The Future of Dentures is in Fast Decay
from The Washington Post via The Advocate
As long as there are hockey players, there will be niche markets for false teeth. But the real news about the future of dentures is that there isn't much of one. Toothlessness has declined 60 percent in the United States since 1960. Baby boomers will be the first generation in human history typically to go to their graves with most of their teeth. More

Stem Cells: How Baby Teeth Can Save Your Life
from Woman Dentist Journal
In a child, the most accessible stem cells are from the oral cavity. For deciduous teeth, the best candidates are moderately resorbed canine and incisors with the presence of healthy pulp. In children, other sources of easily accessible stem cells are supernumerary teeth, mesodens, over-retained deciduous teeth associated with congenitally missing permanent teeth, and prophylactically removed deciduous molars for orthodontic indications. More

Mechanism for Dental Pain Uncovered
from Science Daily
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University's School of Dentistry have discovered a novel function of the peptide known as Nerve Growth Factor in the development of the trigeminal nerve. More

A Rationale for the Use of High-powered Magnification or Microscopes in General Dentistry
from General Dentistry via Pediatric Dental Health
Most dentists use the naked eye to acquire visual information when treating patients. It can be argued, however, that in many clinical situations, unaided vision and even low-powered magnification (such as 2.5x) will not provide a dentist with all of the clinically relevant visual information needed to diagnose and treat dental pathology rationally. More

Advance Toward First Saliva Test for Type 2 Diabetes
from Science Daily
Scientists in Oregon and India are reporting an advance toward developing the first saliva test to diagnose and monitor effectiveness of treatment for Type 2 diabetes. Researchers say their work represents the first comprehensive description of the proteins in the saliva of patients with Type 2 diabetes, also called non-insulin dependent diabetes. More

Piezoelectric Osteotomy: Simplifying Surgery for Dental Implants?
from Osseo News
The use of piezoelectric osteotomy in alveolar distraction appears to simplify surgery for dental implants, and reduce the incidence of intraoperative complications, according to a study. Piezoelectric osteotomy is based on ultrasonic vibration of an osteotomic device that permits precise cutting of bone structures without cutting adjacent soft tissues. More

Straumann 2008 Net Profit to be Hit by Writedowns
from Reuters
Implant makers are facing tough trading conditions due to consumer curbing their spending on dental treatments that are not absolutely necessary as they worry about the severity of the economic downturn. That might explain why Straumann Group, a global leader in dental implants, restorative dentistry and oral tissue regeneration, recently issued financial results and offered a cautionary view of the implant market. More

Dental Practice Leads "Green Building" Trend
from Shelby Star
Not everyone is a fan of the dentist. But a new dental practice hopes to create a calm, serene setting for patients while at the same time helping the environment, one tooth at a time. More

OralDNA Labs Partners with the JP Institute for Clinical Education and Training
from MSNBC
OralDNA Labs, Inc., a specialty diagnostics company focused on bringing advanced laboratory testing to the dental community, announced recently that it has entered into an agreement to be the JP Institute's exclusive partner for diagnostic testing education. More

Dentists and Insurance Company in Indiana at Odds Over Bill Paying
from WTHR-TV
Dental providers are upset about how insurers are changing the way they get paid. Now they will fight it out at the Indiana Statehouse and caught in the middle of the issue are the patients. Hundreds of dentists will urge lawmakers to pass new legislation regarding assignment of benefits, that's how insurance payments are directed. More