Nancy A. Melville[email protected]Immune SystemInflammation key to understanding periodontal diseaseIn the quest to better understand the causes of periodontal disease, researchers are making big strides on two key fronts: understanding the nature of the bacteria that stimulate gingival inflammation, and the genetic and physiologic foundations that can determine the body's response to that stimulus.February 14, 2012RestorationsDentists balk at referring implant patients to endodonistsWhen it comes to referring patients for dental implants, the majority of general dentists say they would not choose an endodontist, according to a new survey published in the Journal of Endodontics. What is prompting their reluctance?August 18, 2011RestorationsOolong tea polyphenols help prevent dental cariesResearchers from the Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry previously demonstrated that oolong tea extract reduced plaque accumulation and inhibited the development of experimental dental caries in rats. A more recent study tested the theory in humans.August 8, 2011WhiteningBehavioral therapies ease women's TMD painTemporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain-control strategies that target women's hormonal cycles appear to be ineffective, according to a study in Pain. But the study authors were encouraged by the potential benefits of cognitive-behavioral therapy for female patients with TMD-related pain.July 20, 2011RestorationsPhysics Forceps take the trauma out of tooth extractionsA biomechanical reaction is at the heart of this novel atraumatic extraction device, according to a presentation at the recent Western Regional Dental Conference. All it takes is a little patience.March 14, 2011EndodonticsSelf-adjusting file cleans, shapes, irrigates canalA novel endodontic technology system streamlines the root canal process and reduces file breakage, according to a presentation March 5 at the Western Regional Dental Convention in Phoenix.March 7, 2011Page 1 of 1Top StoriesImplantsPeeing our way to more dental implant materialUniversity of California, Irvine researchers have devised a system transforming human urine into hydroxyapatite, a material used in dental implants, with promising larger environmental implications.NutritionHigh iron levels may be linked to gum diseaseInsuranceWhat comes next for the current Medicaid challenges in dentistry?Orofacial PainInnovation over drugs to mitigate dental anxietyCardiovascularCan heart disease be seen on dental CBCTs? A study is in the works.
