dentist

Dental extractions and surgeries can lead to endocarditis

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An interesting study titled “Antibiotic Prophylaxis Against Infective Endocarditis Before Invasive Dental Procedures,” written by Martin H. Thornill and et. al. appears in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (published online August 17, 2022). The article investigates the association between invasive dental procedures and infective endocarditis, and the effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis in reducing this. In the study the authors performed a case-crossover analysis and cohort study using data from 7,951,972 million patients in the U.S. from the Commercial/Medicare Supplemental prescription and dental databases and the IBM MarketScan databases. A total of 3,744 patients in the study were hospitalized with infective endocarditis. From the patients hospitalized, 1,651 (44%) were at low or unknown risk for heart infection, 831 (22%) were at moderate risk of heart infection, and 1,292 (34%) were at high infective endocarditis risk. The overall adjusted infective endocarditis incidence within … Read more

Can You Straighten Your Teeth at Any Age?

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Despite the common misconception that orthodontic treatments are only for children and teenagers, adults can facilitate it equally and receive multiple benefits. Thanks to the advancement of technology, today everyone can have pearly whites and a beautiful smile. This blog post will explain what to anticipate when thinking about orthodontic treatment, whether you’re an adult weighing your options or a parent thinking about treatment for your child. Discover the various elements that affect a straighter smile and the options available to those at any stage of life. Exploring Age and Orthodontic Care There’s no definite age limit to get orthodontic treatment. Adults are now using orthodontics more frequently, even though childhood and adolescence are the best times for this kind of care because of continuous growth. Understanding how age may affect the type and style of treatment is crucial. Adults … Read more

Asthma medication and dental disease risk in children

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An interesting article titled “Asthma medication and risk of dental diseases in children – A prospective cohort study” written by Pia Elisabeth Nørrisgaard and et al. appears in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (published 9 October 2023). The article seeks to explore if th use of inhaled asthma medication in children is a risk factor for dental caries and enamel defects. The authors followed 3,983 children from birth to 6 years of age, and assessed their use of inhaled corticosteroids, inhaled β2-agonists, and asthma symptoms. The children underwent examation for caries and enamel defects at 6 years of age. Caries was defined as decayed, missing, or filled surfaces. Enamel defects were defined as demarcated opacity, post-eruptive enamel breakdown, and/or atypical restoration on at least one molar. A prospective cohort study that included 589 children was also conducted. From these children, 61% … Read more

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