MRI piques endo interest; 3M ESPE celebrates 10 years

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) continues to capture the imagination of many in the dental community with its ability to simultaneously visualize enamel, dentin, and soft tissues in the pulp without the use of ionizing radiation.

In a new study in the Journal of Endodontics, MRI was able to identify the presence and extent of dental caries and fine structures of the teeth -- including cracks and accessory canals -- that were not visible with clinical radiography techniques. Read more here or by going to the Imaging & CAD/CAM Community.

Meanwhile, research has shown that pregnant women can be susceptible to periodontal disease. Now the authors of a new study in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics find that dentists can target those at high risk by asking a simple question: Do you have tooth mobility or swollen gums? Read more in this latest Hygiene Community feature.

Finally, 10 years ago two leading dental materials firms came together in a business deal that has since yielded some important advances in restorative dentistry. Click here to read what some leading 3M ESPE scientists have to say about how their collaboration has opened new doors in dental materials development.