Dear DrBicuspid.com Member,
A newly developed topical gel that targets a major driver of periodontitis may prevent and treat this serious gum condition, according to a new animal study published in Cell Reports. Since no similar therapies exist, the gel could pave the way for a noninvasive, at-home treatment for gum disease. The details are covered in our top story of the week.
Thanks to advances in technology, dental implants have come a long way, and patient acceptance has improved greatly. Though many insurance companies have started providing some coverage for implants, understanding what insurers will and won't pay is not always straightforward. Read these tips on how to get paid for dental implants.
In anesthesia and pain management news, remimazolam had a higher success rate in sedating patients undergoing outpatient oral surgery compared to midazolam. Despite its ultrashort half-life, remimazolam also required fewer additional doses, according to a new study published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Is insurance reform on the horizon? The ADA has committed $5 million to support a medical loss ratio (MLR) ballot initiative in Massachusetts that would require dental insurance companies to operate at a minimum MLR. Learn the details of this initiative that comes before voters on November 8.
Finally, a literature search and review has revealed that a patient-centered biophysical approach to oral healthcare has gained momentum among dental care professionals. Oral health-related quality of life is becoming increasingly relevant in dentistry, according to a review published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice.
Until next time, get the most out of your weekend. Editor-in-Chief Theresa Pablos will be back next week.
