The ‘first ever’ in-office Personalized Xerostomia Protocol tool for dentists to help patients with dry mouth

prevalence is at least 20 per cent in the general population, with increased prevalence in females (up to 30 per cent) and the elderly (up to 50 per cent).

With many patients unaware they have dry mouth, privately held K Pharmaceuticals has introduced the “first ever” in-office Personalized Xerostomia Protocol (PXP) tool to assist dentists in identifying and managing the condition. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, the PXP is designed for use with every patient at every appointment. It provides clear guidelines and … Read more

Staff Shortage: Yet Another Challenge to Overcome

Just when we thought that we had the PPE shortage issue under control, had put up barriers, air purifiers and made sure our patients felt safe to come back to the office for treatment, here comes yet another hurdle we must overcome – NO STAFF! What happened to all the assistants and hygienists who used … Read more

Toothpastes in Dentistry: A Review

ABSTRACT Toothpastes have evolved substantially over the past few decades. Major strides have been made in the industry with the introduction of novel formulations that have the potential to provide significant clinical benefits. The main components of toothpastes are surfactants, abrasives, and active ingredients. Of these, the active ingredients dictate the therapeutic indications of the … Read more

Dentist–technician Communication: We Can All Do Better!

Design consultation

INTRODUCTION In the past few decades, dentistry and dental technology have advanced by leaps and bounds. These advances have been driven by improvements in computer processing power leading to advances in digital technology (CAD/CAM). The evolution in biomaterials has led to the development of zirconium oxide ZrO2 or, as it is most commonly referred to, … Read more

Orofacial Pain (OFP): The Light at the End of the Tunnel

This editorial is dedicated to Dr John Miner, a dear friend and a colleague who has served the dental community since 1966. His positive energy and intellectual input will never be forgotten. Dr Miner was an active member of the Ontario Dental Association and the Ottawa Dental Society for 54 years. May his soul Rest … Read more

Laser Light Therapy: New and Not So New Hope for TMD Management

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are the most common non tooth-related reasons for chronic orofacial pain, affecting 5-12% of the population with 75% of the population presenting at least one sign and 35% presenting at least one symptom of TMD. Women are twice as likely to experience pain symptoms due to hormonal, biological and psychosocial factors. A … Read more

A Next-Gen Approach to Practice Marketing

Brian Hunter and Shad Treadaway of tinyRHINO share their expertise on behavioural science and the role it can play in accelerating new patient growth Social Media Marketing 101 has been one of my top subjects for courses, lectures and articles for 10 years. So, you can imagine my excitement in introducing the next generation of … Read more

Molecular Iodine: Could This Be a Game Changer for Dentistry?

Acute pain management

It looks like 2020 is bringing the Canadian dental profession a gift, in the new selection of molecular iodine (I2) products from ioTech International. These products, surpass all of the existing gold standard disinfectants. Coming out of the gate, these products appear to be game changers in antimicrobial chemistry. Dr. Gordon Christenson named ioRinse the … Read more

The MINIETM Laser Approach to Esthetic Crown Lengthening and Excellent Aesthetics!

One of the most gratifying, yet often overlooked procedures, in dentistry today, is the treatment of excessive gingival display (EGD), or the “gummy smile”. A multi-disciplinary approach to treatment includes: the general dentist; the periodontist; and perhaps the treating orthodontist. This approach enables the patient to receive the most comprehensive treatment, with the best final … Read more

Apicoectomy Performed Using the Er,Cr:YSGG Laser System: A Case Report

Introduction Er,Cr:YSGG laser has been chosen to perform the apicoectomy1,9,13 as an alternative for the use of a scalpel and rotary instruments due to the laser’s precision, lack of vibration16,17 and lack of microfracture occurrence on hard tissues, such as bone and root. Additionally, laser apicoectomy had the benefit of less post-operative discomfort1, capability to … Read more

Photography Essentials in Dentistry

dentistry photography

As the saying goes, “do you know what the best camera is?” It’s the one that you have with you. Photography usage in dentistry is an essential part of proper documentation of a patient’s current condition. Just as a dentist needs radiographs for a proper diagnosis of health and disease, photography can also help with … Read more

Cementing Crowns with Activa Bioactive Cement

Activa Bioactive Cement

Pulpdent’s dual-cure ACTIVA BioACTIVE-CEMENT is a game changer. As a bioactive product, the cement not only is a superb adhesive agent but also mimics nature and utilizes saliva as a source of minerals to aid in the natural development of crystalline structure by recharging calcium, phosphates and fluoride along the margins of the crown. These … Read more

Are You Saving Lives or Saving Teeth?

These are exciting times in dentistry. We have technology available today which allows us to complete dental surgery with greater precision and more comfort for our patients than we ever could before. More and more general practitioners are performing what used to be considered complex surgeries, previously reserved only for the specialists, on a daily … Read more

The Use of Photobiomodulation for Oral Mucositis in Patients Receiving Chemoradiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer: A University of Pittsburgh Cancer Center Experience

Acute pain management

Introduction Oral mucositis (OM) is an acute complication resulting from chemoradiotherapy in the management of head and neck malignancies causing pain, decreased oral intake, risk of infection, and modifications to a patient’s treatment regimen. Over the last decade, the prevalence of oral mucositis has increased due to new chemotherapy, introduction of targeted agents such as … Read more

Dentures and Orofacial Pain: A Case Report

Dentures and Orofacial Pain

Abstract Orofacial pain can pose a diagnostic challenge to a practitioner who is examining a patient with history of facial pain. Known and unknown aetiologies can contribute to pain symptoms. There are often problems arising from the subjective nature of pain due to the presence of multi-factorial causes. This may lead to differential diagnoses including … Read more