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

Laura Dorr

Articles

2015 has been a remarkable year in dental advancements, from emerging technology and new products, to scientific discoveries and research breakthroughs.

The top 10 dental discoveries of 2015

The year is winding down, and boy, has it been a weird one! 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 2015.

The top 10 weird dental news stories of 2015

As the year winds down, now is the perfect time to look back at 2015 and the dental news stories that stole the show. From hygiene breaches to legal decisions to insurance fraud and cyber attacks, dentistry graced the headlines frequently (and no, we aren't talking about Cecil the lion!).

The top 7 dental news stories of 2015

	With the holidays-and all of the accompanying sweet treats seemingly destined to cause dental caries-right around the corner, researchers at the University of Southern California have made a timely discovery that may lessen or even eradicate pain caused by tooth decay.

	Once tooth decay has weakened or destroyed enamel, the damage is permanent, as enamel cannot rejuvenate. Researchers at the 

 set out to determine whether or not there was any way to regenerate enamel, thus preventing the development of cavities.

More emerging research: New study finds troubling rates of dental implant complications

i, also of USC, discovered that an enzyme found in teeth called matrix metalloproteinase-20 could break up amelogenin proteins. These proteins are responsible for the formation of enamel crystals. Chopping up the proteins creates space for new materials to be introduced. This would allow holes and cracks to be filled and repaired.  

	“MMP-20 is released at a very early stage of enamel formation,” said Moradian-Oldak in a 

. “ MMP-20 chops up proteins during the crystallization of enamel. Together with other enzymes, it gets rid of ‘sludge’ so the enamel-making cells in the body can add more mineral and make enamel.”

Related reading: New study finds human tooth enamel development is linked to weaning

	“We present a novel functional mechanism of MMP-20, specifically prevention of unwanted organic material entrapped in the forming enamel crystals, which occurs as a result of precise amelogenin cleavage,” 

	With that in mind, researchers also determined that amelogenin-chitosan hydrogel could help repair early tooth decay by “growing an enamel-like layer that reduces lesions by up to 70 percent.”

	“After pH cycling and treatment with amelogenin-chitosan hydrogel, a synthetic layer composed of oriented apatite crystals was formed on the eroded enamel surfaces. The results clearly demonstrate that the … hydrogel is effective at the restoration of erosive and carious lesions,” 

More emerging research: New discovery can prevent dental implant infections

	While many products such as toothpastes or mouthwashes promote remineralization of enamel, they just serve as stopgaps and don’t actually solve the underlying problem. Although they reduce sensitivity, they are essentially just Band-Aids that can’t eliminate caries. The hydrogel actually fills in the holes with an enamel-like material, eliminating the threat of more cavities in the same location. By creating oriented crystals, the hydrogel reduced the depth of carious lesions 50-70 percent within the first seven days of application.

	Going forward, researchers hope to tweak the hydrogel recipe to create an even stronger enamel substitute. 

	“We create a protective cover on enamel,” 

. “We restore the structure of enamel, and it will prevent decay from progressing.”

Trending article: Study finds nanodiamonds might prevent tooth loss after root canals

	While the FDA hasn’t yet approved any variety of enamel-growing gel, Moradian-Oldak is optimistic that eventually hydrogel-saturdated teeth strips or mouth guards will be approved as vehicles for administering the hydrogel.  The hydrogel is currently in pre-clinical trials at USC.

	The initial MMP-20 research, entitled “

Matrix metalloproteinase-20 mediates dental enamel biomineralization by preventing protein occlusion inside apatite crystals

Efficacy of emelogenin-chitosan hydrogel in biomimetic repair of human enamel in pH-cycling systems

Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics

With the holidays-and all of the accompanying sweet treats seemingly destined to cause dental caries-right around the corner, researchers at the University of California have made a timely discovery that may lessen or even eradicate pain caused by tooth decay.

New research finds way to eliminate pain caused by tooth decay

	Watching cement dry sounds like about as much fun as watching paint do the same – but being patient and watching could have major implication for dental filling success.

	While examining how cement sets in real time, a 

 found that the cement used in dental fillings has ‘sweet points,’ that could have implications for increasing longevity and durability of dental fillings. 

	The ‘sweet points’ were “when the cement starts to approach the toughness of the tissue that our teeth are made of and occur in first 12 hours of setting.” Researchers discovered that the cement sets in fits and starts, not continuously as previously believed, giving insight into the timeline of the formation and filling of cracks.

	“Contrary to convention, we find setting is non-monotonic, characterized by abrupt features not previously detected, including a glass-polymer coupling point, an early setting point, where decreasing toughness unexpectedly recovers, followed by stress-induced weakening of interfaces,” 

. “Subsequently, toughness declines asymptotically to long-term fracture test values.”

	The researchers examined bioactive glass ionomer cement, made from glass powder, liquid polymer and water, a popular alternative in the UK to mercury amalgam that has been used in dentistry for over 40 years. Using computer models and intense beams of neutrons, they studied the surface between the glass particles and neighboring polymer as the cement strengthened.

	“Dental fillings are really complex materials,” 

 from Aberystwyth University. “Using neutrons we have discovered how mechanical toughness develops, element by element. This is fundamental physics in action for the general good.”

	“Most of us have fillings in our teeth and know that a crack means a trip to the dentist for a replacement,” 

 from Queen Mary University of London. “Our work opens up the possibility of tailoring the strength of non-mercury cements by homing in on the special setting points … to make dental fillings that not only last longer but could prevent future tooth decay.”

More emerging research: Study finds nanodiamonds might prevent tooth loss after root canals

	In addition to dental fillings, the findings could have implications for other industries (such as construction or road maintenance) that use cement.

Atomic and vibrational origins of mechanical toughness in bioactive cement during setting

While examining how cement sets in real time, a recent study found that the cement used in dental fillings has ‘sweet points,’ that could have implications for increasing longevity and durability of dental fillings.

Study finds watching cement dry could increase dental filling success

	Any dental procedure comes with the chance of infection, but a recent study out of Sweden has discovered that patients with dental implants run a high risk – and that several contributing factors can exacerbate this risk

 aimed to evaluate the correlation between dental implants, implant loss and 

, a destructive infection that affects the tissue surrounding dental implants and can result in loss of supporting jawbone. Researchers also explored the relationship between 

	The study consisted of 4,716 randomly selected participants that had all had dental implants in 2003-2004. Researchers sent out a survey and received dental records and charts for 2,765 patients in the study. 596 patients were also examined at a nine-year follow-up appointment. The results found that almost eight percent of patients with dental implants experienced the loss of at least one implant within that timeframe.

More research on dental implants: New discovery can prevent dental implant infections

	“Altogether, 7.6 percent of patients had lost at least one implant and 14.5 percent had developed peri-implantitis with pronounced bone loss,” 

. 50 percent of patients presented with some signs of peri-implantitis, but only 14.5% were considered to have moderate to severe implications (equating to a crestal bone loss exceeding 2 mm). The 7.6 percent that had lost an implant showed an average loss of 29 percent of  bone support.

	Dr. Derks’ research also found that patients with preexisting periodontitis experienced an increased risk of peri-implantitis. Smoking was also identified as a risk factor contributing to early implant loss. The study also reported that “progression of peri-implantitis occurred in a non-linear, accelerating pattern, and, in the majority of cases, the onset of the disease had occurred early.”

More emerging research: Study finds protein can inhibit bone loss from periodontitis

	Interestingly, the rate of implant failure did not differ between the general practice and specialty practices. “22% of all patients in the present sample received their implants in a general practice setting, and implant los in this subgroup was not different from outcomes in patients treated in specialist clinics,” 

	“Peri-implantitis appears to develop within a few years and then progresses quickly at an accelerating pace,” said Dr. Derks. He hopes that the information gained from the study can help dentists minimize the risk of peri-implantitis and implant loss.

Any dental procedure comes with the chance of infection, but a recent study out of Sweden has discovered that patients with dental implants run a high risk – and that several contributing factors can exacerbate this risk.

New study finds troubling rates of dental implant complications

	Quality Dental Ceramics is a small, full-service laboratory located in Skokie, Ill. Owned by Ross Greenberg, a 37-year veteran of the industry, the lab specializes in same-day dental implants and hybrid cases, working in partnership with local dentists to deliver quality dental restorations. Greenberg has found an interesting use for Wonderfill, a premixed tongue and void filler from Dental Creations.

Wonderfill is designed to save labs time and money by creating accurate models quickly and easily. Using Wonderfill is simple: After a lower impression is taken, the tongue area (or void caused by missing teeth or undercuts) is filled with Wonderfill. After the plaster is poured and set, Wonderfill can be easily removed for a clean model. 

	Greenberg, however, discovered a new use for Wonderfill that could help labs of all sizes. 

 in his lab about six months ago and quickly discovered the product was multipurpose. Although Wonderfill was designed-and typically used-as a tongue and void filler, Greenberg found it was also incredibly useful for making soft tissue models. This discovery was remarkably beneficial to his lab and made the already-useful product even more indispensable to his workflow.

	“We use Wonderfill for blocking out models before we pour them, but it really, really makes my life easier when it comes to soft tissue models,” he says. “There are a lot of ways to make soft tissue models, but I’ve found that using Wonderfill is the easiest and fastest way.”

	When making the models, Greenberg takes Wonderfill, makes it into a rough bullet shape and presses it in the sides of the implant. He then shapes it with a knife and sprays a separator on the impression. Once it sets, he takes off the Wonderfill. “I have a perfectly shaped soft tissue model,” Greenberg says. “It really makes for a very nice model. I not only use it for crown and bridge cases but for hybrid cases as well.” 

Technique: Pouring better models using Wonderfill

	For Greenberg, Wonderfill also eliminated the need for hard-to-manage waxes and lab putty. 

	“I tried Wonderfill because I was having issues making models,” Greenberg says. “It is easier and faster than using wax, which often doesn’t stick well to the impression materials. I really get good results every time.” 

Next page: A step-by-step of Greenberg's technique

	Pleased with how the expedited soft tissue model-making process saved his lab time and money, Greenberg sent pictures of his models to the team at 

, who were excited and impressed by his innovative use of Wonderfill. “I wanted to share how I was using it because it has huge in-house benefits in terms of convenience,” he says. “It’s saving us money, energy and time. Being a small lab, this has been incredibly beneficial to our workflow and output.”

Step-by-step: Creating excellent implant fabrications

	“It’s a nice material that you can use over and over, and the fact that we’ve found multiple uses for it has been a great perk,” Greenberg adds. “Wonderfill really just makes for a faster and more effective way of making a soft tissue model.”

	“In fact,” he laughs, “I just took a model apart right now, and it’s perfect!”

Greenberg found Wonderfill was incredibly useful in making soft tissue models.

The Wonderfill is shaped into a rough bullet shape and pressed against the sides of the implant.

In addition to crown and bridge cases, Greenberg also uses Wonderfill for hybrid cases.

Once the Wonderfill is shaped, seperator is sprayed on the impression.

All images provided by Ross Greenberg and Dental Creations.

Ross Greenberg tells Dental Lab Products how he uses Wonderfill, a tongue and void filler from Dental Creations, to create soft tissue models.

A surprising use for a void filler

	A toothbrush is all one California woman needs to clean her engagement ring – because in lieu of a diamond, her engagement ring features her fiancée’s tooth.

	In an untraditional move, Lucas Unger presented his fiancée, Carlee Leifkes, with an engagement ring made out of his wisdom tooth. While many women might be creeped out by the move, Leifkes was thrilled.

More toothy fashion: Fashion with a bite: Creepy or cool?

	“So incredibly excited to marry my best friend, the man who knows that his wisdom tooth means more to me than a diamond,” Leifkes 

. “We’ve never been the ‘traditional couple,’ why the heck start now?”

	The couple had discussed diamond engagement rings but decided they weren’t for them. “Diamonds are overrated,” Leifkes 

. “The tooth symbolizes the weird quirky, odd couple we are.”

				So incredibly excited to marry my best friend, the man who knows that his wisdom tooth means more to me than a diamond....

	Once they decided to forego the diamond, the groom-to-be called up his dad in Canada who still had some of Unger’s teeth that were extracted when he was young. His father shipped him one of the extracted wisdom teeth, and the couple took it to a jeweler to see what could be done with it.

	Despite the odd request, jewelers at Bridwell Diamonds and Jewelry in Los Angeles were up to the challenge, and designed the unique ring. To further the rather macabre theme, Unger presented the toothy ring to Leifkes on Halloween.

	“The tooth also shows what my husband’s willing to go through for me,” 

.” “Lucas literally grew this and went through pain when he got it removed, and all that went into my wedding ring.”

Trending article: The 9 craziest ways people have pulled teeth

	Leifkes isn’t the only person sporting tooth jewelry; in 2011, pop singer Kesha 

 to send their teeth to her, which she fashioned into earrings and an elaborate headdress. Surprisingly, there are also a variety of online companies that make tooth jewelry and will take custom orders to inset teeth into rings and necklaces.

	The couple is getting married in Las Vegas later this month, and plans to be wed by an Elvis impersonator. What do you think – is the ring creepy or cool?

A toothbrush is all one California woman needs to clean her engagement ring – because in lieu of a diamond, her engagement ring features her fiancée’s tooth.

Wise move? Man proposes to girlfriend with ring made from wisdom tooth

	Despite best infection control practices, surfaces in medical facilities such as dental practices and hospitals are inevitable breeding grounds for bacteria. Now, Sherwin-Williams has introduced a new paint that can kill infectious pathogens on painted surfaces.

Cleveland Clinic’s 2015 Medical Innovation Summit

 in Cleveland, Ohio. kills bacteria that can cause infection, a claim that was verified by the Environmental Protection Agency. Dubbed 

, a key ingredient that kills 99.9 percent of MRSA, Staph, E. coli, VRE and enterobacter aerogenes after two hours of exposure on painted surfaces.

Related reading: Dental care linked to respiratory infections in ICU patients

	“Paint Shield doesn’t just inhibit the growth of common microbes, it actually has the power to kill infectious bacteria, thereby giving healthcare systems and other facilities an important new tool to help prevent the spread of some of the most common bacteria that trigger infections,” read a recent 

	The first EPA-registered paint that kills bacteria, Paint Shield can last up to four years with proper maintenance. It can be used on interior non-porous surfaces such as walls, doors and ceilings.

	 “The exclusive patented technology in Paint Shield represents the culmination of extensive research and collaboration between Sherwin-Williams coatings scientists and expert microbiologists,” states the 

Related reading: 3 main steps for a proper infection control process

	The paint will be come in 590 colors in eg-shel finish. It will be available in early 2016, and will be sold at all Sherwin-Williams paint stores in the United States.

	“Paint Shield is one of the most significant technological breakthroughs in our nearly 150-year history of innovation,” said Sherwin-Williams Chairman and Chief Executive Chris Connor. “By killing infectious pathogens on painted surfaces, Paint Shield is a game-changing advancement in coatings technology.”

	For more information on the new paint, visit SWPaintShield.com or check out the video below.

 has been an industry leader in the development of technologically advanced paint and coatings. As the nation’s largest specialty retailer of paint and painting supplies, SherwinWilliams is dedicated to supporting both do-it-yourselfers and painting professionals with exceptional and exclusive products, resources to make confident color selections and expert, personalized service at its more than 4,000 neighborhood stores across North America. Sherwin-Williams has been ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Paint Retailers, Three Years in a Row" in the J.D. Power 2015 Paint Satisfaction Study

. Join Sherwin-Williams on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Tumblr

Despite best infection control practices, surfaces in medical facilities such as dental practices and hospitals are inevitable breeding grounds for bacteria. Now, Sherwin-Williams has introduced a new paint that can kill infectious pathogens on painted surfaces.

New germ-killing paint helps stop infection in dental practices, hospitals

	What’s a dentist to do when his drug-trafficker son goes to prison? Why, take over the family business, of course! One California dentist who thought this was a good idea is now being held on $75K bail after being busted for his participation in a cross-country drug smuggling operation.

 to a year in prison for second-degree criminal sale of marijuana, 

, 63, a long-time dentist in San Francisco, decided teeth weren’t bringing in enough dough and allegedly took over the younger Weitz’s drug business.

More dentists in hot water: The top 5 weirdest dental crime stories

	And this was no small-scale operation: Weitz shipped 

 cross-country each month, from his son’s medical marijuana growing facility in California. Once the cannabis reached New York, co-conspirator and 

 employee Rodolpho Bastardo, 31, kept the drugs in his work locker for safekeeping (because it’s always a good idea to keep your drugs at work). When police raided his locker, they found four pounds of pot, just waiting to be sold.

	Bastardo wasn’t the only New York culprit; Big Apple residents Douglas and Angel Caraballo and Diana Duarte were implicated in the scheme and charged with possession, conspiracy and sale of the drugs. All three were under the age of 25 – a fact Weitz’s attorney stressed when defending his client at the bail hearing.

Related reading: Retired oral surgeon becomes oldest person charged with drug trafficking

	“None of them are grandpa eligible,” 

, emphasizing that Weitz is about to have a grandchild, has been in practice for over 33 years and is a respected member of society. However, Assistant District Attorney Daniel Hughes wasn’t buying it.

	“I don’t think it’s appropriate to discuss his educational and professional background,” he said.

Continue to page two for a twist in the story you won't believe...

	Weitz made almost $100,000 a month for his part in the operation. The real kicker? On the website for his dental practice, Weitz features a video where he stresses the detrimental effects of marijuana on dental health.  

Journal of the American Medical Association

 that says: “health promoters and dental and medical practitioners should take steps to raise awareness of the strong probability that regular cannabis users may be doing damage to the tissues that support their teeth.”

More unbelievable dental stories: The 9 craziest ways people have pulled teeth

	“I’d say that it’s really a pity that there’s only one study out there that has data on cannabis and periodontal health,” 

 in the video. “Experimentation and study is really needed in this field.”

	“That’s why at Mission Dental Health, we are encouraging cannabis users to see the dentist more often,” he continued.

	Maybe Dr. Weitz was just trafficking weed to drum up more business for his 

What’s a dentist to do when his drug-trafficker son goes to prison? Why, take over the family business, of course! One California dentist who thought this was a good idea is now being held on $75K bail after being busted for his participation in a cross-country drug smuggling operation.