Happy New Year! I hope January is off to a great start for you and your team. DentistryIQ, Dental Economics, RDH, and Perio-Implant Advisory have published some articles readers are finding helpful. Here are a few of the articles your peers are reading so far this month. Enjoy!
DentistryIQ
Survey results: Use, perceptions of lead shielding in dentistry
Are you still using lead shielding when taking dental x-rays? Here’s what readers said about why they have or have not kept those lead aprons over the last year.
In early December, we asked our community: Are you still using lead shielding in dental x-rays? Why or why not?
Over 1,000 of you responded, and now we're here to share the results! Let's dive in. Read the full article.
The fluoride debate rages on: Report reveals data further linking fluoridated water with lower IQ
A new report linking fluoride to lower IQ in children reignites heated debates about eliminating fluoride from US drinking water, despite conflicting evidence.
In September of 2024, the National Toxicology Program (NTP) released a report linking high levels of fluoride with lower intelligence scores in children. Less than two months later, the Trump administration announced its opposition to fluoride in US drinking water. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., longtime opposer of both vaccines and water fluoridation, will oversee the department of Health and Human Services and has made statements about potentially removing it in the future.
This decision, on top of the ADA and the AAP keeping their guidelines the same, sparked a litany of discourse regarding the merits of fluoridated water. Read the full article.
Dental Economics
New restoration types make occlusion knowledge mandatory
Occlusion continues to be a forgotten area of dentistry. Dr. Gordon Christensen says it’s time to upgrade your occlusion knowledge and implement more occlusal prevention and treatment into clinical practice. Here’s why.
Q: I have been placing implants for a few years and using zirconia and IPS e.max as restorations for both teeth and implants. I am seeing many more occlusally related clinical problems than I ever had previously. In other words, the rigid implants are not moving with occlusal forces, and the hard, wear-resistant restorations are not wearing like the surrounding natural teeth or resin or gold alloy restorations of the past. These conditions are apparently causing the occlusion to change frequently, with the related headaches and TMD challenges. What can I do to reduce these problems?
A: I am seeing your described challenges often, and I have had to resort to occlusal treatments to overcome some of the problems. Several issues are causing these challenges, often unknown by patients and even some dentists. I will address some of them with the following information. Read the full article.
Patients hate flippers and so should you
What provisional do you use for your implant cases? If it's a flipper, it's a bad choice, says Dr. Chris Salierno.
What provisional do you use for your implant cases? I think the worst option is the flipper, aka acrylic removable partial denture. There are occasions when a flipper is the only option available, but I will bend over backward to find alternatives every time. Patients are going to be living with these things for three to six months during osseointegration, and sometimes months longer if there's grafting to be done first. That's a lot of time for a temporary restoration to disappoint us and our patients. Let's imagine the "perfect provisional" … Read the full article.
RDH
The importance of extrinsic stain removal during dental cleanings
Removing stain during a cleaning is not simply a cosmetic procedure. It prevents harmful bacteria from forming and ultimately leads to better oral health and happier patients.
In preventive and therapeutic dental care, removing extrinsic stains during cleanings is often perceived as a cosmetic add-on. However, research highlights the significance of stain removal in promoting overall oral health. Beyond esthetics, stain removal prevents the colonization of harmful bacteria and maintains the integrity of the tooth surface and surrounding periodontal tissues. Read the full article.
Fluoride: Protecting smiles or fueling debate?
As fluoride gains more negative attention, dental professionals will need to consider alternative ways to provide patients with preventive oral health options.
Water fluoridation is often touted as one of the great public health successes of the 20th century, celebrated for reducing dental decay and saving billions in dental costs. It’s widely accepted that adding fluoride to water prevents tooth decay, with studies showing around a 25% reduction in cavities among those who drink fluoridated water—a lifeline for those without access to regular dental care.
Yet in recent years, fluoride’s standing as a public health hero has faced increasing scrutiny. Research on potential links between fluoride and developmental issues in children, particularly brain development, has led to legal challenges and renewed calls for regulation. With fluoride in the water of more than 70% of US communities, the debate is no longer a trickle; it’s a flood. Read the full article.
Perio-Implant Advisory
Healing after root canal therapy: When should you get a crown placed?
Drs. Omar Ikram and Scott Froum discuss four things that affect the waiting period between endodontic treatment and the crown procedure, as well as what can happen if you wait too long to place the crown.
Root canal therapy is a highly effective way to treat and save a tooth that has been damaged or infected due to decay. After the procedure is complete, the healing process begins, and with proper care, most people can return to their normal activities relatively quickly.
Cellular healing after root canal therapy is the process of replacing the damaged cells and tissue in the tooth with healthy cells. After root canal therapy, the tooth is filled with a biocompatible material and sealed off to protect it from bacteria. The body then begins the process of healing the affected area by sending in new cells to repair the damage caused by the root canal treatment. This process can take several months, depending on the severity of the original infection and the amount of tissue that was affected. During this time, the tooth may become slightly discolored as the new cells are formed, but this is usually temporary. Once healing is complete, the tooth should look and feel normal. Read the full article.
Probiotics vs. antibiotics for post-dental surgery
Both probiotics and antibiotics have legitimate roles in managing post-dental surgery infections. Antibiotics deliver quick, effective results for acute cases, while probiotics offer preventive and adjunctive benefits with minimal side effects. Learn more in this overview.
When managing infections after dental surgery, antibiotics are traditionally the go-to treatment. However, probiotics—beneficial microorganisms—are emerging as an alternative or complementary option with distinct advantages. This article compares these two approaches in an effort to provide dental health professionals with a clear understanding of their mechanisms, benefits, and effects. Read the full article.
If you find these articles helpful, please share with your team. Stay tuned for more new content to help you in your career.
