Multitasking
The intermittent and random use of electronic devices and social media seems to demand our attention. As we are pulled in different directions and interrupted when we are trying to concentrate, we compensate by becoming ‘multitaskers.’ The questions that should be asked before we are carried away involve the science of multitasking, the effects of multitasking, and the best course of action. (Source: Dental Abstracts)
Source: Dental Abstracts - September 1, 2018 Category: Dentistry Tags: The Front Office Source Type: research
Transillumination
Many caries detection systems have been developed to detect caries in early stages when surgical interventions can be avoided. Although many of these systems have been based on measuring a physical signal that serves as an indicator of caries, transillumination allows for direct 3-dimensional optical visualization of the caries lesion itself. Transillumination uses the principle that light transmission differs between caries or demineralized enamel, which appear darkened, and sound enamel or dentin, which is transparent. (Source: Dental Abstracts)
Source: Dental Abstracts - September 1, 2018 Category: Dentistry Tags: Hands On Source Type: research
Pain in cracked teeth
Cracks in teeth are common, found in up to 70% of teeth. Various symptoms have been attributed to cracked teeth, with the most common ones being pain in response to cold and pain on biting. An observational practice-based study was done to determine patient-, tooth-, and crack-level characteristics with the type of symptoms experienced with cracked teeth. (Source: Dental Abstracts)
Source: Dental Abstracts - September 1, 2018 Category: Dentistry Tags: Hands On Source Type: research
Advising patients about acidic exposure and dental erosion
Dental erosion can occur after exposure to acids either in the diet or as a result of physical conditions. Extrinsic dietary acids come from foods or beverages that are consumed. Exposures to these acids can be increased by specific behaviors such as holding liquids in the mouth or swishing with them. In contrast, teeth are exposed to intrinsic acids when the patient has disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, rumination syndrome, or gastroesophageal reflux. The science supporting the role of dietary risk factors for erosion and the actions clinicians can take to protect patients at risk for erosion were explo...
Source: Dental Abstracts - September 1, 2018 Category: Dentistry Tags: Hands On Source Type: research
Role of incision and drainage
Incision and drainage (I&D) is the recommended treatment for swollen endodontic patients based on many years of experience. I&D is done to reduce swelling, relieve pressure and pain, and save the patient discomfort and the possibility of developing complications related to the endodontic condition. However, no prospective endodontic studies have determined the outcome of an I&D procedure in healthy patients. A randomized single-blind prospective study was done to compare the postoperative course of I&D with a drain in place to mock I&D with a mock drain in place after endodontic debridement in swollen emergency patients wi...
Source: Dental Abstracts - September 1, 2018 Category: Dentistry Tags: Hands On Source Type: research
Survival after endodontic treatment and core/post and crown placement
Because more than 15 million root canal treatments are performed in the United States each year, it's important to correctly understand the parameters that influence the prognosis for these treatments. The dual chemomechanical procedure of nonsurgical root canal therapy (NSRCT) is essential to long-term tooth survival, but the final phase of endodontic therapy can also be having a permanent restoration placed. If coronal destruction is not adequately addressed, the tooth may be unable to resist the stresses of functional or parafunctional forces, which can lead to untoward events such as retreatment, apicoectomy, or extrac...
Source: Dental Abstracts - September 1, 2018 Category: Dentistry Tags: Hands On Source Type: research
Gold restoration longevity
Dental restorations don't last forever; eventually they will need to be repaired or replaced. Gold restorations may not last any longer than resin composite restorations overall, but they may offer the right choice in some situations. The longevity of posterior cast Class II gold inlays and onlays as well as reasons for failure were investigated. (Source: Dental Abstracts)
Source: Dental Abstracts - September 1, 2018 Category: Dentistry Tags: Hands On Source Type: research
Complete rehabilitations
In a dentition that suffers from extensive erosion, abrasion, or attrition, a fairly complete esthetic and functional rehabilitation may be required. Some patients suffering from genetic enamel defects such as amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) can also require such rehabilitation, often at a very young age. Options for this undertaking can include direct resin composites, but all-ceramic materials combined with adhesive luting agents can also be helpful. The long-term outcome of full-mouth rehabilitations with adhesively bonded all-ceramic restorations in AI patients or other cases of extensive tooth wear was investigated. (Sou...
Source: Dental Abstracts - September 1, 2018 Category: Dentistry Tags: Hands On Source Type: research
Caries-arresting palliative care
Older adults are living longer and retaining more teeth than in the past. About 20% of the adults age 75 years or older have untreated dental caries, with higher percentages among those who have low income status and live in long-term care facilities. Having teeth can substantially improve quality of life, socialization, and the ability to eat a varied diet, to maintain a healthy weight, and to obtain proper nutrition. Malnutrition can have especially severe consequences in frail elderly persons, contributing to a lowered defense against infections, poor wound healing, and the development of pressure sores. (Source: Dental Abstracts)
Source: Dental Abstracts - September 1, 2018 Category: Dentistry Tags: Hands On Source Type: research
Chairside screening in the dental office
To maximize patient health outcomes, it's important for various disciplines to provide integrated health care delivery. Within this approach, oral health care providers could provide screening for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes mellitus (DM). Screening could allow disease risk to be identified early and lead to interventions to reduce adverse clinical outcomes. The suggestion is based on the observation that many patients visit their oral health care provider more regularly than their primary care provider (PCP). (Source: Dental Abstracts)
Source: Dental Abstracts - September 1, 2018 Category: Dentistry Tags: Hands On Source Type: research
Treating peri-implantitis
Peri-implant pockets can develop inflammatory lesions similar to those that develop around natural teeth. In both sites the problem is plaque formation. Some differences are also found, however. In both situations, if no treatment is provided and the lesion progresses, inflammation increases. Peri-implant lesions progress apically and do not appear to be encapsulated by collage fibers, but the encapsulation is common in periodontitis lesions (Fig 2). The inflammatory infiltrate in peri-implant lesions directly contacts the alveolar bone and can expand into the alveolar bone marrow spaces. (Source: Dental Abstracts)
Source: Dental Abstracts - September 1, 2018 Category: Dentistry Tags: Hands On Source Type: research
Self-care guidance
A high standard of oral hygiene is a major factor in the attainment and maintenance of periodontal health. Even surgical periodontal therapy relies on self-performed oral hygiene combined with professional maintenance care for success. Patients and dental professionals must work together to ensure that biofilm management in pockets and supragingivally is sufficient and that professional maintenance complements daily at-home care, including risk factor reduction or elimination and patient motivation to comply with the demands of high-quality oral health behaviors. (Source: Dental Abstracts)
Source: Dental Abstracts - September 1, 2018 Category: Dentistry Tags: Hands On Source Type: research
Fluoride intake recommendations
Fluoride was added to drinking water around 1945 in most of the United States, so that children were either exposed to it in the water they drank or were not exposed at all. In the 1970s, fluoride toothpaste became widely available, and since then topical fluoride products and fluoride supplements have become available to both dental professionals and the public. Today, most of the total daily intake of fluoride comes from a combination of water and fluoridated toothpaste. Although fluoride toothpastes are definitely beneficial in preventing caries, their use by young children has been shown to be a potential risk factor f...
Source: Dental Abstracts - September 1, 2018 Category: Dentistry Tags: Hands On Source Type: research
Repairing restorations
Repair of a partially defective dental restoration can significantly increase the restoration's longevity, reduce the treatment time required, sometimes lower costs, and definitely lower the risk of complications compared to complete replacement of the restoration. In addition, repair is usually highly acceptable to patients. The data indicate that dentists traditionally choose to totally replace a partially defective restoration rather than repair it despite the evidence supporting the repair option. (Source: Dental Abstracts)
Source: Dental Abstracts - September 1, 2018 Category: Dentistry Tags: Hands On Source Type: research
Patient positioning for inferior alveolar nerve blocks
Inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANBs) are not always able to achieve pulpal anesthesia, so attempts to improve their success rates have been undertaken. The position of the patient has been a point of possible intervention and improvement. Some recommend placing the patient in an upright or semi-upright position after the IANB is administered in an attempt to achieve better pulpal anesthesia. Others have compared the efficacy of the upright position for mandibular molar extractions compared to the supine position. (Source: Dental Abstracts)
Source: Dental Abstracts - September 1, 2018 Category: Dentistry Tags: Inquiry Source Type: research
