For the majority of dentists, inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANB) are the only way to achieve anesthesia for mandibular teeth. Periapical infiltrations are blocked by the dense buccal cortical bone, so injection into the pterygomandibular space is the only way to go. Yet, this method isn’t without its headaches. Inferior alveolar nerve blocks are only…
International governing bodies of dentistry have actively recommended measuring patient blood pressure, since at least 1998. This practice has allowed uncovering undetected hypertension and possibly safeguarding against cardiac events during outpatient surgeries. This recommendation is logical, given that it’s estimated that 45% of the US adult population has hypertension. Based on the body of current…
Class V lesions and root decays are very common. However, the durability of the restorations of these lesions is not promising. Once restored, we can expect a loss of retention, marginal excess, secondary caries and tissue inflammation. These problems are directly related to challenges in isolation, cervical fluid control, finishing and polishing. To solve these…
Once you notice that the primary lateral incisors aren’t present in a child, you can almost be sure that the permanent later incisor is not going to erupt either. This is a situation that has to be dealt with often. Third molars, lateral incisors, and lower second premolars are the most commonly missing teeth –…
Medical emergencies in the dental office are a relatively rare event. However, due to the increased age of the general population, increase morbidities, and increased number of dental visits, medical emergencies are something we should expect. Controlling for the differences in training and regulations worldwide, how ready are dentists, if a medical emergency should arise?…
CAD/CAM technologies have been around since the 1950s. CAD/CAM’s introduction into dentistry came in 1987, when CEREC was first launched. Years later and many improvements to the foundational CAD/CAM technology, we are still seeing a debate between conventional impressions and digital impressions. To settle this debate many studies have been done to compare the accuracy,…
The benefits of probiotics have been widely known for the general human health. Probiotics can alter the existing flora; enhance beneficial host-microbial function, leading to prevention of inflammation or other systemic conditions. Recently, it was shown that probiotic administration that contains Bifidobacterium animalis and Lactobacillus reuteri caused decreased number of bleeding sites, plaque and gingival…
Bad breath or halitosis is one of the most common complaints patients have. In fact, about ¼ of people suffer from halitosis. Whether it is a transient or a chronic condition, halitosis usually has some underlying pathology associated with it. The main compounds that actually cause the bad odor are volatile sulphur compounds, created by…
“9/10 recommend an electric tooth brush – are you the 10th?” In 2014, it was shown through a systematic review, that power/ electric toothbrushes are better than manual toothbrushes. This was measured in their efficacy in removing biofilm from the occlusal, lingual and facial/buccal surfaces of teeth. However, within the electric toothbrush category, are oscillating-rotating…
Many US states and Canada have legalized the personal use and research of Cannabis. With full legalization, we have seen a surge of such use, in its variety of forms (smoking or eating). In fact, in a survey done, over one third of respondent reported using cannabis at least once by their 15th birthday. Cannabis…