dentistry

Antimicrobial Gel To Improve Root Canal Procedures

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The American Association of Endodontists estimates that more than 15 million root canals are done each year. During the procedure, the tooth’s pulp and nerve are removed before the tooth is cleaned and sealed. In some cases bacteria, viruses, or yeasts contaminate the tooth which leads to additional follow up dental work having to be performed such as an additional root canal. Researchers at the Indiana University School of Dentistry have developed an injectable antimicrobial gel that could disinfect a tooth during a root canal procedure. The gel has advantages over traditional medications used as antibacterial agents, including calcium hydroxide. The gel offers extended and significantly longer residual antibacterial properties. The gel is biocompatible and contains a low concentration of antimicrobial elements. The researchers feel that creating an antimicrobial space is important during clinical regenerative endodontic procedures. The gel provides sustained antimicrobial properties even when it is … Read more

Dental Material that Kills Bacteria and Resists Biofilm Growth

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Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have developed a dental material tethered with an antimicrobial compound that can kill bacteria and resist biofilm growth. The material is also effective with minimal toxicity to the surrounding tissue, as it contains a low dose of the antimicrobial agent that kills only the bacteria that crosses it’s path. The researchers were motivated to develop a new dental material because the current composite materials to perform restorative procedures, such as filling cavities, are vulnerable to the growth of plaque, the biofilm that leads to tooth decay. The researchers had two goals in mind when developing the dental biomaterial: 1) kill pathogenic microbes effectively, and 2) withstand severe mechanical stress. The newly developed material is composed of a resin embedded with the antibacterial agent imidazolium. Unlike some traditional biomaterials that slowly release a drug, this material is non-leachable … Read more

Laser Therapy to Reduce Pain and Improve Healing After Tooth Removal

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An interesting study titled “The effect of the low-level laser therapy on healing and pain after tooth extraction: a systematic review” written by Ribeiro et al. appears in Oral Surgery in 2017 (vol. 10, pp. 174-183). The article attempts to perform a systematic review to determine if lower level laser therapy improves healing and reduces pain after having a tooth extracted. In the past several similar studies that have been conducted have been discussed on this site see for example Using Laser Therapy after Tooth Extraction to Improve Wound Healing and Can you Use Low Level Laser Therapy After Wisdom Teeth Removal to Reduce Pain?. Low level laser therapy aids in the healing process by providing radiation that is absorbed through cytochromes in the mitochondria and then converted into energy by adenosine-50-triphosphate (ATP) which causes protein synthesis and acceleration of … Read more

Percutaneous Exposure Incidents in Dentistry

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An interesting article titled “Percutaneous exposure incidents: a review of practice and awareness of current protocols at a Dental Faculty” written by Siddiqi et al. appears in Oral Surgery in 2017 (vol. 10, e80-e87). The article discusses accidental exposure to blood-borne pathogens at the dental office. In the past the possibility of this occurring has been discussed on this site see for example the posts More Dental Patients Warned of Potential HIV and Hepatitis Exposure in Pennsylvania and Infection Control Lapse in Hawaii at VA Dental Clinic. Sharps and needlestick injuries are sources of infections with blood-borne pathogens (such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV) in dentistry and are referred to broadly as a percutaneous exposure incident. The authors state: “The intimate nature of the patient-dentist environment, the presence of blood and saliva, the routine use of sharp instruments, … Read more

Choosing the Right Dental Office in Jacksonville FL

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Choosing the right dental office can sometimes be difficult. Whether it is for you or someone you know, you have to ensure that the one you pick is the most suitable. There are a lot of factors that need to be considered for one to make the right choice. It is also important to note that a lot has changed during this COVID-19 pandemic. Clinics have had to change the way they dispense services in order to be able to adapt to the situation. Here is more information that can help you including how to get a top rated Jacksonville FL dentist. What are the different types available? Dentistry is a wide field of medicine hence it is divided into different categories according to specialization. It includes: Pediatric This caters to the needs of children. The practitioners are well-trained and … Read more