Emdogain® is an enamel matrix derivate (EMD) commonly used for the regeneration of connective tissue, alveolar bone, cementum, and for better attachment of fibers during periodontal surgeries. Now in a controversial new research article published in the latest issue of Oral Oncology, it has been reported that EMD induces the production of gelatinases (MMP-2 and -9), a proteolytic enzyme class, that has been implicated in the development of oral cancer cells and metastasis. Continue Reading

Soft-tissue anesthesia generally lasts longer than pulpal anesthesia, leading to negative consequences such as accidental lip and tongue biting, and difficulty in speaking, smiling, eating and drinking. Now, in a research article published in the latest issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association, it has been reported that phentolamine mesylate (PM) can successfully accelerate the reversal of soft-tissue anesthesia. Continue Reading

From a clinical standpoint, the treatment of patients with hyperdivergent class II occlusion (long lower anterior facial height and a high mandibular plane angle) is difficult. But in a recent study done at the Regional University Hospital Centre of Lille, Lille, France, researchers successfully treated hyperdivergent class II occlusion cases with complete incision of the pterygomasseteric sling during a sagittal split osteotomy of the mandibular ramus.

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Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is one of the major side-effects of prolonged use of bisphosphonates (BPs). But little is known regarding the difference in the risk of ONJ among oral and intravenous (IV) bisphosphonate users. Now, in a recent article published in the Journal of American Dental Association, it has been reported that patients receiving IV BPs are at a higher risk of developing adverse jaw outcomes compared to patients receiving oral BPs.

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Children usually do not prefer pulp therapy for their decayed tooth due to the fear of injections and the associated discomfort. Now, according to a research article published in the latest edition of BioMed Central Oral Health, the Hall technique (preformed metal crowns with glass ionomer cement) may be a more effective treatment option for caries of the primary molars.

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Soon, surgical implants may just need to be fixed to soft tissues using a new ’surgical glue’, eliminating the need for bothersome processes such as suturing. This was revealed on the basis of results from an award winning project by Dr. Klaus Rischka and his partners from the Frankfurt University Hospital, the Center of Biotechnical Engineering BitZ at Darmstadt University of Technology, the State Materials Testing Institute, and the implant manufacturer, Straumann, in Freiburg, Germany.

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Psychological stress plays an important role in the development and aggravation of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). This was revealed on the basis of a study done by Filho J et al at the State University of Campinas, Brazil, the findings of which were published in the September edition of the Journal of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology.

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