Rosemont, Ill., Nov. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Some 35% to 60% of all patients with head and neck cancers are malnourished at the time of diagnosis. This is the result of intake obstruction caused by the tumor and/or the lack of appetite and loss of muscle mass and fat stores associated with their cancer. This is according to “Nutritional Considerations for Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Review of the Literature,”a contemporary review of the nutritional aspects of care for patients with head and neck cancers that appears in the November 2013 issue of the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Authors from the Boston University School of Medicine and the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine conducted a literature search of several available databases from 1990 through 2012, on the clinical effectiveness of nutritional support, treatment modalities, and methods of delivery in patients with head and neck cancers. The 248 studies analyzed focused on the etiology and assessment of malnutrition, as well as current nutritional treatments for cancer-induced anorexia and body weakness. These included 2 randomized, controlled clinical trials; 10 meta-analyses; 210 review studies; and 26 systematic reviews.

In summarizing these studies, the authors conclude that a nutritional assessment must be part of any comprehensive treatment plan for patients with head and neck cancers. Furthermore, they conclude that nutritional interventions should be initiated before cancer treatment begins and that these interventions need to be ongoing after completion of treatment to ensure optimal patient outcomes. In addition, the authors note that more research is needed to quantify the clinical effects of adjuvant therapies in the form of alternative medical interventions, such as immune-enhancing nutrients and anticytokine pharmaceutical agents.

Read the complete study findings at J Oral Maxillofac Surg; 71:1853-1860, 2013.

SOURCE: American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons

Rosemont, Ill., Nov. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The need for dental implant treatment in older patients remains high, considering the prevalence of partial and complete loss of one's teeth, according to an article in the November 2013 issue of the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, titled “Virtual Surgical Planning for Treatment of Severe Mandibular Retrognathia With Collapsed Occlusion Using Contemporary Surgical and Prosthodontic Protocols.”It is an even greater challenge if patients have complex facial deformities and poorly maintained teeth.

Mayo Clinic authors Matilda Dhima, DMD, MS, Thomas J. Salinas, DDS, and Kevin L. Rieck, DDS, MD, detail the challenges encountered in successfully managing an older adult with complex facial, jaw and dental deformities, complicated by collapsed dentition and lost or compromised teeth over the patient's lifetime. They use the rehabilitation of a 69-year old female with a severely under-developed lower jaw with collapsed occlusion and an inability to keep her lips together at rest. The authors conducted treatment planning and sequencing using contemporary surgical and prosthodontic reconstruction protocols, with the goal of achieving optimal skeletal dentoalveolar relations, function and esthetics.

Their procedures included using state-of-the-art virtual treatment and surgical planning software, which, combined with prosthodontic presurgical model surgery, allowed for optimal interaction between the surgeon and the prosthodontist. This unique approach resulted in skeletal, soft tissue, and dental harmonies without biological or mechanical complications. Definitive dental rehabilitation was effected with a maxillary complete denture and a mandibular metal ceramic fixed implant-retained prosthesis.

Their findings indicate that skeletal and dentoalveolar reconstruction using a multidisciplinary approach and advanced technological optimizes both functional and esthetic outcomes in this typically difficult to manage clinical situation.

Read the complete study findings at J Oral Maxillofac Surg; 71:1923-1932, 2013.

SOURCE: American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons

The 22nd annual meeting of the European Association of Osseointegration (EAO), October 17-19, 2013, served as the platform for Nobel Biocare to launch several new innovative solutions, each focused on improving patient treatment outcomes while increasing efficiency for both clinicians and laboratories.

At the Convention Center Dublin, Ireland, Nobel Biocare showcased products and services which further highlight the company’s commitment to leading innovation. All of the solutions presented will play important roles in Nobel Biocare’s upcoming new seamless and fully integrated digital treatment workflow.

New NobelProcera^® 2G System

Reducing the time required for scanning by up to 50%, and with no compromise on precision, the new NobelProcera 2G System now offers dental labs multiple benefits at a level that can help them to grow their business.

From single teeth to complex edentulous cases, the NobelProcera 2G System’s increased automation capabilities and simplified workflows reduce the need for user interaction to a bare minimum, allowing dental technicians to focus on other tasks while scanning takes place, increasing the productivity of the lab. 

The NobelProcera 2G System can also now help labs to become more valued treatment partners. The new 2G scanner’s solid model scanning capability allows for the production of highly precise digitized model surface information. This can inform the clinician’s diagnostic process, involving the lab at an early stage in the treatment program, providing the opportunity to discuss restorative options for an optimum esthetic outcome.

Nobel Biocare is running an exchange program which makes it easy to upgrade to the NobelProcera 2G System. Interested customers should contact their local Nobel Biocare representative today.

New ‘open access’ gives 3Shape^® customers the outstanding quality of NobelProcera^® Abutments

The industry-leading customized abutments from NobelProcera are now available for users of the 3Shape Dental System. After integrating with NobelProcera, 3Shape users can access the extensive global production network of NobelProcera to produce high-quality NobelProcera Abutments in zirconia and titanium for both Nobel Biocare and other major implant systems. Interested 3Shape users should contact their local Nobel Biocare representative. Availability may depend on the version in use and which 3Shape Partner has provided the Dental System.

Learn more about the NobelProcera 2G System and open access at nobelbiocare.com/nobelprocera.

Fully integrated digital workflow moves a step closer with NobelClinician^™ Software and OsseoCare^™ Pro iPad^®-powered drill unit now connected

The digital link that has now been established between the NobelClinician Software and the iPad^®-powered OsseoCare Pro drill unit will support optimal patient treatment, treatment file management and greater efficiency.

Thanks to the new connection, users of the NobelClinician Software can now digitally transfer a surgery planned in NobelClinician to the intelligent OsseoCare Pro drill unit via Nobel Biocare’s cloud-based network NobelConnect. The chosen implants in the correct positions and with the required drilling protocol are transferred to the OsseoCare Pro drill unit at little more than the press of a button. A patient-specific post-surgery report is now also sent straight from the OsseoCare Pro back to NobelClinician once the procedure is complete, significantly increasing the efficiency of implant placement.

This new connection is an important link within Nobel Biocare’s fully integrated digital treatment workflow which will become fully connected in 2014. Once in place, the full digital workflow will significantly increase predictability, efficiency and the quality of patient care at every step of the treatment process.

Learn more about NobelClinician Software and OsseoCare Pro at nobelbiocare.com/nobelclinician or nobelbiocare.com/osseocare.

Carestream Dental’s CS Solutions, a recently launched CAD/CAM portfolio, gives clinicians the ability to scan, design, mill, and place single-tooth restorations in just one appointment. To build anticipation for the launch at the 2013 ADA Annual Session, Carestream Dental hosted a Partners in CS Solutions event, which provided a comprehensive overview of the technology and its capabilities to dental professionals in attendance.

At the Partners in CS Solutions event, participants heard from dentists who are currently using CS Solutions about how the products have streamlined their restoration workflows. Presentations also provided comparative analyses between CS Solutions and other CAD/CAM technology on the market. In addition, the event offered hands-on sessions with some of the products, including the CS 3500 intraoral scanner, impression scanning with Carestream Dental’s CBCT units, CS Restore design software, and the CS 3000 milling machine.

Practitioners interested in CS Solutions can see the technology first-hand and test the products for themselves at Carestream Dental’s complimentary 3D and CAD/CAM Symposium on Friday, Nov. 15, and Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel in Atlanta. The symposium is exclusively for doctors, with experts across different specialties sharing how cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and CAD/CAM technology have benefitted their practice. Attendees can also receive up to 12 CE credits for participating throughout the symposium. For more information or to register for the symposium, please call 800-944-6365 or visit the event page.

The CS Solutions CAD/CAM restoration portfolio is now available for sale. For more information or to request a product demonstration, please call 800-944-6365 or visit www.carestreamdental.com/solutions.

The American Academy of Implant Dentistry recognized three dentists with the highest awards given by the Academy during its recently concluded 62^ndAnnual Meeting. 

Named the recipient of the Aaron Gershkoff /Norman Goldberg Memorial Award was Emile Martin, DDS, FAAID, DABOI/ID of Syracuse, NY. An Honored Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry, Dr. Martin is a past president of the AAID and its Foundation, as well as a Fellow and past president of the Academy of Laser Dentistry. He is the recipient of the Academy of General Dentistry Life Time Learning and Service Recognition Award

The 2013 recipient of the Isaih Lew Memorial Research Award was Ulf Me Wikesjö, DDS, DMD, PhDof Augusta, GA. He currently serves Professor, Periodontics and oral Biology, College of Dental Medicine, Georgia Regents University. Dr. Wikesjö is the Founding Director of Sweden’s Laboratory for Applied Periodontal and Craniofacial Regeneration, and was the 2008 winner of the prestigious US Prix Galien Award for Best Biotechnology Product. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontiology and is the author of more than 190 original articles, reviews, and chapters if refereed scientific journals and texts.

David Resnick, DDS, FAAID, DABOI/IDof Ada, MN was named the recipient of the inaugural Paul Johnson Service Award to acknowledge AAID members whose volunteer efforts have been above and beyond the norm. He is an Honored Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry. Dr. Resnick served six years on the Membership Committee and continues his tenure on the Admissions & Credentials Board. His efforts on behalf of the Academy’s Central District have been instrumental in the resurgence of that District.

Established in 1951, the AAID is the only implant organization that offers dental implant credentials recognized by state and federal courts as bona fide. Its membership, which exceeds 4,600, includes general dentists, oral surgeons, periodontists and prosthodontists from across the United States and in 40 other countries.

For more information about the AAID and its credentialed members, visit the American Academy of Implant Dentistry’s website at www.aaid.com or www.thedentalimplantexperts.com or call the AAID at 312-335-1550 or 877-335-AAID (2243).

People at high risk for caries can safely protect their teeth by applying their own gels, pastes, and rinses with prescription-level concentrations of fluoride, the American Dental Association (ADA) said Friday in its first-ever guidelines on these products, according to Medscape Medical News.

The recommendation was included in guidelines on prescription topical fluoride products that the ADA updated for the first time since 2006. The previous version of the guidelines made no recommendation on prescription fluoride products used at home.

The guidelines were published in the November issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association.

To read the full Medscape report, click here.

Pittsburgh, Nov. 1, 2013– The red, swollen and painful gums and bone destruction of periodontal disease could be effectively treated by beckoning the right kind of immune system cells to the inflamed tissues, according to a new animal study conducted by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh. Their findings, published this week in the early online version of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, offer a new therapeutic paradigm for a condition that afflicts 78 million people in the U.S. alone.

Periodontal disease currently is treated by keeping oral bacteria in check with daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional deep cleaning with scaling and root planing, which remove tartar above and below the gum line. In some hard-to-treat cases, antibiotics are given. These strategies of mechanical tartar removal and antimicrobial delivery aim to reduce the amount of oral bacteria on the tooth surface, explained co-author and co-investigator Charles Sfeir, D.D.S., Ph.D., director, Center for Craniofacial Regeneration and associate professor, Departments of Periodontics and Oral Biology, Pitt's School of Dental Medicine.

"Currently, we try to control the build-up of bacteria so it doesn't trigger severe inflammation, which could eventually damage the bone and tissue that hold the teeth in place," Dr. Sfeir said. "But that strategy doesn't address the real cause of the problem, which is an overreaction of the immune system that causes a needlessly aggressive response to the presence of oral bacteria. There is a real need to design new approaches to treat periodontal disease."

In the healthy mouth, a balance exists between bacteria and the immune system response to forestall infection without generating inflammation, said senior author Steven Little, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Pitt's Swanson School of Engineering. But in many people, a chronic overload of bacteria sets up the immune system to stay on red alert, causing harm to the oral tissues while it attempts to eradicate germs.

"There is a lot of evidence now that shows these diseased tissues are deficient in a subset of immune cells called regulatory T-cells, which tells attacking immune cells to stand down, stopping the inflammatory response," Dr. Little said. "We wanted to see what would happen if we brought these regulatory T-cells back to the gums."

To do so, the researchers developed a system of polymer microspheres to slowly release a chemokine, or signaling protein, called CCL22 that attracts regulatory T-cells, and placed tiny amounts of the paste-like agent between the gums and teeth of animals with periodontal disease. The team found that even though the amount of bacteria was unchanged, the treatment led to improvements of standard measures of periodontal disease, including decreased pocket depth and gum bleeding, reflecting a reduction in inflammation as a result of increased numbers of regulatory T-cells. MicroCT-scanning showed lower rates of bone loss.

"Mummified remains from ancient Egypt show evidence of teeth scraping to remove plaque," Dr. Little noted. "The tools are better and people are better trained now, but we've been doing much the same thing for hundreds of years. Now, this homing beacon for Treg cells, combined with professional cleaning, could give us a new way of preventing the serious consequences of periodontal disease by correcting the immune imbalance that underlies the condition."

Next steps include developing the immune modulation strategy for human trials. In addition to Drs. Sfeir and Little, the research team included Ph.D. candidate Andrew J. Glowacki,, Sayuri Yoshizawa, D.D.S., Ph.D., Siddharth Jhunjhunwala, Ph.D., all of the University of Pittsburgh; and Andreia E Vieira, Ph.D., and Gustavo P. Garlet, D.D.S., Ph.D., of Sao Paulo University, Brazil.

Taking care of your gums by brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits could help hold heart disease at bay. Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health have shown for the first time that as gum health improves, progression of atherosclerosis slows to a clinically significant degree. Findings appear online in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Artherosclerosis, or the narrowing of arteries through the build-up of plaque, is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and death.

"These results are important because atherosclerosis progressed in parallel with both clinical periodontal disease and the bacterial profiles in the gums. This is the most direct evidence yet that modifying the periodontal bacterial profile could play a role in preventing or slowing both diseases," says Moïse Desvarieux, MD, PhD, lead author of the paper and associate professor of Epidemiology at the Mailman School.

The researchers followed 420 adults as part of the Oral Infections and Vascular Disease Epidemiology Study (INVEST), a randomly sampled prospective cohort of Northern Manhattan residents. Participants were examined for periodontal infection. Overall, 5,008 plaque samples were taken from several teeth, beneath the gum, and analyzed for 11 bacterial strains linked to periodontal disease and seven control bacteria. Fluid around the gums was sampled to assess levels of Interleukin-1β, a marker of inflammation. Atherosclerosis in both carotid arteries was measured using high-resolution ultrasound.

Over a median follow-up period of three years, the researchers found that improvement in periodontal health—health of the gums—and a reduction in the proportion of specific bacteria linked to periodontal disease correlated to a slower intima-medial thickness (IMT) progression, and worsening periodontal infections paralleled the progression of IMT. Results were adjusted for potential confounders such as body mass index, cholesterol levels, diabetes, and smoking status,

Clinical Significance

There was a 0.1 mm difference in IMT change over three years among study participants whose periodontal health was deteriorating compared with those whose periodontal health was improving. Previous research has shown that a .033 mm/year increase in carotid IMT (equivalent to approximately 0.1 mm over three years) is associated with a 2.3-fold increased risk for coronary events.

"When it comes to atherosclerosis, a tenth of a millimeter in the thickness of the carotid artery is a big deal. Based on prior research, it appears to meet the threshold of clinical significance," says Tatjana Rundek, MD, PhD, a co-author of the study and professor at the University of Miami whose lab read the carotid ultrasounds.

Even subtle changes to periodontal status had a dose-response relationship to carotid IMT. "Our results show a clear relationship between what is happening in the mouth and thickening of the carotid artery, even before the onset of full-fledged periodontal disease," says co-author Panos N. Papapanou, DDS, PhD, professor of Dental Medicine at Columbia University's College of Dental Medicine, whose laboratory assessed the bacterial profiles in the gums. "This suggests that incipient periodontal disease should not be ignored."

Bacteria in the mouth may contribute to the onset of atherosclerosis in a number of ways, scientists speculate. Animal studies indicate that they may trigger immune response and high levels of inflammatory markers, which may initiate or exacerbate the inflammatory aspect of atherosclerosis.

The results build on previous findings. In earlier cross-sectional results, Dr. Desvarieux and colleagues had reported that higher levels of disease-causing bacteria were associated with thicker IMT. The current study takes the next step by looking at the cohort over time.

"Our results address a gap identified in the AHA statement on periodontal disease and atherosclerosis, by providing longitudinal data supporting this association," says study co-author Ralph Sacco, MD, professor and chairman of Neurology at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine and former president of the American Heart Association. Concludes Dr. Desvarieux, "It is critical that we continue to follow these patients to see if the relationship between periodontal infections and atherosclerosis carries over to clinical events like heart attack and stroke and test if modifying the periodontal flora will slow the progression of atherosclerosis."

New Orleans, October 31, 2013 -- Isolite® Systems, Inc., a leader in dental isolation technology, today introduced the newest member of the Isolite product line – the Isovac™ Dental Isolation Adapter.

The new Isovac Adapter gives the standard High Volume Evacuator (HVE) the ability to use Isolite Systems’ entire family of world-class Mouthpieces. The Isovac offers the same control of the oral cavity and safety advantages of the company’s award-winning Isolite® and Isodry® dental isolation systems. The difference being Isovac is designed to replace the HVE at the hose, while the Isolite and Isodry systems are designed to augment existing evacuation on the chair.

For practices and clinics that want to add easy-to-use isolation and oral control in ALL of their operatories, the Isovac Dental Isolation Adapter is Isolite’s newest clinical option to date. Debuting at this year’s 2013 ADA Annual Session, the Isovac Adapter also represents the first solution from Isolite Systems for managing and controlling the oral cavity in hygiene.

‟The Isovac is our way of providing another innovative, affordable product option for our doctors and their practice,″ said Sandi Hirsch, President and CEO of Isolite Systems. ‟This new addition to our Isolite dental isolation product line continues in our tradition of developing and providing advanced products that bring added value to the dental industry.″

Isovac’s unique design makes it easy to clean and sterilize. It is an excellent addition for hygiene and ideal for SRP, ultrasonic scaling, sealants, as well as any practice looking to affordably extend state-of-the-art isolation to additional operatories. Other advantages of the Isovac Adapter include utilization of Isolite’s proprietary Isolation Mouthpieces to continuously retract the tongue, while comfortably holding the patient’s mouth open. With the Isovac Adapter, every chair can now benefit from Isolite’s easy-to-use isolation technique.

Demonstrations of the Isovac will be held at the Isolite Systems booth #3227 during the 2013 ADA Annual Session at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, October 31-November 3 in New Orleans, LA. Isolite Systems will also be conducting a raffle for a free Isovac Dental Isolation Adapter for an entire chair in the operatory (set of three) every hour on the hour throughout the duration of the ADA Annual Session.

(PRWEB) October 29, 2013 -- Adult orthodontic treatment contributes to significant improvements in both professional and personal lives, say respondents to a new study conducted among individuals who, as adults, had orthodontic treatment provided by orthodontists. Seventy-five percent of adults surveyed reported improvements in career or personal relationships, which they attributed to their improved post-orthodontic treatment smile. Citing newfound self-confidence, 92% of survey respondents say they would recommend orthodontic treatment to other adults.

The survey, which was conducted on behalf of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) for National Orthodontic Health Month in October, queried respondents on their pre-treatment concerns: “What will others think?” “How will I look?” “Am I too old?” Seventy-one percent had such concerns prior to treatment, but an overwhelming majority said the concerns did not continue once treatment actually began.

Respondents reported positive outcomes from treatment:

"I was much more confident and self-assured once I could smile openly. Life is very stressful (on a subconscious level) when you're always aware that you cannot open your mouth to smile without fear of judgment."

"With an attractive smile you can face your career and personal relationships with confidence."

"A more brilliant smile and the straightest teeth … gave me confidence to do anything."

Younger adults report the most favorable results. Eighty-seven percent of those aged 18-34 reported increased success with personal relationships after treatment.

“This survey validates that a healthy, beautiful smile can be a critical factor when it comes to personal and professional success,” says Gayle Glenn, DDS, MSD, president of the AAO. “Adults are seeking treatment in record numbers and we encourage anyone, at any age, to consult an orthodontist to learn if they could benefit from treatment. It’s never too late to move healthy teeth.”

The number of adult patients increased 14% from 2010 to 2012, to a record high of 1,225,850 patients ages 18 and older. AAO members were treating a total of 5,876,000 patients in 2012, an increase of 20% as compared to 2010. More men are opting for orthodontic treatment, according to a recent AAO study. As of 2012, 44% of adult patients were male, a 29% increase as compared to 2010 survey results.

Patients of all ages seek out orthodontists for their expertise in straightening teeth and aligning the bite. Orthodontists make use of the full range of treatment types available. Based on their education and experience, orthodontists can devise effective treatment plans that employ the full range of treatment types, from high-tech to tried-and-true, based on the needs of each individual patient.

After dental school, orthodontists receive an additional 2 to 3 years of specialized education at an accredited orthodontic residency program. Only those who have successfully completed this formal education may call themselves “orthodontists,” and only orthodontists are eligible for AAO membership. Find AAO members at https://www.mylifemysmile.org.