Kristen Mott is the associate editor for Dental Products Report and Digital Esthetics.

Kristen Mott

	Breastfeeding has been shown to have numerous health benefits for babies. Breastmilk has an ideal mix of vitamins, protein and fat, and breastfeeding can protect babies against a variety of diseases and medical conditions, including diabetes, leukemia, respiratory tract infection, and childhood overweight and obesity, among others.  

	But what does breastfeeding mean in regards to oral health? According to a new study published in the journal 

, prolonged breastfeeding may increase the risk of dental caries.

, researchers analyzed breastfeeding behaviors and sugar consumption for 1,129 children in southern Brazil. The average number of decayed, missing and filled primary teeth and severe early childhood caries were investigated at age 5. Breastfeeding was the main exposure collected at birth and at 3, 12 and 24 months of age. Data on sugar consumption were collected at 24, 48 and 60 months of age.

Related reading: Is periodontitis causing infertility in young women?

	The researchers discovered that children who were breastfed for 24 months or longer were 2.4 times more likely to have severe cavities than children who were breastfed up to 12 months of age. They determined that breastfeeding between 12 and 23 months had no effect on dental caries. About one quarter of the children examined had been breastfed for 24 months or longer.

	When asked about the results of this study, 

, questioned whether breastfeeding directly impacted the children and caused cavities or if other factors were at play, such as the children’s oral health habits, the amount of biofilm in their mouth, or if the mothers were breastfeeding at night.

	“I think the takeaway message is breastfeeding doesn’t cause cavities, it’s a lack of prevention that causes cavities,” says Dr. Sahota, who is a family dentist in Fremont, Calif. “There are more factors that are important to look at once the child gets to be 24 months. You need to make sure they’re brushing their teeth twice a day, flossing their teeth, going to the dentist and having a good nutritional diet.”

 done in June 2012 that showed prolonged breastfeeding was not a risk factor for early childhood caries after adjustment for a handful of confounders, such as age, sucrose consumption between main meals and the quality of oral hygiene. She says that breastfed babies are typically also not bottle-fed as much, which decreases the risk of baby bottle tooth decay.

	In the recent study, the researchers concluded that preventive intervention for dental caries should be established as early as possible, and that mechanisms underlying this process should be investigated further. Dr. Sahota echoes this sentiment.

	“We’re a family dental practice, so when I see a pregnant mom, I ‘catch her’ during that pregnancy and start to talk to her about not only why going to the dentist while pregnant is important, but I also start to talk to her about prevention and what she needs to do when the baby comes,” Dr. Sahota says. “That speaks volumes and usually translates into a baby and toddler who is brushing and who is getting their teeth brushed because mom has those tools.”

Impact of Prolonged Breastfeeding on Dental Caries: A Population-Based Birth Cohort Study,

Articles






 Breastfeeding has been shown to have numerous health benefits for babies. Breastmilk has an ideal mix of vitamins, protein and fat, and breastfeeding can protect babies against a variety of diseases and medical conditions, including diabetes, leukemia, respiratory tract infection, and childhood overweight and obesity, among others.

Can long-term breastfeeding lead to dental caries?

	One-third of children have cavities by ages 3 to 5, according to an article in 

. Most of these cavities are due to bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans; however, researchers have recently discovered that a fungus may also be contributing to tooth decay in toddlers.

	In previous studies, researchers discovered that Candida albicans, a fungal pathogen, was frequently detected with high numbers of S. mutans in plaque-biolfilms formed on tooth surfaces of toddlers with early childhood caries. They determined that C. albicans took advantage of an enzyme produced by S. mutans. C. albicans does not colonize teeth effectively on its own nor does it co-adhere well with S. mutans unless in the presence of sucrose. C. albicans is also usually absent in plaque-biofilms of healthy children who are not exposed high levels of sugar.  
	
	In a 

University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine

 attempted to pinpoint the surface molecules on the fungus that interact with the enzyme produced by S. mutans and how to block that interaction. The team based its research off of the fact that an enzyme called GftB that is secreted by S. mutans uses sugar from a child’s diet to create glue-like polymers called glucans, which form the core of the extracellular matrix in biofilms. GtfB is capable of binding to the cell surface of C. albicans and produces large amounts of extracellular glucans on the fungal service, providing an enhanced bacterial binding site for S. mutans that promote co-adhesion and mixed-species biofilm formation.

Trending research: Is periodontitis causing infertility in young women? 

	The researchers tested whether mannans in the outer cell wall layer of C. albicans mediated the binding. To do this, they measured the binding strength between various mutant Candida strains and GtfB using biophysical methods. They found that the GtfB enzyme bound more weakly to mutant strains that lacked components of the manna layer than the wild-type Candida. Furthermore, the mutant strains that had impaired binding with GtfB were also mostly unable to form biofilms with S. mutans, resulting in reduced production of the glucan molecules.
	
	To confirm the in vitro observations, the researchers then tested them in vivo using a rat biofilm model. When the rats were infected with both S. mutans and either the wild type or mutant strains of C. albicans, they found that biofilm formation was abundant in the wild type. The biofilm formation was reduced in the rats infected with the mutant strain.
	
	“Using a rodent model of dental caries, we observed that this interaction synergistically enhances the carriage of S. mutants and C. albicans, and the virulence of plaque-biofilms, leading to rampant caries in vivo,” the 

. “The available data show a distinctive cross-kingdom association, which relies on a biochemical interaction mediated by a bacterial exoenzyme (and its product) attached to the fungal service.”
	
	The researchers concluded that enhanced understanding of GtfB-Candida interactions may provide new perspectives for devising effective therapies to disrupt this cross-kingdom relationship and thus reduce the rate of childhood oral disease.
	
	“The unveiled mechanism emphasizes the need to target C. albicans either by blocking the binding of GtfBs to the fungal cell wall or use of topical antifungal agents," the researchers state. "Enhanced understanding of GtfB-Candida interactions may accelerate progress toward devising new and effective therapies to disrupt this cross-kingdom biofilm association with an important childhood oral disease.”
	
	Dr. Paul S. Casamassimo, D.D.S., M.S., director of the 

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s

 Pediatric Oral Health Research and Policy Center, says the results of the study help expand dentists’ understanding of the complex interactions in the oral cavity that relate to early childhood caries; however, he notes that the translation of basic research into clinical care is often a slow process.
	
	“It will probably be some time before these findings reach chairside, barring some more momentous revelations or research findings,” Dr.  Casamassimo says. “Should this research translate into a useful therapeutic intervention, we might see a drug or other anti-fungal agent added to our anti-caries tools. Such an approach has value for both dentists and physicians who may have access to children earlier. What the public needs to recognize is the rigors of getting some new form of treatment into our care programs. Efficacy, safety, cost and other considerations have to be addressed before an approach that modifies oral organisms is allowed widespread application. Add to that a public skeptical about such approaches as we have seen with GMO foods, immunizations, and to some degree, fluoride. So, the potential impact would be reduction in caries, but I don’t believe we will see that soon, as a lot more clarity is needed followed by further animal and human studies.”

Read more: Will humans one day be able to regrow teeth? 

	Dr. Casamassimo encourages parents to utilize preventive therapies currently available to reduce the risk of early childhood caries.
	
	“First, a dental home under care of a dentist is critical to access to these therapies and ensuring oral health literacy of a child’s caregivers,” he says. “Preferably, every child should see a dentist by one year of age. Should this current research pan out with an effective therapy, imagine the effect of applying it before ECC begins, at the first dental visit! Second, we need to be sure that children have optimal access to fluoride therapies, beginning with drinking water and fluoride toothpaste, both of which are known to reduce dental caries. A diet low in sugar and sugar-sweetened beverages and regular oral hygiene associated with fluoride toothpaste are also known to have a positive effect on dental caries. These can be monitored and modified by regular dental care for the patient’s better health.”
	
	The full study, “

Candida albicans mannans mediate Streptococcus mutans exoenzyme GtfB binding to modulate cross-kingdom biofilm development in vivo

,” appeared in the peer-reviewed medical journal 






Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that a fungus may be contributing to tooth decay in children.

Study finds that yeast-bacteria interaction may be causing tooth decay in toddlers

	Since October 2008, cigarette packs in the United Kingdom have been required to display pictorial health warnings highlighting the health risks associated with tobacco. Now, health officials want similar warnings to appear on packages of sweets.

, the Health Secretary and Food Standards Agency in the UK have been urged to introduce warnings on the packaging of sugary foods in an effort to decrease tooth decay and obesity in children. Members of the British Medical Association’s North West Regional Council are calling for the warnings, stating that more than 34,000 children ages 9 and under in the UK had teeth extracted in the last two years, and half of those children were under the age of 5. The council says it is “dismayed” by the current rate of tooth decay, according to the Standard.

	Sugar consumption in children has been a hot topic in Britain. In 2015, the 

Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN)

 advised the UK government to halve the recommended intake of free sugars to help curb obesity and reduce the risk of tooth decay. The SACN found that high levels of sugar consumption led to a increased risk of tooth decay, weight gain and developing type 2 diabetes.
	
	The officials hope that health warnings on sugary treats may help improve the health of children’s teeth, citing evidence that pictorial health warnings on cigarette packs have increased consumers’ knowledge about the health risks of tobacco. According to findings from the 

International Tobacco Control Four Country Survey,

 warnings on cigarette packs that are graphic, large and more comprehensive in content were effective in communicating the health risks of smoking, and that smokers who noticed the warnings were significantly more likely to endorse health risks, including lung cancer and heart disease.
	
	The issue is slated to be discussed at the British Medical Association’s annual conference this week.






Health officials in Britain hope the warnings may decrease tooth decay and obesity in children.Since October 2008, cigarette packs in the United Kingdom have been required to display pictorial health warnings highlighting the health risks associated with tobacco. Now, health officials want similar warnings to appear on packages of sweets.

Should sugary snacks feature cigarette-style health warnings?

	Gone are the days of paper forms and charts stuffed with documents and paperwork. In today’s digital world, dental practices are embracing all sorts of technology, including practice management software.

From cloud-based platforms to multi-site programs, practice management software gives dentists and their teams unparalleled access to patient information at the click of a button. This software can handle everything from maintaining digital files of patients’ X-rays to storing medical records to sending out appointment and billing reminders.

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	Whether you’re searching for a brand-new system or looking to upgrade your current software, be sure to keep in mind key features that are important to your practice when researching various options. Here, we’ve compiled some of the newest and most user-friendly practice management software options available.

	Click through the slides to view some of the top practice management software options.

	ACE Dental Software features built-in reputation management, E-Reminders, E-Recall, online patient forms and automatic backup. Traditional server software as well as a hybrid online version are available. The user interface is designed to be extremely easy to use, and built-in tutorials are included for training employees. The software is engineered to be suitable for any practice, as it contains multiple features that can be customized to meet specific needs. ACE Dental also reportedly has an excellent customer support team as well as updates and upgrades that are released every 30 days. 

	“ACE stands out as the winner. The ease and maneuverability of this program is why it is fantastic. All the bells and whistles of the other programs, but the ability to go from page to page across the top is the standout reason it is a winner with me. Support is fantastic! This program’s ‘user friendliness’ is time saving to say the least! RDH since 1995, trust me, this is awesome software!” - Kathleen Traut, A Fluoride Connection Non Profit Corp.

	Carestream Dental recently introduced line item accounting, the newest features of CS PracticeWorks practice management software. Users can now post portions of payments to specific staff based on procedure or service. The new screen’s ease of use is said to reduce confusion or payment complications in multi-doctor practices. Verifiable data is reportedly accessible through a reporting feature that helps justify business decisions, such as which procedures are the most lucrative and how well certain carriers pay. The new features is designed to give practice owners more control over their payroll.

	Curve Dental’s cloud-based software is designed to sport a super clean look and a refreshing amount of lifestyle flexibility. Teams can reportedly manage their practices using only a browser and internet connection. Curve Dental as a company has more than 12 years of cloud development experience, delivering a comprehensive solution, including native digital imaging features, impressive charting capabilities, powerful scheduling tools, super-tight billing controls, highly visual analytics and group practice capabilities. Additional features are said to include continuous, no-hassle upgrades and secure data backup.

	“Several years ago, our team did an all-out search for better software. We chose Curve and it’s been one of the greatest acquisitions, investments and improvements our practice has ever made.” - Mark E. Hyman, DDS, MAGD

	Curve Dental
	888-910-4376  |  curvedental.com

	Softech, Inc. announced that their easy-to-use self-check-in kiosk, Check-Me-In, is now available for most major practice management systems. The kiosk reportedly uses intuitive touchscreen technology to expedite the check-in process, thereby reducing congestion at the front desk. Patients are said to be monitored from arrival thru check-out for greater efficiency. The kiosk also includes a “selfie” photo feature that allows the practice to collect patient photos.

	Denticon, a cloud-based practice management software from Planet DDS, is said to increase the efficiency and reduce the cost of running dental practices. First to the cloud more than a decade ago, Denticon was built to handle multi-location groups, solo offices and mobile clinics. All data can be accessed via a web browser. The software comes equipped with a full range of integrated tools to optimize practices, including Dentiray cloud imaging, Dentigram advanced patient communications and the Dentilytics Enterprise custom report builder with graphical dashboards.

	"As a fast-growing DSO, we needed an enterprise-level practice management system that was easily scalable and could keep up with our growth. We had no desire to manage a massive IT infrastructure and software engineering staff. We knew we had to look to the cloud, and Planet DDS’ Denticon practice management software was the only option that could meet our needs. Over the years, Planet DDS has become a strategic partner, not just a software vendor. Their flexibility and their responsiveness helped us grow quickly." - Virginia Wicke, COO, Northeast Dental Management, New Jersey

	From capturing new patient information with a tablet to electronically prescribing medication to texting appointment reminders, DentiMax is designed to mirror a practice’s actual workflow. The software is engineered to integrate with digital X-rays, allowing dentists to easily view X-rays and treatment plans from the same screen. A cloud kiosk allows patients to complete their “paperwork” online from home. Additional features include integrated credit card processing, free online training and an option for two days of in-office training, and technical support.

	“User-friendly. Very easy to navigate. Charting screens are very easy to read and understand. Training was fabulous, A-plus team! Electronic sending is very simple to deliver images to NEA. The doctor has thoroughly enjoyed the digital imaging end. In terms of outstanding balances, it’s easy to read their ledger and cash-out statements. It’s really easy to make appointments, it shows their queue. I would say DentiMax is way easier to function than Dentrix, because I’ve done both. DentiMax has been great to work with!” - Carol Nielsen, Office Manager for Kimel Fisher, DMD, in Cottonwood Heights, Utah

 is said to be the leader in dental practice management software, offering an entire ecosystem of business solutions, including practice adviser, training, daily huddle, eServices, profitability coaching and a strong community of users. The software is designed to build a paperless practice, improve productivity and increase profits. Dentrix reportedly provides award-winning clinical tools and full integration with Dentrix Connected applications and leading dental equipment like DEXIS.

	"I can't say enough about what Dentrix has done for my practice. It has truly given me the freedom to do dentistry and has given my office manager the best tools available to manage my business. I would recommend Dentrix for every practice." -Dr. Stephanie L. Huddleston, Lexington, Kentucky

	Henry Schein Practice Solutions
	800-336-8749  |  

	Dentrix Ascend moves practice management to the cloud, lifting IT burdens from dentists so they can focus on patient care. The software is designed to increase practice efficiency and eliminate time spent on backups, software updates and server issues. Dentists can access their practice data at any time, from any location and on any device. User roles can also be assigned by location and by user, enabling multisite practices to give each provider and team member the interface they need to be productive.

	“We went from absolute nothing to the most efficient practice I’ve ever worked in because of Dentrix Ascend."-Kristina Large, office manager

	Henry Schein Practice Solutions
	855-232-9493  |  

	From patient scheduling and insurance claim tracking to paperless charting and digital image manipulation, Eaglesoft is engineered to be a server-based solution for the entire dental practice. An intuitive design is said to maximize efficiency and productivity. Patterson reportedly offers industry-leading support and service and is a trusted source for technology planning, installation and ongoing support.

	MacPractice DDS Generation 7 is the culmination of more than 30 years of dental software expertise. MacPractice DDS is reportedly ranked by users with the best customer experience among the top 10 developers. The developers of the very first integrated dental charting and imaging software are said to now deliver next-generation charting and a full boat of macOS-native, MacPractice-compatible digital imaging solutions. MacPractice Patient Check, Clipboard and iEHR Apps for iPad are engineered to interoperate with MacPractice DDS.

	MOGO has dedicated more than 30 years to providing dentists and specialists with the most advanced dental practice management software. Powered by the Microsoft Cloud, an appointment book, clinical charting, eReminders, imaging, paperless practice, business reports and a Word processor are all included in the software. A specialized Multiple Office Software is available for large organizations. MOGO software is said to offer customizable suites to power specialty offices with the most advanced features.  

	“The ADA rated MOGO several years ago. We have grown from five to 32 workstations, have been chartless for over 15 years. There are so many features in the program. We are always trying to integrate more features, which save us time, automatically record data and therefore increase our profitability. eReminders, credit card processing, in-office messaging with the follow me feature, a to-do list and data input are very practical. Recall is amazing, whether it is for hygiene, implant, denture recalls, whatever you choose. Now with the cloud, IT costs are lower, updates are automatic and MOGO is continuously monitoring our system to make sure MOGO is running like the workhorse it is.” - Dr. Michael Spencer, president, Riverside Dental

Most dental practices rely on technology, including practice management software. Here are some of the top options available. 

Gone are the days of paper forms and charts stuffed with documents and paperwork. In today’s digital world, dental practices are embracing all sorts of technology, including practice management software.

Embracing the digital age

Most dental practices rely on technology, including practice management software. Here are some of the top options available. 

	Endodontic treatment is an effective option for patients whose dental pulp has become inflamed or infected. However, one of the major drawbacks of root canals is that the infected dental tissue is removed and replaced with synthetic biomaterials, which eliminates the tooth’s blood and nerve supply.

 in Portland, Ore., developed a process to engineer prefabricated blood vessels in teeth. To do so, they employed a full-length root canal model wherein they fabricated a microchannel in cell-laden GelMA hydrogel tissue constructs. The researchers tested various concentrations of GelMA hydrogels and determined that the stiffer, 15% gels led to a higher rate of cell proliferation than softer gels.

Related research: New discovery could eliminate infections after root canals

	To replicate a clinical situation, the researchers used extracted, endodontically-prepared, single-rooted human pre-molars and positioned an agarose fiber across the entire length of the root canal. They then loaded a cell-laden, 15% GelMA hydrogel precursor up to 3 mm of the root length and exposed the tooth to UV light for 30 seconds. They repeated the process three times to ensure thorough photo-polymerization of the material along the entire root canal. After seven days, the researchers discovered that dentin-producing cells proliferated near the tooth walls and artificial blood vessels formed inside the tooth.

	"We truly believe that the strategy that we proposed can be an important step in replacing conventional root canal treatment methods with newer methods that are regenerative-based," states 

, DDS, principal investigator and an assistant professor of restorative dentistry at the OHSU School of Dentistry. "Much work remains to be done, but we hoped to illustrate that we can combine recent advances in biomaterials development, tissue engineering and stem cell biology to bring the idea of dental pulp tissue engineering closer to a clinical reality.

	"Much work has already been done in this area with great success," Bertassoni continues. "But there is a great need for strategies that combine all of the knowledge that we have gathered over the years, with methods that can actually be done in the clinical practice by the clinician. Our method attempts to do just that. And we were able to show that using a set of skills and materials that can be easily translated into the dental clinic, we can achieve regeneration of vascularized dental-pulp like tissues. This is just the beginning, but our ultimate goal is to enable complete and reproducible dental pulp tissue engineering in adult patients as a gold-standard treatment, which means that the conventional treatment with Gutta-percha may become obsolete, and both the skillset and clinical requirements to perform these treatments may evolve as well."  

	Despite the results, the researchers pointed out a few limitations. They note that their proposed method does not reproduce the presence of other important tissue components, including nerves, fibroblasts and undifferentiated stem cells. In addition, they utilized cells isolated from different animal species, which they note may not be consistent with the behavior of human dental pulp cells.
	
	“Despite these obvious limitations, we are convinced that the engineered microchannels could enhance the formation of cell-based microvessels in a hydrogel loaded with co-cultures of endothelial cells and dentin progenitor cells of human source,” the researchers state. “This forms the basis for future studies in our laboratory, as well as a more thorough in-vivo analysis of the effectiveness of the proposed approach.”
	
	The study, titled “

A Novel Strategy to Engineer Pre-Vascularized Full-Length Dental Pulp-Like Tissue Constructs






Endodontic treatment is an effective option for patients whose dental pulp has become inflamed or infected. However, one of the major drawbacks of root canals is that the infected dental tissue is removed and replaced with synthetic biomaterials, which eliminates the tooth’s blood and nerve supply.

Can root canal treatment be improved with prefabricated blood vessels?

	Lasers have been used in dentistry for more than two decades, and during that time they’ve become known as an effective treatment for a variety of procedures, including removing inflamed tissues, treating infections and whitening teeth.

Lasers allow dentists to perform detailed and precise procedures and, in some cases, they may cause less pain and minimize bleeding. Today, lasers are available in multiple wavelengths and many utilize built-in batteries, meaning clinicians can now be more mobile when it comes to providing treatment. Ongoing training and education allow dentists to offer better, more effective treatment.

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	As laser dentistry continues to evolve, clinicians now have more choices than ever when it comes to selecting a laser for their practice. Whether you’re interested in an all-tissue laser, a diode laser, a soft-tissue model or all of the above, the lasers in the next few pages offer a range of costs, sizes and capabilities.

	Click through the slides to view some of the most advanced lasers on the market.

	The Picasso LITE PLUS diode laser is said to offer a complete laser solution for dentists looking for power, control and flexibility when integrating laser technology into their practices. The laser can be used for a wide range of cases, including gingivectomies, troughing, frenectomies and apthous ulcers, and reportedly provides precision, predictability and a great patient experience. Additional features are said to include a wireless foot control, color touchscreen, built-in treatment timers, easy-to-use presets, customizable continuous/pulsed modes, and adjustable volume and aiming beam intensity.

 is reportedly the first premium diode laser, providing unmatched cutting speed, consistency, safety and precision. An automatic power control feature is designed to provide consistent and reliable cutting conditions and to adjust laser energy in real time. The Super Thermal Pulse is engineered to offer increased precision and safety, providing soft tissue ample time to relax between pulses. Other features include a built-in tip integrity indicator and exclusive tips that can last up to six minutes of continuous use, as well as a large display and standard and advanced modes for unlimited control and flexibility.

	The Precise LTM diode laser system reportedly utilizes state-of-the-art diode laser technology to perform soft-tissue procedures in an unparalleled way. It is said to be the lowest cost per-use soft-tissue laser on the market, and it has some of the most predictable manipulation of oral soft tissue. The laser is designed to be used for gingival troughing, gingival contouring, gingivectomy, abscess care, frenum release and more. It includes four custom settings and is engineered to be easy to learn and simple to operate.

	“I have not used a better laser since I have been practicing. I use it for frenectomies, crown preps, and implant uncoveries to name just a few. I love the retractable fiber and the cordless foot pedal. I will be buying more of these lasers in the future.”
	-Dr Joshua Friedman, Ray Dental Group, Rapid City, South Dakota

 is reportedly the first and only laser that can cut any tissue with a single setting. This approach is designed to work for tooth structure as well as bone and soft tissue, enabling dentists to deliver anesthesia-free, blood-free, suture-free and pain-free results. Equipped with innovative new features and benefits, Solea SW 3.1.1 software is engineered to provide dental professionals with unprecedented usability and patients with a more comfortable experience.

	“I am constantly trying to be a better dentist, and part of that journey is discovering technologies that can move the needle in my practice. One look at Solea’s unique 9.3 micron wavelength that cuts both hard and soft tissue and I was sold. With Solea, performing anesthesia-free and blood-free procedures have significantly increased my production, and chair time is half of what it used to be.”
	-Dr. Michael Kelly, Aesthetic Dentistry, Scottsdale, Arizona

	Aquamarine is a diode laser that is engineered to allow dentists to work with high precision and efficiency. Its 445 nm wavelength is designed to let the laser cut quicker and require less power. The result is reportedly faster treatment with minimized bleeding and thermal damage and increased effectiveness. A built-in battery is said to provide a mobile treatment solution for more than one hour of uninterrupted use.

 is said to offer endless versatility through two proven wavelengths: Nd:YAG and Er:YAG. These wavelengths reportedly offer unrivaled power and precise pulse control, resulting in high levels of efficacy for a wide spectrum of procedures. The system’s OPTOflex® articulated arm is engineered to deliver the system’s 20 watts of power.

	The LightScalpel is a soft-tissue carbon dioxide laser that is reportedly the most efficient, ergonomic and affordable CO

 laser system currently on the American market. Its 10,600-nm wavelength is said to be the only practical wavelength that accurately cuts and efficiently coagulates soft tissue simultaneously. It is designed, manufactured and serviced in the U.S.

	“As a pediatric dentist with 15 years of laser experience, including diode and erbium classes of lasers, I now exclusively use the LightScalpel CO

laser for every infant soft tissue surgery. The adjustments for various tissue types and the exact precision of ablation are unparalleled. No other laser allows for this fine surgical control. I would never treat a patient with any other laser.”
	-Martin A. Kaplan, DMD, DABLS, director of dental laser education and development at the American Board of Laser Surgery and founder of Kid Care Dental, PC in Stoughton, Massachusetts

	The Pioneer Elite laser is said to feature proven technology that provides more convenience, easier operation, more flexibility and unmatched portability. The unique design features an ergonomic handle and a docking cradle. It comes standard with more than 30 preset clinical procedures installed along with the ability to easily create your own programs.

 810 + 980 soft tissue laser is said to be dentistry’s first dual-wavelength soft tissue diode laser with 20 watts of peak super-pulsed power and a fully transparent electroluminescent display. The unique dual wavelength technology combines the optimal melanin absorption of an 810 nanometer wavelength laser with the optimal water absorption of a 980 nanometer wavelength laser. No matter the procedure, the innovative Gemini laser reportedly makes it faster, smoother and more efficient.

	The Lumix 2-45W is a desktop laser that combines 45 watts peak power of superpulsed 910 nm infrared with 100 mW of 650 nm continuous wave red laser. The therapeutic laser is engineered to effectively reduce pain without the need for prescription painkillers and speed healing after a procedure, reducing complications and side effects.

	“My practice is equally divided between prosthodontics and craniofacial pain disorders. I purchased my Lumix in 2007 and have found it very useful in both disciplines. The accelerated tissue healing response is phenomenal, especially notable following extractions and implant surgery. We have also had significant results using it in the treatment of inflammatory disorders, neuralgias, and tendon and ligament injuries, as well as myofascial pain."
	-Joseph N. Tregaskes, DMD, Richmond, Virginia

	The Photon Plus 10 Watt is a next-generation dental diode laser with a 980 nm diode. The laser is said to be a high-quality product equipped with unique and unmatched features at a dramatically lower price point than other competitive products. The versatile and portable laser is engineered to be gentle and comfortable.

	“I purchased a Zolar 10 Watt diode laser last year and wanted to tell you how much I enjoy it. I have used almost every laser on the market including CO

, erbium and diodes of many brands. I particularly enjoy the wireless foot pedal that unclutters my operatory. The user interface is very intuitive and easy to use. This laser can easily be configured in terms of pulse and refractory times, which makes it kind to soft tissues of the mouth. I use this laser for oral soft tissue surgery such as frenectomies and also for vital pulpotomies. This laser has become invaluable in preserving primary teeth through vital pulptomy.
	-Robert T. Wade, MS, DDS, Urbandale, Iowa

A look at some of the newest and most advanced dental lasers available. 


Choosing a dental laser for your practice

	The topic of tooth regeneration in humans has been steadily growing in popularity.

 in Japan recently studied successful tooth regeneration in a postnatal large mammal. They found that the developmental process of a bioengineered tooth’s formation was practically identical to that of a natural tooth, and that the bioengineered tooth had the same structure and chemical composition of a natural one.

, researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology King’s College in London studied hundreds of Lake Malawi cichlids, small fish that are native to Tanzania. The researchers discovered that, with the right stimulation, human epithelial tissue might be manipulated into regenerating new teeth.

Trending research: Extract of popular fruit could extend life of fillings

	While all vertebrates have some sort of dental regeneration ability, humans lose the ability to regrow teeth after two generations. In an effort to better understand regenerative tooth capabilities and develop clinical applications in humans, researchers from the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom, University of Tokyo in Japan and Natural History Museum in London examined embryos and scans of 

.
	
	The team of researchers, which was led by 

 from the Department of Animal and Plant Sciences at the University of Sheffield, discovered that the pufferfish beak is composed of four main units, one in each jaw quadrant. Each dental unit, which is band-like in shape, is created through the progressive accumulation of teeth. Pufferfish regenerate and replace their teeth within the dental cavity. Instead of losing teeth, multiple generations of teeth stack together within a compact mass, forming the beak. The oldest teeth are located at the top while the newest teeth develop at the base.

	“We decided to study pufferfish beaks because they are some of the most novel and bizarre dentitions in the animal kingdom,” Fraser says via email. “As the name suggests, instead of making a 'normal' fish dentition with individual teeth, the pufferfish makes a unique beak-like dentition. The reason why this structure is so interesting to us is due to the way the beak forms via a modified form of dental regeneration. In most animals, including humans, first teeth are made and are replaced by similar teeth; however, in pufferfish the 'normal' first teeth are not all replaced and tooth replacement is restricted to the four front teeth.
	
	“But the way these four teeth are replaced is odd compared to all other animals-it's even odd compared to other fish," Fraser continues. "Each tooth is replaced by elongated jaw length bands of enamel-like tissue and dentineand these structures are equivalent to a single replacement tooth in each jaw quadrant. The pufferfish produces multiple generations to these bands in each quadrant that stack together over developmental time to create the final form of the beak, necessary to crush hard prey items. The fact that these fish can regenerate their beaks continuously throughout life is one of the main reasons why we study fish.”
	
	The results of the study showed that pufferfish use the same stem cells for tooth regeneration as humans do and that the pufferfish has a similar tooth-making process as other vertebrates, including humans. The pufferfish simply replace some of their teeth with the elongated bands that form their characteristic beak.

	"Our findings were really exciting as we not only discovered how the pufferfish can make and regenerate its beak-like dentition, but we also identified the location of the stem cells that maintain the production of teeth that form the beak," Fraser says. "These stem cells are incredibly conserved among toothed animals, including humans, however in pufferfish they are maintained throughout life in the lips of the pufferfish, constantly activated for new teeth at the base of the beak. Our study showed that the pufferfish utilize the same highly conserved set of genes that we know are also important for tooth development and regeneration in all other toothed animals, including humans. This means that even the study of these weird fishes can help our understanding of general tooth development-and the study of these key stem cells for tooth regeneration can offer clues that may even help future human tooth therapies."

	Fraser adds that further studies may uncover how dental stem cells can be maintained and activated throughout life for a continuous supply of teeth.

More from the author: Study finds link between severe gum disease and higher mortality rate in cirrhosis patients

	"Furthermore, this work will shed light on why these animals maintain their dental regenerative ability whereas other animals, e.g. humans, stop this process after a restricted number of tooth generations," he says. "We question whether the capacity for further regeneration can be achieved in animals with restricted tooth regeneration, so could we use this information to stimulate new tooth generations in animals where tooth production has ceased. Pufferfish may be able to help us get over this dental therapeutic hurdle."

	Alex Thiery, a Ph.D. student at the University of Sheffield who contributed to the study, says, “I hope that our data encourage further dental developmental research in a wide range of vertebrate models, which will further our understanding as to how teeth are regenerated. In the future I hope this research, together with work in a range of other vertebrate models, can further our understanding as to how dental regeneration has been modified in vertebrates throughout evolutionary time, and ultimately why dental regenerative ability is lost in humans.”

Spatially restricted dental regeneration drives pufferfish beak development

," first appeared in the scientific journal 

Researchers discovered that pufferfish use the same stem cells for tooth regeneration as humans. 

Study finds human teeth evolved from same genes as pufferfish

	About 2,305 companies were on display at IDS this year, the world’s leading trade fair for the dental industry.

This year’s show, which was held in March in Cologne, Germany, placed a heavy emphasis on digitizing and streamlining the design and manufacturing process within dentistry. Innovations in CBCT systems, milling machines, design software and materials were on display as companies from around the world showcased their new products and technologies.

Related reading: 10 things we saw at IDS 2017 that blew us away

	Here, we’ve rounded up some of the most interesting products that made their debut at this year’s show.

	Click through the slides to check out some of the top products from IDS 2017.

, a high translucent zirconia, reportedly combines high mechanical parameters with excellent esthetics. Its strength of over 1,000 MPa is in the same range as the HT zirconia Ceramill Zolid; however, the new material is said to have greater light optical properties. An optimized manufacturing process is engineered to positively influence the milling of the blank. The white Ceramill Zolid HT+ portfolio will include pre-stained Preshade blanks in 16 VITA tooth shades.

, with its intelligent tools, is said to make it even easier for newcomers to enter the world of digital prosthetics. Its features include even greater user-friendliness, realistic visualization, increased speed and high-quality results. The intuitive user interface of the software is essential for a fast yet precise workflow. In addition, the number of steps necessary for a restoration reportedly has been considerably reduced and many are performed automatically.

 is said to be the most advanced desktop 3D printer ever created. A powerful, 250mW precision laser is guided by custom-built galvanometers, engineered to deliver prints with spectacular detail. A new peel mechanism and heated resin tank reportedly create a reliable print process for large, solid parts and small intricate details. Users can easily send prints over Wi-Fi, reprint previous jobs, and manage the print queue with a new touchscreen interface and wireless connectivity.

VPI Emergence Profile Management System kit

 is designed to contain all the tools needed to create the optimum natural emergence profile, including a VPI EP Indicator and VP EP Mold. The mold template is engineered for assistants to use to simply fabricate a custom healing abutment that replicates the natural shape of the emergence profile, regardless of size. The Indicator reportedly helps clinicians determine the proper size and shape of the healing abutment that the patient needs. The kit also contains guide pins to evaluate the correct position and angulation of the implant.

	Innovato Holdings
	+306 972550373  |  

	The KaVo OP 3D Vision X-ray system, with 9 FoV sizes and various low-dose settings, is designed to offer great flexibility when choosing the exposure mode. The system is upgradeable to meet the needs of growing practices. The OP 3D Vision utilizes QuickScan+ for 3D X-ray exposures with reportedly only 4.8 seconds cycle time and ultra low radiation dose. Visual iQuityTM allows for optimized 3D image quality and clarity, while the SmartScan STUDIO TM touchscreen is engineered for quick and simple operation with a user-friendly operating concept.

 introduced four new milling machines at IDS 2017: three designed for laboratory use (the PM3, PM5 and PM7) and one for chairside milling (the PrograMill One). The laboratory mills are designed for wet and dry milling procedures and suitable for a wide spectrum of indications. The PrograMill One is reportedly the world’s smallest 5-axis milling machine, combining industrial manufacturing quality with high precision and modern design. A comprehensive range of accessories supplements the new machine portfolio.

	Natural Dental Implants AG unveiled a 3D-printable 

, which is currently available in Europe and will be available in the U.S. pending FDA approval. The tooth is made up of a titanium root portion fused to a zirconia abutment portion, similar to the currently available milled version. The REPLICATE Tooth can reportedly be manufactured to fit into the patient’s current tooth socket, eliminating the need to drill.

	Natural Dental Implants AG
	866-503-0552  |  

 showcased its new Trefoil concept, which fits a prefabricated framework over three implants to create a fixed, final, full-arch restoration. The product can be placed on the day of surgery and is engineered to be adjustable, allowing clinicians to compensate for any inaccuracy in the placement of the implants. The Trefoil concept is expected to be available in the U.S. in 2018.

	The TruPrint 1000 is a 3D printer that provides a multi-laser option for selective laser melting. By printing with two lasers, the printer reportedly increases productivity by 80 percent. A recoating system is engineered to enable powder recoating and laser exposure partly in parallel. Additional features are said to include quick installation, ergonomic handling and an intuitive touchscreen.

	Combining high-quality spatial resolution with a significant reduction in X-ray doses, 

 is reportedly the most powerful and comprehensive CBVT system on the market. It is designed to adapt to the growing needs of dental offices by pairing 2D panoramic with 3D imaging and digital cephalometric analysis when necessary. Its 3D imaging is said to offer high precision of the anatomy from a single scan and provide a full understanding of the patient’s jaw.

	ACTEON North America
	800-289-6367  |  

	The X1 4-in-1 CBCT scanner is designed to deliver CBCT, panoramic, cephalometric and face scanning in one system. Featuring 

 unique motion compensation technology, the X1 reportedly creates uniquely clear and precise images by limiting blurring and motion artifacts, delivering images that are more accurate. No head fixation and a sleek design are said to create a comfortable scanning experience.  

A look at some of the products and solutions on display at dentistry’s biggest show. 
