IRA D. CHEIFETZ, D.M.D. – American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) President 2009-2010

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2009-2010 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) president Dr. Ira Cheifetz has said some disappointing and upsetting words in his recent inauguration speech on October 15, 2009  in Toronto, Canada. We have known empirically for many years that untreated third molars are likely to cause problems. Now we have the evidence-based data to back us up. The Third Molar Clinical Trials, undertaken jointly by the AAOMS and the OMS Foundation, has shown a correlation between third molars, their associated biofilm, and systemic disease. Despite the reams of evidence reported by this ongoing study, the American Public Health Association recently released a policy statement that notes, “. . . the removal of ‘asymptomatic’ third molars is unnecessary and is a drain on the resources of the health care system”. How do we respond to this challenge? Recognizing the effect … Read more

American Journal of Public Health Author Jay W. Friedman is 2009 Author of the Year

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I wanted to alert everyone who have have missed it that Jay W. Friedman was the American Journal of Public Health Author of the year. Jay W. Friedman is a retired dentist now living in California. He has his own website http://www.wix.com/simcoe/jay/ and has received a lot of attention here on www.teethremoval.com. Jay W. Friedman was selected for this honor for his articled titled “The Prophylactic Extraction of Third Molars: A Public Health Hazard.” which has been reproduced on my website courtesy of Jay W. Friedman and the American Journal of Public Health at http://www.teethremoval.com/the_prophylactic_extraction_of_third_molars.html. The reasons for the selection of Jay W. Friedman as the AJPH author of the year can be found in an article found on Jay W. Friendman’s personal site. It has also been added at http://www.teethremoval.com/AJPH-2009_Author_of_the_Year-1.pdf in case you have difficulty finding it. Deborah Holtzman … Read more

Good Article on Wisdom Teeth Removal

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I found a well written article on wisdom teeth removal.  Rather than rehash what the article says you can take a look for yourself. http://stanford.wellsphere.com/dental-health-article/do-you-really-need-your-wisdom-teeth-nbsp-removed/833858

Mercury Fillings May Be Less Toxic: Caution Still Needed

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A new study on the surface chemistry of silver-colored, mercury-based dental fillings suggests that the surface forms of mercury may be less toxic than that which was previously thought. Graham George and his colleagues note that mercury-based fillings (amalgams) have been used by dentists to repair teeth for over 100 years. In recent years, their use has become controversial because of concerns about exposure to potentially toxic mercury. Even so, mercury can potentially exist in several different chemical forms, each with a different toxicity. Scientists analyzed the surface of freshly prepared metal fillings and compared these with the surface of aged fillings (about 20 years old) from a dental clinic. Fresh fillings contained metallic mercury, which can be toxic. Aged fillings, on the other hand, usually contain a form of mercury, called beta-mercuric sulfide or metacinnabar. This form is unlikely … Read more

Common Bacteria Linked to MS

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Research suggests that a common oral bacteria may increase autoimmune disease. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease where the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord. It currently affects nearly around 1 in 700 people in the United States. Patients with MS have a variety of neurological symptoms, including difficulty in moving, difficulty in speech, and muscle weakness. Porphyromas gingivalis, a common oral bacterium in humans, produces a unique type of lipid, phosphorylated dihydroceramides (DHCs), which enhance inflammatory responses. These lipids are also likely produced by bacteria found in other parts of the body including the gastrointestinal tract. Researchers led byFrank C. Nichols and Robert B. Clark of the University of Connecticut Health Center administered phosphorylated DHCs in a mouse model of MS to determine if these lipids cause immune-mediated damage in autoimmune disease. The severity of disease was … Read more