Understanding Dental Crowns: A Comprehensive Guide

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A dental crown is a versatile solution for restoring damaged or decayed teeth, enhancing their strength, function, and appearance. With various options available, selecting the right dental crown depends on factors like durability, aesthetics, and cost. This article explores the different types of dental crowns and their unique benefits to help you make an informed decision. Types of Dental Crowns 1. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine the durability of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain. These crowns have a metal core for strength, while the outer layer mimics the color and texture of natural teeth. PFM crowns are commonly used for both front and back teeth, offering a balance between aesthetics and functionality. Pros: Cons: 2. All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns are crafted entirely from porcelain or ceramic materials, making them ideal for patients seeking … Read more

Dentists increasingly use articaine 

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An interesting article titled “Survey investigation of articaine use in the United States,” written by Robert D. Bowers and et. al. appears in the the Journal of the American Dental Association (published Oct. 2023). The article conducted a study to expand the knowledge of local anesthesia practices of dentists in the U.S. with a specific focus on influencing factors regarding articaine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of articaine in 2000 and dental use of articaine has grown over the years. In 2017, it was estimated that estimate about 40% of the total U.S. dental local anesthetic market was for articaine. However, articaine has a 4% concentration which has led some to question its safety. Past studies have shown that higher concentrated local anesthetics like articaine can lead to increased risk of dental paresthesia. To study the use … Read more

Barriers in Teledentistry Exist

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An interesting article titled “Teledentistry Adoption and Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic” written by M, Fernando T, Surdu S, and Romero A. appears in the Oral Health Workforce Research Center, Center for Health Workforce Studies (July 2023). The article sough to explore how the adoption of teledentistry has changed in recent years and what barriers still exist with its use. Teledentistry has been discussed before on this site such as at the post Delivering Dentistry and Counseling to Patients using Telemedicine. Teledentistry is defined as using electronic information including interactive audio, video, and data communications to provide and support dental care whereby the care occurs virtually from where the oral health professional is licensed. Teledentistry provides an efficient way for dental professionals to consult, diagnose, follow up, and offer health education to patients and helps to reduce the number of in-person visits.  The … Read more

How Often Do Problems Occur with Dental Sedation in Children

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An interesting article titled “Assessing the safety of deep sedation in outpatient pediatric oral health care,” written by Henal Alpesh Gandhi and et. al. appears in the Journal of the American Dental Association (2023). The article assesses the safety of deep sedation supported care with pediatric dental treatment carried out in an outpatient setting. It is estimated that in the US, 100,000 through 250,000 cases of pediatric dental procedures with sedation occur each year. Most of the cases of among kids 3 to 5 years old. Children are predisposed to deep sedation and d general anesthesia related respiratory problems because of age-related variations in anatomy and physiology. Some of the reasons children need deep sedation for dental health care include extent of dental disease and amount of treatment needed,limited ability of the child to cooperate, and intent to protect the … Read more

Fluoridated Water: Still a Valuable Tool, but Benefits May Be Diminishing

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Tooth decay remains a significant public health concern worldwide. For decades, adding fluoride to community water supplies (CWF) has been a cornerstone of dental health strategies. However, a recent Cochrane review (titled “Water fluoridation for the prevention of dental caries” written by Tanya Walsh and et. al., 2024) suggests that the benefits of CWF may be less pronounced today than in the past, particularly in developed countries where fluoride toothpaste is widely used. The Review’s Findings: The review analyzed 157 studies comparing tooth decay in children living with fluoridated water and those without. Why the Change? The authors attribute this shift to the widespread use of fluoride toothpaste. With fluoride readily available through oral hygiene products, the incremental benefit of CWF may be less pronounced in modern populations. Important Considerations: The review emphasizes that these findings do not negate the … Read more