Maxillary Ridge Augmentation with Fresh-Frozen Bone Allografts
from Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Fifteen patients who had atrophic maxillary ridge necessitating bone block grafts prior to implant placement were submitted to maxillary reconstructions performed with human block grafts of tibia fresh-frozen chips. Nine months later the re-entry procedures were carried out and at this time a bone core was removed from the grafts for histological analysis. More

Wiping Out Tooth Infections: Cool Plasma Packs Heat Against Biofilms
from Science Daily
Though it looks like a tiny purple blowtorch, a pencil-sized plume of plasma on the tip of a small probe remains at room temperature as it swiftly dismantles tough bacterial colonies deep inside a human tooth. But it's not another futuristic product of George Lucas' imagination. It's the exciting work of USC School of Dentistry and Viterbi School of Engineering researchers looking for new ways to safely fight tenacious biofilm infections in patients – and it could revolutionize many facets of medicine. More

Chromosomal Numerical Aberrations in Oral Lichen Planus
from the Journal of Dental Research
The malignant potential of oral lichen planus (OLP) has been a matter of serious controversy. We aimed to detect chromosomal numerical aberrations in cells of brush samples collected from affected mucosa. More

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Releases New Perinatal and Infant Oral Health Guidelines
from PR Newswire
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the recognized leader in pediatric oral health, announced new oral health guidelines for expectant mothers and infants following its 62nd Annual Session in Honolulu. The guidelines call for all pregnant women to receive counseling and oral health care during pregnancy, and also that infants receive an oral health risk assessment and oral care by their first birthday. These steps will contribute to optimal oral health for both mom and baby. More

Dentures: 3D Digital Images of Tooth Contours may Replace Plaster Models
from Science Daily
Using current technology, dental technicians can only make dentures using a bite impression. The silicone template for this plaster model is made by the dentist, in a procedure which is unpleasant for the patient. In future a 3-D digitizer will provide the teeth contours – without a plaster model. When a toothache makes a visit to the dentist unavoidable this often marks the start of a time-consuming treatment marathon for the patient. If the tooth cannot be saved and a dental prosthesis is necessary, the dentist first has to make a silicone impression for the dental laboratory. More

Nathan Friedman Dies at 97; Pioneering USC Professor of Dentistry
from The Los Angeles Times
Dr. Nathan Friedman, a pioneering periodontist and USC professor of dentistry who developed a groundbreaking curriculum in the 1960s aimed at helping apprehensive patients overcome their fear of dental work, has died. He also founded the school’s department of behavioral dentistry. He was 97. More

ADA Convenes Red Flags Coalition
from American Dental Association
An ADA-convened coalition of 29 health care and business organizations urged Congress to exempt small health care practices from FTC's Red Flags Rule. The coalition letter urges passage of legislation introduced during the ADA's May 11-13 Washington Leadership Conference by Rep. John Adler, D-N.J. to provide an exclusion from Red Flags guidelines for health care practices with 20 or fewer employees. More

The Return of the Dreaded 'Phossy Jaw'
from RDH Magazine
The phosphorous vapors were breathed in by workers and combined with other chemicals in the body to produce a potent nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate. Today's oral nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates and intravenous nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates circulate around the body the same way as the phosphorous vapors, and are absorbed into bone and ingested by osteoclasts. When this unique binding process of bisphosphonates to bone occurs, osteoclasts are poisoned, and this reduces or eliminates bone turnover. Alveolar bone in the mandible and maxilla turns over more rapidly than in long bones, so the jaws are a better target for bisphosphonate toxicity. More

The Gun that Could Shoot Down Oral Cancer
from The Daily Mail
A heat gun is being used to detect oral cancer. The thermal imaging device is designed to spot tumors early, when treatment is more effective and outcomes better. Tumors are warmer than healthy tissue, and researchers have found that a 1C difference is linked to a six-fold increase in risk that it is cancerous. More

ADA: Glucose Metabolism Measures Can Forecast Diabetes Years Ahead
from MedPage Today
Insulin sensitivity, beta-cell function, and blood glucose may provide telltale signs of impending Type 2 diabetes up to five years before onset, researchers affirmed. The traditional marker for diabetes and prediabetes diagnosis − fasting blood glucose − shot up in the three years prior to diabetes onset.More

A 51-Year-Old Woman with Acute Onset of Facial Pressure, Rhinorrhea, and Tooth Pain
from The Journal of American Medical Association
Acute rhinosinusitis is a common ailment accounting for millions of office visits annually, including that of Mrs D, a 51-year-old woman presenting with five days of upper respiratory illness and facial pain. Her case is used to review the diagnosis and treatment of acute rhinosinusitis. Acute viral rhinosinusitis can be difficult to distinguish from acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, especially during the first 10 days of symptoms. More

California Dental Association Prepares Dentists to be First Responders During Mass Disasters
from Dental Economics
With the potential to generate an additional 30,000 health-care providers during a crisis situation, and the constant threat of terrorism and natural disasters, the California Dental Association has made engaging its member dentists to be first-responders and work with emergency officials a top priority. More