Science challenges 'drill and fill'; E4D takes on Cerec

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

Conventional wisdom says "drill and fill" is still the best way to treat deep carious lesions. But modern science is challenging the old guard when it comes to caries management. A comprehensive literature review published in the Journal of the American Dental Association this month makes a strong case for partial removal versus full excavation. We asked some leading dentists what they think. Read their responses here.

The ability to detect caries earlier, more accurately, and with less exposure to x-rays could one day make the debate over partial caries removal moot. Devices such as the DIAGNOdent and the DIFOTI are a step in the right direction, but laser-based systems that provide detailed images of a tooth from the inside out -- and with 10 times the resolution of x-rays -- are about to hit the market. Should you add them to your shopping list? Find out more here.

Also in our Imaging Community, after years of advance publicity, D4D Technologies has launched its E4D CAD/CAM system, the first-ever direct competitor to Cerec from Sirona Dental Systems. While slightly more expensive, the E4D offers some nifty innovations that could tempt dentists away from the well-established Cerec. Do your tire-kicking here.

In the DrBicuspid Hygiene Community, Associate Editor Rabia Mughal takes us into the world of all-natural "tooth soap," which contains no chemicals, abrasives, or artificial ingredients. Its developers say it is safe and effective, but without clinical studies to support those claims, is tooth soap really a good alternative to toothpaste? Find out here.

DrBicuspid also offers daily updates on the ongoing fluoride debate, Medicare reforms, dentists in the news, and the relationship between oral health and arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Check out our News in Brief section for more.

Our Forums are fun, too, and always a good place to put in your two cents. Got something to say about the FDA's review of amalgam or the best approach to treating periodontal disease? Click here and start typing!