Dear DrBicuspid Member,
A bone-encased dentigerous cyst was removed from a 6-month-old infant in New York. Our top story of the week covers the details of what is believed to be the first reported case of a dentigerous cyst involving an infant.
When dental cases go wrong
Amid a rise in dental tourism in Europe, many U.K. dentists are increasingly treating patients who are experiencing complications following treatment abroad. In a recent survey, about 85% of U.K. dentists said that dental tourism is a growing trend, and two-thirds reported that the damage costs at least 600 pounds ($600) to fix.
There's always a risk of dental care going wrong -- whether it is from dental tourism or treatment provided in your own practice. However, when it comes to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) procedures, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, in particular, may have a little less to be concerned about. In a recent study, only about 1% of medical malpractice cases filed against oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the U.S. stemmed from TMJ surgeries.
Root canals and a rare syndrome
Eagle syndrome is a rare condition that can present as nonspecific difficulty with swallowing, face and neck pain, and dizziness. Although the syndrome is caused by a calcified stylohyoid ligament, new research suggests it is also linked to dental inflammatory events, especially past root canal treatments.
Do you screen for health risks?
Last but not least, more than half of patients reported in a recent study that dentists failed to assess them for risk factors, including tobacco and alcohol use and chronic conditions, during dental visits. The findings point to missed opportunities to screen patients for health conditions, according to the study's authors.
