of importance now. It seems to be good news! What's your view???

The new healthcare reform bill will "appreciate" dental education toward the public and one of the main focus' being on children. This is such a proactive measure. Children need good hygiene habits early on and can carry it through generations thereafter. Educating the public is also key and should be rewarded. Reaching out to the public should always be a high priority.

Of course the flip side is that their are insurance capping issues that has some worried. Like many other congressional bills, there is still much to work out. Either way the bill would "change dentistry forever".

I am happy to say that the time I do spend in the dental office since cutting back, is spent speaking to school classes and even pre-schoolers! I enjoy it and it feels good to be hands on and stepping into the educational side of dentistry. In turn, if the children have a good experience outside of the dental office , they will be more inclined to go home and tell their parents...thus perhaps reminding the adult that dental care is crucial.
Read more…

Medical Billing In Dentistry

When treating patients with medical issues we can begin the process of medical billing. This increases your referrals with MD's, the referrals that keep on giving. Patients who understand the difference on treatment and the need for collaboration with their MD"S will also be great referrals. Understanding that you are different working with their medical insurance will increase the accepted treatment in your office.. Practices that are including testing for diabetics,working with sleep labs, OBGYN doctors will increase production and collection for the upcoming months.

I am so impressed with the focus on medical inclusion with Web Dental.

Thanks,
Christine Taxin
ctaxin@links2success.biz
Read more…

Obesity and Periodontal Disease

Obesity and Periodontal Disease.pdf

This is of interest in todays society. More people are overweight and unhealthy than ever, hence my wellness business as a branch of dentistry I suppose ! This article states a study providing this point. You know that there are many risks with being overweight, but some may not know that gum disease is one of them.

This article points to the inflammatory chemicals secreted by fatty tissue. This leads to increased production of cytokines, promoting periodontal disease. Very interesting how the body WARNS you in many ways that being overweight is not good for our health! I would be interested to know if you all have noticed this in your patients? Or have you made the link ?

Read more…

Perio and Pre-term birth

Periodontal Disease and Preterm Birth.pdf

This article (complete article link to Medical News) is really amazing to me, particularly as a woman. In fact, I hear many women tell me that their dental maintenance declined during pregnancy, and even afterwards. In this respect, the importance of oral care is profound. This article provides an eye-opening, perhaps surprising, fact of that point exactly.
I know personally I am more aware of oral care and keeping dental recall appointments during the time I will be pregnant. I value this information and the study mentioned in the article. If more women knew of this periodontal link to pre-term birth, they would take note. Again, it is amazing that we are in such a revolutionary field !
Read more…
While the concept and capability to offer same day restorations with a
chairside CAD CAM system has been around for nearly 25 years, it
hasn't been until the new generations of systems (E4D Dentist System, CEREC
AC Bluecam) that the true potential and ease of use have been realized for
the clinician and dental assistant. Creating metal-free restorations with
no compromise in form, fit and function in a single appointment or even two
appointments provides every dental professional and dental practice
incredible benefits. I use the E4D Dentist system in my practice for a
variety of indications selecting from a variety of high strength ceramic
materials (IPS Empress, IPS e.max CAD) to provide my patients with unequaled
service and convenience. Patients are amazed at the change in dentistry
that is taking place and no longer dread the long temporary phase or making
another appointment weeks from the first.

Once you have become confident in your use of the technology and proficiency
in the system, you can offer your patients beautiful restorations on
anterior and posterior teeth. Taking time to custom stain and glaze can provide
the results shown here in as little as 2 hours.

If you haven't looked at chairside CAD CAM dentistry firsthand in the last
few months you haven't looked at chairside CAD CAM dentistry. Do yourself,
your patients and your bottom line a favor and check them out. It isn't a
matter of if you will incoporate it but simply when.

James M. Stein D.M.D.


Read more…

Sleeping Issues and the Dental Office

Sleep Apnea_ Dentists Help Patients Breathe Easier and Sleep Better | Colgate Dental Health Articles.pdf

This article is interesting because it touches on the possiblity of cone-beam computerized tomography helping patients pinpoint sleep issues. This is not commonly thought about in dental offices. Snoring or sleep apnea is rarely asked by your own dentist, true? But in reality, in a profession that completely deals only with the oral cavity, it perhaps should be part of a routine dental visit.

If an x-ray, or cone-beam computerized image could at all predict a patient that may develop sleep apnea, as suggested in this articel, it could broaden the spectrum.






Read more…

Arthritis and Treating Gum Disease

Arthritis Pain and Treating Active Gum Disease | Colgate Dental Health Articles.pdf

Many times I have to remind myself of the world of general dentistry! I have been in pediatrics for 12 years now. Many issues with older patients must be addressed when dealing with the oral cavity. The whole body must be considered, including medications patients take. Gum disease is very common and many medications make it all the more difficult to treat and provide ways to maintain care. Adding to this is the dexterity and range of motion patients with arthritis. This poses difficulty for the patient as well.

This article touches on home remedies as well, which can be communicated to patients. People really do appreciate those recommendations before surgery, coming from a health care provider they trust. Even if the time comes for surgery, they will appreciate the concern to try all options first.

In my work with general dentists with Wellness, "Flexibility" approaches this subject in dealing with joint issues. Depending on the patient, they seem to appreciate a natural approach as well, as opposed to common drug treatment. Given many options, patients value your professionalism and thus the patient/doctor relationship is strengthened.


Read more…
Here are two blog posts I wrote about Mayo Clinic's use of social medai, including an interview with the person in charge....

http://www.gandolfsmarketingmagic.com/2010/03/05/the-mayo-clinic-social-media-powerhouse/

http://www.gandolfsmarketingmagic.com/2010/03/12/mayo-clinic-interview-reveals-how-to-win-with-social-media/
Read more…
Orthodontic extraction are sometimes difficult with rotated ormultirooted teeth when the teeth or root fractures and you have toremove quite a lot of alveolar bone for extracting the fracturedsegments. An easy way out is to bond the teeth to be extracted with aBegg bracket and use a 0.012 NiTi wire to engage this bracket with therest of the bracketed dentition. After 2 weeks, you can extract theteeth easily. Remove the bracket and when you place the forceps andapply apical pressure the teeth will just pop out of the socket due tothe orthodontic movement it has undergone as it was bracketed andligated.


Read more…
Esterified hyaluronic acid for use as a bone grafting material in periodiontal defects and also to regenerate bone for implant placement and stabilization.
Int.J Periodontics Resorative Dent. 2009; 29:315-323,
produced by Fidia Advanced Biopolymers Srl in Italy, more info at www.Fidiapharma.com.

An interesting concept using a polymer of polysaccaharide which is the principal component of the extra-cellular matrix which is involved in cell division and tissue formation. HyA is osteoconductive and favours bone formation in tissue healing. It also has bacteriostatic effects on common periodontal pathogens and has an anti-inflammatory role in periodontal/ bone healing.
Read more…

Texting in the office......

flyer_jointhealth_english.pdf

I have attached an article that seems to be an issue in the office at times....many times! This mainly observes tecxting as a joint issue, but I also see texting invading the dental professionals workspace and becoming deangerous.

Do you experience "texters" in your practice? Texting has become an issue in legal matters, traffic rules, and saftey issues these days. It does now, have a place in the office. There are more and more lobby signs to "turn off cell phone" ! But should we have a "no texting " rule in the dental chair?

An even bigger issue is not only the distraction of actually texting in the dental chair, but joint issues in the hands. As I have said before, whole body health is key to the new age of dentistry. The texting issue is two-fold in this way. Countless times a patient will ansewer a text and even try to text while being treated in the dental chair! I kid you not. This can of course pose quite a danger.

Not only should we think of these issues for the sake of the patients saftey, but overall health as well.
Read more…

People who are stressed by daily problems or trouble at work seem to be more likely to grind their teeth at night. Researchers writing in BioMed Central's open access journal Head & Face Medicine studied the causes of 'sleep bruxism', gnashing teeth during the night, finding that it was especially common in those who try to cope with stress by escaping from difficult situations. Maria Giraki, from Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany, worked with a team of researchers to study the condition in 69 people, of whom 48 were 'bruxers'. She said, "Bruxing can lead to abrasive tooth wear, looseness and sensitivity of teeth, and growth and pain in the muscles responsible for chewing. Its causes are still relatively unknown, but stress has been implicated. We aimed to investigate whether different stress-factors, and different coping strategies, were more or less associated with these bruxism symptoms."


Bruxing was not associated with age, sex or education level, but was more common in people who claimed to experience daily stress and trouble at work.

Giraki adds, "Our data support the assumption that people with the most problematic grinding do not seem to be able to deal with stress in an adequate way. They seem to prefer negative coping strategies like 'escape'. This, in general, increases the feeling of stress, instead of looking at the stressor in a positive way."

This article seems to confirm what already know. In our private practice of periodontics, dental implants and bone regeneration in Framingham and Newton, it seems as though we see occlusal wear, cervical abfraction, myofacial pain and other related issues in increasing numbers. Perhaps we can blame this on another phenomenon - the poor economy! What is your experience?

Source: Science Daily

Read more…
flyer_healthcare.pdf

More and more has come to light on this subject. All health care professionals are becoming more aware of whole body wellness as an approach to dentsitry (along with many other avenues in health care). Connecting the body with oral care is essential, as demonstrating in the article presented by WebDental about "Pancreatic Cancer and Saliva".

I know in Pediatrics, we constantly strive to get pediatricians involved with the MOUTH. They seem to stop at the mouth and hand over complete responsibility to us. For example, educating parents about the dangers and risk of breast/ bottle feeding in length (ie, baby-bottle decay). It should always be a joint effort in health care. Referring, but still educating the patient as a whole.

This leads to the effects of the health care crisis as well. Cutting costs has come to cutting corners! Are you practicing any wellness in your office? It may increase receivables within the practice, but it is also key to linking the body to the mouth !



Cherie Tschudi
Read more…