Updated Guidance on Patient Shielding During Dental x-rays

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An interesting artice titled “Patient shielding during dentomaxillofacial radiography,” written by Erika Benavides and et. al. appears in the Journal of the American Dental Association (vol. 154, no. 9, pp. 826-835, 2023). The article discusses the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology updated evidence-based recommendations and clinical guidance for patient contact shielding during dental x-rays. Types of dental x-rys include intraoral, panoramic, cephalometric, and cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging and even in some cases multidetector computed tomography (CT), to evaluate the jaws and soft tissues. Dentists attempt to perform imaging techniques while minimizing patient radiation dose and offering the diagnostic views. Any benefits from imaging must outweigh any potential radiation risks. Shielding is a common practice reduce radiation exposure to sensitive tissue. Gonadal shielding is a long-standing practice during imaging that aims to reduce the risk of radiation-induced hereditary … Read more

Tragedy in Southern Manitoba Canada: Young Woman Dies Following Dental Procedure

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A heartbreaking incident has occurred in southern Manitoba Canada, where a 23-year-old woman tragically passed away following a routine dental appointment. The Manitoba Dental Association confirmed the news stating that the woman, residing in the Morden-Winkler area, experienced a medical emergency during the procedure on November 27th. Despite being transported to the hospital immediately, the young woman sadly passed to her condition. Investigation Underway The Manitoba Dental Association has launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. The association’s president, emphasized their commitment to uncovering the facts. The specific nature of the dental procedure or whether anesthesia was involved was not disclosed yet in this case. It was however confirmed that information is being gathered from both the dental clinic and the Southern Regional Health Authority. Rare but Serious While deaths following dental procedures are thankfully rare, … Read more

Family of Teen who Died During Wisdom Teeth Removal in Washington State Files Lawsuit

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What should have been a routine wisdom tooth removal tragically ended in the death of 17-year-old male. The oral surgeon, allegedly failed to recognize and properly respond to a common anesthesia-related complication, leading to the teens death in June of 2024 . On December 9th 2024, the parents of the deceased teen filed a lawsuit against the oral surgeon in Washington state, alleging medical malpractice and negligence. “Double Duty” Surgery Raises Concerns: The lawsuit claims that the oral surgeon acted as both the surgeon and the anesthesiologist during the procedure, a practice that increases the risk of complications. “With almost all surgeries, it is standard practice for anesthesia to be administered by someone devoting their full attention to the patient,” stated one of the lawyers, representing the family. “When a surgeon splits their jobs to double their profits, it opens … Read more

MRI shows neural differences with teeth grinding and jaw pain

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An interesting article titled “Neural Correlates of Tooth Clenching in Patients with Bruxism and Temporomandibular Disorder–Related Pain,” written by Theo J. M. Kluskens and et. al. appears in the Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache (volume 37, Issue 2, Spring 2023, Pages 139–148). The authors sought to measure brain activity in patients with teeth grinding and jaw pain using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate whether differences when compared to those without had differennces in pain and/or neural activity. The researchers explored brain activity in 40 patients, 21 of those that bruxism and TMD pain and the remaining 19 patients were controls. The patients were asked to do a tooth-clenching task while they were having their brain scanned in a 3T MRI scanner. Patients had to mildly or strongly clench their teeth for 12 seconds and were … Read more

Tooth loss associated with brain shrinkage

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An interesting article titled “Associations of Dental Health With the Progression of Hippocampal Atrophy in Community-Dwelling Individuals: The Ohasama Study,” written by Satoshi Yamaguchi and et. al. appears in Neurology, published on Juy 5, 2023. The article sought to explore associations between the number of teeth present and hippocampal atrophy older patients 55 years and older in a longitudinal study. The hippocampus is part of the brain that is important for learning and memory. With Alzheimer’s disease, atrophy of the hippocampus is a common feature but other factors, such as periodontitis (gum disease) can be seen. The researchers were under the assumption that the association between dental health and hippocampal atrophy might be due to inflammation. Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory condition, and inflammation has been shown to damage the hippocampus. The study included 172 people with an average … Read more