Do Patients Desire Liposomal Bupivacaine After Wisdom Teeth Surgery

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An interesting article titled “Are Patients Interested in Liposomal Bupivacaine as a Nonopioid Alternative for Postsurgical Analgesia Following Third Molar Extractions?” written by Annie Ho and et. al. appears in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (online August 9, 2023). The article seeks to determine a patient interest in the use of Liposomal Bupivacaine as an alternative to opioids after wisdom teeth extraction. Studies have shown that patients given opioids after surgery have a 44% increased risk of long-term opioid use. Long lasting local anesthetics like liposomal bupivacaine (LB) were first approved in the U.S by the Food and Drug Administration in2011. Only a single dose to the surgical site is needed for postsurgical analgesia. Research has shown that Liposomal Bupivacaine can lower cumulative pain scores, reduce opioid requirements, and make for faster discharges from the hospital. Although Liposomal … Read more

Ibuprofen-Arginine and Dexamethasone: A Promising Combo for Lower Wisdom Teeth Molar Pain

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A interesting study published in Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology (Edson Luiz Cetira-Filho and et. al. Preemptive vs. Preventive Coadministration of Ibuprofen L-Arginine and Dexamethasone in Lower Third Molar Surgeries: A Randomized Controlled Trial, 2024) suggests that a combination of ibuprofen-arginine (Ib-Ar) and dexamethasone (DX) could be a more effective pain management strategy for patients undergoing lower wisdom teeth surgery. Researchers from the Federal University of Ceará in Brazil conducted a randomized controlled trial involving 48 adult patients who were having lower widomt teeth extracted. Participants were divided into four groups, each receiving a different combination of Ib-Ar and DX or a placebo. The study evaluated various outcomes, including pain intensity, trismus (jaw stiffness), quality of life, pain catastrophizing, and sleep quality. Pain intensity was measured using a 10-cm visual analog scale and quality of life … Read more

High Birth Weight Linked to Early Childhood Tooth Decay

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A recent study has revealed a significant association between high birth weight and the risk of early childhood tooth decay (ECC) (Wang, H., Zhang, H., Zeng, X. et al. Association between high birth weight and dental caries at 4–5 years of age: a birth-cohort study. BMC Oral Health 24, 896 2024). Researchers from the Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology in China analyzed data from 491 children aged 4 to 5 years old and found that children born weighing 4,000 grams (8.8 pounds) or more were more likely to develop ECC compared to those with normal birth weight. ECC is when there is a presence of one or more decayed, missing, and filled tooth surfaces in any primary tooth in a child less than 71 months old. The study was designed as a retrospective longitudinal register-based cohort study that included pregnant women in … Read more

A Breakthrough in Nerve Repair: Implications for Wisdom Teeth Removal

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Understanding the Risks of Wisdom Teeth Removal Wisdom teeth removal can sometimes lead to complications, including nerve injuries. The nerves that control sensation and movement in the face pass near the wisdom teeth, and damage to these nerves can result in numbness, tingling, or pain. Traditional Approaches and Their Limitations While traditional methods for repairing nerve injuries have improved over time, they can still be invasive and may not always achieve complete nerve function. Autografts, where a nerve from another part of the body is used to replace the damaged nerve, are often the standard of care but can have limitations. A Promising New Approach Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine have made significant progress in developing a novel technique for nerve repair using stem cells derived from gum tissue. This groundbreaking approach offers potential benefits … Read more

Video Consultations: A Game-Changer for Oral Hygiene?

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Maintaining optimal oral health often comes down to effective oral hygiene practices. Traditional dental advice, while helpful, can sometimes fall short in motivating patients to adopt consistent and proper brushing and flossing techniques. A recent study titled “A randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of personalised oral hygiene advice delivered via video technology” written by Derele Buck and et. al. appearing in the Journal of Dentistry Available online on July 15, 2024, explored the potential of personalized video consultations to bridge this gap. Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of personalized oral hygiene advice delivered via video technology. The study aimed to determine if this approach could improve oral health outcomes compared to standard oral hygiene advice provided in traditional dental settings. Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving standard oral hygiene advice and the … Read more