dentist

Pain Management in Pediatric Dentistry

by

An interesting article titled “Provider perspectives on pain management practices and needs in pediatric dentistry,” written by Melissa Pielech and Caroline Sawicki appears in the Journal of the American Dental Association (published October 25, 2023). The article sought to assess the pediatric dentists use of and attitudes toward evidence-based pain management strategies. To better understand dental pain management in children, the authors surveyed 625 pediatric dentists and residents. The dentists and residents were sent a 27-item online survey to assess attitudes about evidence-based pain management, tools, and practices and opinions regarding areas for improving pain management. Among the respondents, 89% were dentists and 11% were residents. The majority of respondents thought that pain management is an important aspect of clinical care in pediatric dentistry and believe it is necessary to improve pain management practices. Dentists and residents said that they … Read more

Dentists can help prevent opioid deaths

by

An interesting blog post from the California Dental Association titled “Dentists can help prevent fentanyl deaths” News Articles, 2023, Community, Patient Care, Practice Management, Clinical, encouages Californian based dentists to play an active role in community efforts of the opioid/fentanyl crisis and in particular to help toraise awareness and increase access to naloxone. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that is estimated to be 50-100 times more powerful than morphine. Naloxone is a lifesaving medication that helps to reverse opioid overdoses.  Narcan used to be limited for access without a prescription. In July 2023, the U.S. FDA approved two naloxone nasal sprays: Narcan and RiVive, which can now be purchased in over the counter at drug stores, grocery stores, and gas stations. Now the the dental board of California requires dentists to take continuing education courses on opioid prescribing to renew their licenses. In partnership … Read more

Transient Bradycardia during Dental Anesthesia: Risk Factors and Mechanisms

by

Dental procedures are generally safe; however, transient bradycardia (TB), a temporary slowing of the heart rate, can sometimes occur during local anesthesia administration under sedation. This phenomenon, often linked to the trigeminal cardiac reflex (TCR), can occur during the administration of local anesthesia, particularly in patients undergoing sedation. Understanding the Mechanisms The TCR is a physiological response triggered by stimulation of the trigeminal nerve, which innervates the face and oral cavity. This stimulation can lead to a cascade of events, including a sudden decrease in heart rate and blood pressure, as well as other autonomic responses. Identifying Risk Factors A recent prospective study identified several key risk factors associated with the occurrence of TB during dental anesthesia: Study Findings A study appearing in BMC Oral Health titled “Transient bradycardia during local anaesthesia to the oral cavity under intravenous sedation and … Read more

Could Stem Cells Replace Root Canals?Researcher Explores Revolutionary Dental Treatment

by

A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Camila Sabatini, an associate professor of restorative dentistry at the University at Buffalo, could revolutionize dental care by potentially eliminating the need for root canals. Dr. Sabatini, a recipient of the prestigious Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program award, is investigating innovative therapies that utilize stem cells to regenerate damaged teeth. The Limitations of Traditional Root Canals Root canals, a common dental procedure, involve removing the infected nerve of a tooth and sealing the canals. While effective in addressing the infection, this procedure has significant drawbacks. The removal of the nerve weakens the tooth, making it more susceptible to fracture. A Novel Approach: Harnessing the Power of Stem Cells Dr. Sabatini’s research aims to overcome these limitations by harnessing the regenerative power of stem cells. Specifically, the study focuses on utilizing stem cells derived … Read more

New Antibiotic Shows Promise in Fighting Gum Disease and Potentially Other Serious Illnesses

by

A recent study published in the Journal of Oral Microbiology (Nik Yakar and et. al., Targeted elimination of Fusobacterium nucleatum alleviates periodontitis Volume 16, 2024 – Issue 1), suggests a potential breakthrough in the fight against periodontitis, a serious gum disease. Researchers found that a narrow-spectrum antibiotic, FP-100 (hygromycin A), effectively eliminates Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum), a key bacterium linked to the onset and progression of periodontitis. F. nucleatum is a particularly concerning bacterium because it has been implicated in various systemic diseases beyond gum disease, including colorectal cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. How FP-100 Works: The study demonstrated that FP-100 specifically targets F. nucleatum without significantly disrupting the overall balance of the oral microbiome. This is crucial, as broad-spectrum antibiotics can often have detrimental effects on beneficial bacteria in the mouth and gut. In both in vitro and in vivo models, FP-100 effectively … Read more