Laura Dorr is the former executive editor of DPR's Modern Dental Network and a regular contributing author.

Laura Dorr

	When Dr. Ron Kaminer, a general and cosmetic dentist in Hewlett, New York, first thought about imaging options for his practice, he knew he needed something efficient, quick and simple that provided both high-quality images and maximum patient comfort. He wanted to minimize radiation exposure time and eliminate the hassle of stocking

	processing solutions and supplies. After weighing his options, Dr. Kaminer settled on PSP (Phosphor Storage Plates) digital radiography.

	“PSPs act like traditional X-rays in that they are comfortable and easy to place in the Rinn/ XCP,” Dr. Kaminer says. “They are way better than traditional radiographs in that they require far less radiation, image quality is great and there are no chemicals to dip in to.”

	It was with this in mind that Dr. Kaminer invested in a ScanX Duo digital radiography system from Air Techniques. The Duo, a chairside two-track system capable of reading images from two PSPs simultaneously, provided Dr. Kaminer with greater diagnostic capabilities, thanks to the impressive image quality-up to 20 lp/mm true resolution with a 100-percent-active diagnostic area, available in just seconds.

No longer the future, digital impressions are ready right now

	“Not only do you get clear images, but there’s no learning curve from traditional X-rays,” Dr. Kaminer explains. “ScanX is easy to use-and it was very easy to integrate. We did just one short training session and the staff was ready to go.”

	This easy integration is aided by the fact that once ScanX is installed, it works with any existing X-ray system-while also eliminating the headache of film-processor maintenance and messy chemicals. Dr. Kaminer was so impressed with the system, he also invested in the ScanX Swift, a smaller one-track system he put in several of his operatories.

	“It was just so easy to integrate into our workflow,” Dr. Kaminer says. “An FMX comes out quickly and a single image appears with the Swift in seconds.”

	The benefits of the ScanX systems extend to the patient as well because ScanX PSPs are 30 times thinner than wired sensors, and are flexible with rounded corners. Due to these features, “these phosphor plates allow for maximum patient comfort,” Dr. Kaminer says. 

	It was also a good move for his practice financially.

	“The investment for a whole practice is far less than if you went with sensors,” Dr. Kaminer explains. “Maintenance is negligible and there are virtually no repairs.”

	Dr. Kaminer also likes that replacement plates are rarely necessary, thanks to the durability of the PSPs that can be used hundreds of times. And, even in the off chance a plate does get damaged, Dr. Kaminer isn’t concerned: “If a plate gets scratched, you just throw it out since it is so inexpensive to replace,” he says.

	All of this has combined to make Dr. Kaminer a loyal ScanX user for more than 10 years.

	“Air Techniques is a phenomenal company dedicated to outstanding imaging. They are always reinventing the technology to keep up with the times and ScanX is no different,” Dr. Kaminer says. “They think about the workflow and understand that anything that negatively impacts workflow will not be accepted in the office.”

	“The ScanX unit is really outstanding,” he continues. “I don’t think there are any drawbacks to the current system.” 

Articles

Scanning made simple

	Every clinician’s goal is to provide smooth, quality endodontic care to their patients as comfortably as possible-but that can become challenging when your equipment isn’t up to the task. Dr. Bernice Ko, a private-practice endodontist in west Los Angeles, California, was frustrated by this during past endo treatments.

	“My experience with cordless endo motor options was there was not enough power in the handpiece, so the rotary file would get stuck during the canal preparation,” Dr. Ko says. “This created problems when trying to remove the rotary file safely from the canal and with completing the rotary root canal preparation.”

	In April, however, Dr. Ko found a solution to these problems in the new elements™ e-motion endodontic motor by Kerr. “I don’t run into these problems with the elements e-motion. It is a powerful endodontic motor,” she says.

The features                                                                           

	In addition to providing the necessary power, the elements e-motion uses an enhanced adaptive motion algorithm to provide greater cutting efficiency and better resistance against breakage, deformation and transportation.

	“Plus, it provides improved safety since it has dynamic adjustment from rotary to reciprocating motion,” she adds. “I particularly like the movement safety features (auto-stop, auto-reverse and auto-reverse forward) and the clockwise and counterclockwise motor rotation options. I do think making the direction of motor rotation feature more easily accessible on the touchscreen would be nice, but just having the feature is fantastic.”

	In addition to safety and power, the touchscreen is a big perk of the motor-and a big time-saver, thanks to its ease of use. The full-color screen provides easy access to the motor’s settings and users can customize it to their preferences.

	“The intuitive touchscreen is a huge benefit,” Dr. Ko says. “This is a notably complete system that is user-friendly. The pre-programmed file settings and customizable presets make it incredibly easy to integrate into your practice.”

	Dr. Ko has in fact integrated the motor into multiple procedural steps, including crown-down root canal preparation, glide path creation and the completion of root canal shaping. She has found it simplifies procedures not only for herself but also for her patients.

	“Other corded endo motor options I’ve tried were relatively loud, which can be unsettling for patients,” she explains. “The motors also didn’t have smooth operation, which makes procedures more difficult. However, the elements e-motion is much quieter and operates much more smoothly.”

	And, thanks to the motor’s ergonomic design, the procedure itself will go more smoothly. Four mounting options for handpieces make it easy for left- or right-handed practitioners to customize to their needs and their operatory’s setup. Additionally, the handpiece’s small head makes it easier to reach posterior areas and allows for more visibility.

	Why you should invest in the elements e-motion endodontic motor

	Overall, Dr. Ko thinks the elements e-motion is a good addition to any operatory.

	“I would definitely recommend the elements e-motion to other clinicians,” Dr. Ko says. “It is a powerful, complete and user-friendly system. Once you try the elements e-motion, it will be quite difficult to return to your previous endodontic motor of choice.”


	Dr. Bernice Ko is a paid consultant for Kavo Kerr. The opinions expressed in this interview are those of Dr. Ko. 

	KaVo Kerr is a medical device manufacturer and does not dispense medical advice. Clinicians should use their own professional judgement in treatment of their patients. 

How the new elements™ e-motion endodontic motor enables optimal endodontic care.  

The power to provide quality treatment

	Gum disease is a rampant issue in the United States, with more than 65 million adults suffering from periodontitis. Such prevalence requires simple, convenient, affordable and most importantly, effective cutting-edge treatment options.

	The LANAP protocol promises to deliver just that. An FDA-approved laser-based gum treatment using Millennium Dental Technologies’ PerioLase MVP-7 Nd:YAG laser, the procedure treats gum disease by regenerating alveolar bone, periodontal ligament and cementum lost to disease.

	Dr. Cerisa Moncayo, a general dentist and LANAP clinician in private practice in Pacific Palisades, Calif., was originally skeptical. “I needed to see for myself what the PerioLase was actually about,” she says. “I’ve had experience with a lot of dental lasers, so I know every laser has its limitations.” But her concerns proved to be unfounded. “After using it and learning how much it actually can do, I was pleasantly surprised!”

Related reading: How an all-tissue laser changed the life of my practice

	Dr. Moncayo cites benefits such as effectiveness, procedural simplicity and being able to offer an alternative to traditional therapy.

	“We always want to offer our patients effective treatment that will improve their status,” she explains. “Periodontal disease can be addressed by traditional therapy, other lasers and impeccable hygiene, but it can be reversed with LANAP to help our patients obtain true periodontal health. If a tooth is too far gone, traditional therapy may be hopeless in the long term.”

The PerioLase and the LANAP protocol are also a big hit with patients. “Patients love the idea of a no-cut, no-sew approach-something that’s effective and not scary-sounding,” Dr. Moncayo says. “There’s something about a laser that is much more inviting and acceptable to patients than a sharp stainless-steel instrument.”

	Additional patient benefits include time savings and pain reduction. The LANAP protocol requires fewer appointments than conventional treatments and reduced recovery time. “If done properly, it’s relatively painless,” Dr. Moncayo says. “Even my 95-year-old patient said the procedure and recovery were comfortable and like nothing she’d experienced before.”

	Dr. Moncayo has found few drawbacks, though she does note integrating the LANAP protocol and the PerioLase can take some time.

	“However, anything to elevate your practice and skill set is an investment,” she says. “Any treatment modality you incorporate into your practice must be implemented with proper training, which takes time. The LANAP protocol definitely takes time to execute properly. There are no shortcuts.”

More from the author: The top 16 worst dental patients ever

	However, once she put it into practice, Dr. Moncayo found it was worth the effort. “The PerioLase has become my mainstay of sorts. The applications are numerous,” she says. “It was easy to incorporate not only for the LANAP protocol and to address  periodontal diseases, but I use it daily for restorative and surgical procedures and a ton of other value-added procedures.”

	“I practice biomimetic dentistry, so supragingival dentistry is imperative,” she adds. “The PerioLase allows me to isolate margins-no more packing cord. If we take out a tooth or there’s angry tissue, the PerioLase achieves hemostasis. If my patient has an achy aphthous ulcer, the PerioLase immediately offers relief and speeds up healing. It simplifies procedures by offering a better, more effective alternative to how we normally would do something.”

	Millennium Dental makes the learning process smooth, Dr. Moncayo says. “During training, you’re in close contact with the founders-dentists themselves-as well as specialists and general dentists who have been practicing with the PerioLase for decades,” she says. “It’s entirely patient-focused. I feel like that’s what we need to be as clinicians. If you have curiosity to help your patients with another treatment modality, it doesn’t hurt to look into it yourself.”

How one doctor is providing effective periodontal care for her patients with the LANAP protocol and PerioLase MVP-7.

Using a laser for simplified gum disease treatment

	Dentists always want to provide their patients with the most natural-looking restorations, but color matching can often mean struggling to choose from an overwhelming 19 different VITA shades. Sometimes, fewer options work better-and can make a practice more efficient.

	Dr. Jason Lipscomb, a private-practice dentist in Richmond, Va., discovered just that with 

, which conveniently features eight designer shades. These eight options cover all the classical VITA shades, and an Extra White shade covers the VITA bleach shades. This helps practitioners create natural restorations with fewer shades. Having fewer options has greatly simplified the shade process for Dr. Lipscomb since he began using Filtek Universal in his practice several months ago.

	“So often you find an in-between shade that’s hard to match, but Filtek Universal is great for those teeth,” Dr. Lipscomb says. “In fact, the first thing I noticed with Filtek Universal was the color matching and chameleon effect.

Trending article: The top 10 best cities for dentists in 2019

	“To be honest, shade matching in posterior restorations was not a high priority for my patients. We would try to match as best as possible, but it wasn’t always a home run,” he continues. “With the new Filtek Universal, it’s much easier to match those restorations, and it allows us to give the best results for our patients-even in areas that might not be critical in terms of esthetics.”

	As a result, Dr. Lipscomb has replaced some of the other products he’s long used, particularly posterior composites, with Filtek Universal. This is in part due to the product’s color-matching capabilities, but also because it’s easy to work with, thanks to its creamy handling and 2 mm depth of cure.

	“Filtek Universal is very easy to place, polish and, of course, match,” Dr. Lipscomb says. “I have always enjoyed the way Filtek handles and the polishing characteristics. It seems to work quite well in my composite warmer as well.”

Filtek Universal is also hardy and stands the test of time. AFM and AUDMA monomers ensure low-shrinkage stress and improved stress relief, while nanoparticles provide long-lasting wear resistance.

	While Dr. Lipscomb has found Filtek Universal also can be effective in anterior restorations because it offers excellent polish retention and blends well with surrounding dentition, he does say it’s on a case-by-case basis.

	“I’ve used Universal for several anterior restorations and it matches very well, but it may not be my choice in all cases,” he explains. “However, the NaturalMatch technology is a big success. I was surprised by the shade matching. Every time you try a new product, you never know if it will live up to the hype-but Filtek Universal does.”

Read more: Enhancing restorative dentistry with advanced materials

	Because of this uncertainty, implementing a new product can be intimidating. However, Dr. Lipscomb was pleased to find he had help with the learning curve thanks to the educational opportunities available through 3M and Bioclear®, who teamed up for educational sessions and training for dentists using 3M materials in the implementation of the Bioclear Method.

	“I recently had the pleasure of attending a local Bioclear class. It shined a light on the proper workflow for 3M products such as Scotchbond™ and Filtek composites, which has carried over to my use of Filtek Universal. I was impressed by the continuing education offerings from 3M, and it has helped me become more efficient in my practice. I would highly recommend taking advantage of 3M educational opportunities to gain a better understanding of their products and their uses.”

	The bottom line for Dr. Lipscomb? Filtek Universal can ensure that posterior restoration “home run” he was sometimes missing with other products. “I would recommend Universal to other clinicians. The shade matching is a great addition to any toolbox!”

How 3M™ Filtek™ Universal Restorative is helping one practitioner provide better shade matching with more efficiency. 

Shade matching simplified

	Tooth sensitivity can be a big challenge for patients during home care-and while in the dental chair. Gingivitis, gum recession and inflammation leave areas feeling sensitive, so patients avoid sore areas while brushing or flossing.

	This starts a challenging cycle: As areas are missed, more plaque and tarter build up, leading to gingivitis and periodontal disease, resulting in greater sensitivity. By the time a patient makes it to the dental chair, a routine cleaning could become a very painful experience.

	Enter Crest Gum and Sensitivity toothpaste. Formulated with stannous fluoride to block tubules and start working immediately, the toothpaste claims to relieve sensitivity pain within days. Amy Hazlewood, BS, RDH, is a dental hygienist who has been practicing clinical hygiene for more than 35 years, and she’s excited to see such an effective product come to market.

Related reading: What your patients NEED to know about gum recession

	“I think dental professionals will love Crest Gum and Sensitivity because their patients’ teeth will be less sensitive, not only at home so they can do better with their brushing and flossing, but also in the dental chair. When patients come into the dental office for their care, they will be less sensitive to the instruments, and then we can do our job in a more comfortable way for them,” Hazlewood says.                                 

	Crest Gum and Sensitivity toothpaste kills the plaque bacteria that can cause gingivitis and prevent gingival recession. Formulated with stannous fluoride, the toothpaste occludes exposed tubules and creates a shield around exposed dentin to provide relief from sensitivity. Since 80 percent of tooth sensitivity begins at the gum line due to recession, reaching below that line to combat bacteria can be critical.

	“The toothpaste goes under the gum to target the bacteria that are most likely to cause gingivitis,” Hazlewood says. “So, it is very effective while still being gentler for people that have super-sensitive teeth.” 

	For those with sensitive taste buds as well as teeth, Crest Gum and Sensitivity toothpaste has another perk: the taste isn’t overwhelming. 

	“People so far love the taste, as Crest has really toned down the strong, spicy mint flavor,” Hazlewood explains. “It’s not overwhelming or off-putting for patients.”

	The toothpaste is available in three versions: All-Day Protection, Refreshing Mint and Gentle Whitening, which has the added bonus of provided whitening to patients who might otherwise be too sensitive for it.

	“I’ve been practicing for a few decades and I’m seeing sensitivity increase, so we’re always looking for ways to help people. Whitening or tarter control products can be a little too sensitive for some people, but this can help counteract that issue,” Hazlewood says. “This answers all of the questions or issues patients have: cavities, gum inflammation, tooth sensitivity-what more could we ask for? I haven’t seen any downsides and I can’t think of another thing Crest could have done differently with this product.”

	Hazlewood is excited about the effects Crest Gum and Sensitivity toothpaste can have for patients (and practitioners) as well as the positive reinforcement it can provide for patients to encourage them to keep up with their oral health care.

	“We’re always looking for new products to improve the oral health of our country. We don't want to hurt people; we want them to feel good and repeat their visits,” Hazlewood says. “I think there is no question we’ll be seeing that as an effect of this stabilized stannous.”

How Crest Gum and Sensitivity toothpaste can help both you and your patients.

Tackling sensitivity at the source

	The Top 100 issue is a longstanding tradition here at Dental Products Report, and one we look forward to every year. DPR published its first “Trends in Dentistry” issue in December 1984, and for almost as long, the magazine has used the December issue to showcase products that received the higher reader response throughout the year. But, we know that there’s more to dentistry than just products - which is why our Top 100 issue includes a whole lot more.

	In addition to the products that stood out in 2018, our Top 100 includes the most-viewed dental, practice management, lab and hygiene articles; the most popular videos that captured your attention throughout the year; and the top how-tos demonstrating products and techniques. Dr. John Flucke, DPR’s chief dental editor and technology editor, shares his top test drives from the year and explains how and why those products won him over While criteria for each list differed, this compilation represents feedback from you, our readers and users, the insight of our editorial team, and conversations with key opinion leaders and our editorial advisory board. Any list that includes the phrase “most viewed” or “most popular” is based on reader interest as measured through traffic on dentalproductsreport.com. It’s important to note that recognition of these products and articles isn’t an unqualified endorsement by DPR, and we don’t present it as a completely comprehensive review of products in the industry.

Trending article: The top 10 most-read articles of 2018

And while the list shows which particular articles were the most popular, we also wanted to feature what types of features were the most-consumed this year. We monitored our reader interest in various features in two main ways: First, we track the performance of articles on the web - what is being viewed, liked, commented on and shared; Second, we invest in a readership study conducted by a third-party vendor that asks subscribers what they prioritize and value in DPR’s content mix. The amazing thing is, no matter how much we asked or who we asked, our techniques, case studies and how-to pieces continue to be among the top-requested, best-read and most-valued
	articles. Knowing that, we pulled out the top 10 how-to pieces from 2018, which include restorative dentistry techniques, helpful how-tos and other step-by-steps showcasing how new technologies are used in dentistry every day.

	Our online promotion of the different lists will be not just a platform for sharing the news, but we hope a platform for conversation on what belongs on each list. What product should have been an editor’s choice? What how-to from this year should have been recognized? We want to know what you think. Your feedback is the lifeblood of what we do - not just in this special issue but year-round. We’re proud of what we’ve put together for you this month, and we look forward to the debates over who and what should have been on the list(s). Don’t be shy; chime in!

2018 in review

	Dentistry seems like it should be a straightforward occupation: You spend time studying dutifully, learn to provide expert care, treat patients, perform procedures and feel satisfied at the end of the day.

Except for those days where satisfaction turns to amazement, befuddlement or utter shock. Because sometimes, things get strange in the dental world. Real strange. Stranger Things-level strange, for which no amount of classroom studies or even years of practice could prepare you. From patients who bare their bottoms and wannabe-dentists removing teeth with pliers, to drug-trafficking practitioners and mouths full of cockroaches, you never know what to expect when the next unbelievable dental story ends up in the news – or more shockingly, in your chair.

	We’ve compiled a list of our six favorite stories of the most bizarre, absurd and outlandish things the dental industry has faced in recent years, and the tales are pretty unbelievable. These articles cover everything from peculiar dental crimes to poorly performed DIY dentistry to patient horror stories, all of which will leave you wondering, “what could happen tomorrow in this weird, weird world of dentistry?”

	Continue to the next page to see the weird stories.

	The 10 weirdest things patients have done in the dental practice

	You’ve probably got a whole practice full of perfectly nice, normal patients who behave predictably. But then there’s that one who is full of … surprises. Whether it’s something they said or something they did, these out-of-the-ordinary patients never cease to shock and amaze as they take outlandish to a whole new level. The upside? We’re left with some pretty unforgettable stories.

	We polled you, our readers, for your tales of the patients that will always stick out in your memory-for the weirdest reasons. From the bizarre to the disgusting, the unbelievable to the hilarious, your anecdotes did not disappoint. Here are the weirdest of the strange stories that we compiled.

	The strangest dental crimes in the United States

	Sometimes, people make mistakes. Sometimes, people get caught and arrested for those mistakes. And sometimes, those people are dentists.

	We searched the country for the most bizarre, hilarious, disgusting, unbelievable and absurd stories of dental and tooth-related crimes. The results are astounding: From dentists having armed standoffs with law enforcement, to misbehaving tooth fairies, to wrestling matches with patients, our 50 states are chockfull of toothy crime stories that will make you cringe, laugh and leave you dumbfounded.

	There were a plethora of stories to choose from, but for this compilation, we tried to steer clear of the really bad apples and keep it PG. So, while some of these stories are sure to shock, we’ve avoided coverage of the really horrid stuff and have instead focused on the weird and wacky.

	So, check out the action in your state, or click through them all. Dive on in, and get ready: It’s going to be a wild ride. 

	The 9 craziest ways people have pulled teeth

	Pulling loose teeth is nothing new - but the ways these people did it certainly are.

	Losing a tooth is a right of passage of sorts, and some parents are ensuring that it is a memorable one for their loose-toothed children.

	We gathered up the nine most creative, bizarre and downright insane ways that folks have pulled loose baby teeth, and boy, are they impressive. (Beware: many of these will make dental professionals cringe!)

	From fake dentists to dental amnesia to patients using superglue as dental cement, there were a plethora of bizarre tooth-related stories gracing the headlines in the past few years.

	Because such insanity should not go unacknowledged, we're taking a look back at these stories that made us stop and say "WHAT?!," and have compiled a list of our favorite strange, hilarious and downright crazy dental news stories. An absurd mix of headlines made our top 10 list - and they are tales you'll have to read to believe!

	The top 13 freakiest dental horror stories

	Ghosts are scary. Ghouls are scary. But these creepy apparitions have nothing on some of the terrifying things that happen in the dental practice.

	“Surely dentistry can’t be THAT unnerving,” a layperson might say. We wanted to find out just how wrong they are. We polled our readers for the scariest, grossest, freakiest, most bizarre things they’ve seen in the dental practice, and got an overwhelming amount of cringe-worthy responses. There were dozens of astonishing tales, but we narrowed it down to the top 13. Some will make you shiver. Some will make you gag. Some will make you laugh. But all of them are guaranteed to leave you shaking your head in amazement.

	So, you're having a great day. Everything is going smoothly.

	And then... THAT patient walks in. The one who seems absolutely determined to ruin your day, totally tick you off, leave you dumbfounded or absolutely gross you out! 

	We polled you, our readers, for your stories of the patients that will always stick out in your memory-for all the wrong reasons.

	From the infuriating to the disgusting, the bizarre to the absurd, your tales did not disappoint. (In fact, as there were so many ridiculous anecdotes, keep an eye out for another installment of the weirdest things seen in a dental practice, coming soon!) Here are the worst of the worst stories that we compiled.

	Bonus weird story! Dentist arrested after allegedly pulling patient’s tooth while riding a hoverboard

	There are certain things one expects to see when visiting the dentist for a checkup: toothbrushes and floss, mouth mirrors, X-ray machines and various instruments. Then there are things that have no business being in a dental office, like say, a hoverboard.

	Apparently, Anchorage dentist Seth Lookhart of Clear Creek Dental didn’t get that memo. 

It’s a weird, weird world out there but these tales prove that the dental world might be one of the weirdest.

Dentistry seems like it should be a straightforward occupation: You spend time studying dutifully, learn to provide expert care, treat patients, perform procedures and feel satisfied at the end of the day.

6 stories that prove the dental industry is the weirdest

It’s a weird, weird world out there but these tales prove that the dental world might be one of the weirdest.

	2017 has been a remarkable year for dental advancements, from emerging technology and new products, to scientific discoveries and research breakthroughs. 

	The field of dental research had an especially impressive year, with new developments and discoveries emerging seemingly every day. We compiled a list of the top 10 most innovative, exciting and game-changing research studies published in 2017, all of which are paving the way for what is sure to be an exceptional next year of dental advancements. 

		New research discovers way to eliminate needles for dental anesthetic

		It may be scary to get into the dentist’s chair, but thanks to new research, there’s one thing uneasy patients might not have to worry about anymore: needles.

		A new study from the University of São Paulo found that there might be no need for needles when administering anesthetic for dental procedures. Instead, dentists could use a small electric current to give the anesthetic, saving time, money and unnecessary patient anxiety-which could potentially get more patients into the chair for procedures they might otherwise avoid because of a fear of needles.

	New discover could eliminate infections after root canals

	Root canals are bad enough without the threat of secondary infection and multiple follow-up visits. Now, thanks to a new device, researchers believe they can eradicate the need for numerous appointments-and cut down on treatment failure.

	Since approximately a quarter of root canals fail over time due to secondary infections, the ability to detect potentially hazardous leftover bacteria at the time of treatment could be extremely beneficial. It could also cut down on the number of visits, as most procedures currently require one or two secondary visits to the dentist. The new device, called SafeRoot, was created to detect any remaining bacteria at the completion of root canal treatment to reduce the need for reintervention or extraction.

	New vaccine could mean the end of periodontitis

	The treatment for periodontitis has been the same for years. Scaling and root planing to remove plaque, and maybe even surgery if the problem is serious. But even with dedicated patient compliance and dental intervention, the problem can progress and teeth can be lost.

	To combat this problem, a team of researchers at The University of Melbourne began looking for a more effective treatment method. Their results, as reported by Science Daily, culminated in a journal article titled “A therapeutic Porphyromonas gingivalis gingipain vaccine induces neutralising IgG1 antibodies that protect against experimental periodontitis.”

	Could this drug mean the end of dental fillings?

	Scientists at King’s College London have discovered a method for healing tooth pulp naturally. Normally, a tooth produces a thin band of dentine to cover the pulp when a tooth is damaged in some way. But this dentine is not always enough to really protect the pulp. For larger holes, such as caries, the dentine is not enough to fully heal the wound.

	To make up for this, dentists use synthetic cements and fillings to treat these larger holes. However, while these do fill the hole, they fail to restore the normal mineral level of the tooth because they do not disintegrate.

	To overcome this, researchers at King’s College London began studying the effects of stem cells, specifically how to renew in order to facilitate dentine production,

	New coating could make dental implants better than ever

	Infection is often cited as the main reason that most implants fail. If the risk of infection could be reduced, or even removed altogether, implant success would be much more likely.

	To accomplish this, a team of researchers at the UPV/EHU-University of Basque Country has developed implant coatings. The study, “Control of the degradation of silica sol-gel hybrid coatings for metal implants prepared by the triple combination of alkoxysilanes” was published in the Journal of Non-Crystalline solids.

	The coatings are not only able to prevent bacterial infection from occurring, but can also eliminate infection if it does occur. The coatings also have osseointegrating properties, which give greater strength to the implant.

	E-cigarettes shown to be detrimental to oral health in new study

	E-cigarettes have often been touted as a healthy alternative to conventional cigarettes. Instead of smoke, they produce vapor, which is often believed to be relatively harmless. 

	However, say researchers at Université Laval, this vapor still contains a variety of harmful chemicals that can damage the epithelial lining of the mouth. The study, as reported by Science Daily and published in the Journal of Cellular Physiology, found that e-cigarettes are more dangerous than many believe.

	Are dentists causing a deadly infection in patients?

	Antibiotics are prescribed by dentists for various treatments and the prevention of infection. And the rate of antibiotic prescribing by dentists seems to be increasing, according to a May 2016 study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association.

	But what happens when, rather than preventing infections, those antibiotics end up causing infections in patients? According to research presented at IDWeek 2017 in San Diego, antibiotics prescribed by dentists may be contributing to a serious and potentially deadly infection.

	According to the study, Clostridium difficile infections (C.diff) are the leading cause of health care-associated diarrhea. Two of the greatest risk factors for C.diff infections are antibiotic use and health care exposure.

	Can a green tea extract help prevent cavities?

	Green tea has long been touted for its health benefits. The drink is rich in polyphenols, which have been shown to help slow the growth of bacteria associated with gum disease. Now, researchers in China have discovered that green tea may also prove beneficial in treating tooth sensitivity-and preventing the formation of cavities in those patients.

	hinese researchers noted that a common method of treating tooth sensitivity is by plugging microscopic hollow tubes within dentin with a mineral called nanohydroxyapatite. However, the researchers say that these blocked tubules are generally weak in combating daily tooth erosion and abrasion. In addition, cariogenic bacteria can produce biofilm on the dentin surface, causing caries and compromising the tubules’ sealing efficacy.

	To address this problem, the researchers encapsulated nanohydroxyapatite and a green tea polyphenol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), in silica nanoparticles, which can reportedly stand up to acid wear and tear. After testing the biomaterial on extracted wisdom teeth, the researchers discovered that it effectively plugged the dentin tubules and released EGCG for at least 96 hours. Furthermore, the material prevented biofilm formation and stood up to tooth erosion and brushing.

	New study shows that oral bacteria can “lasso” onto heart tissues

	A new study has found out how an oral bacterium, Streptococcus gordonii, is able to attach itself to human tissues.

	The bacterium can cause infective endocarditis, a type of cardiovascular disease in which bacteria cause blood clots to form on heart valves. The disease is fatal if left untreated, but even with treatment, the mortality rates are still up to 30 percent. The study is featured as one of the “Editors’ Picks” in the current issue Journal of Biological Chemistry.

	As reported by the University of Bristol, a team from that same university in conjunction with Professor Rich Lamont at the University of Louisville, found that the bacterium creates a molecular “lasso” to pull itself toward human tissue. 

	Can ill-fitting dentures increase your oral cancer risk?

	About 25 percent of adults age 60 and older no longer have any natural teeth, according to the CDC. As a result, the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) estimates that 15 percent of the edentulous population has dentures made each year.

	While dentures can serve practical and esthetic purposes, they also come with some risks. In 2015, researchers in Japan found that elderly patients who wore dentures while sleeping had a higher risk of developing pneumonia than those who removed their dentures before bed. The researchers also discovered that patients who slept with their dentures were more likely to have gum inflammation, tongue and/or denture plaque and other oral health issues.

	Now, researchers in India have determined that dentures may also be associated with an additional health risk.

Dental research came a long way this year, and some studies stood out above the rest.