japn tooth patch could mean end tooth decay

The "tooth patch" is a hard-wearing and ultra-flexible material made from hydroxyapatite, the main mineral in tooth enamel, that could also mean an end to sensitive teeth. "This is the world's first flexible apatite sheet, which we hope to use to protect teeth or repair damaged enamel," said Shigeki Hontsu, professor at Kinki University's Faculty of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology in western Japan. "Dentists used to think an all-apatite sheet was just a dream, but we are aiming to create artificial enamel," the outermost layer of a tooth, he said earlier this month. Researchers can create film just 0.004 millimetres (0.00016 inches) thick by firing lasers at compressed blocks of hydroxyapatite in a vacuum to make individual particles pop out. These particles fall onto a block of salt which is heated to crystallise them, before the salt stand is dissolved in water. The film is scooped up onto filter paper and dried, after which it is robust enough to be picked up by a pair of tweezers. "The moment you put it on a tooth surface, it becomes invisible. You can barely see it if you examine it under a light," Hontsu told AFP by telephone. The sheet has a number of minute holes that allow liquid and air to escape from underneath to prevent their forming bubbles when it is applied onto a tooth. One problem is that it takes almost one day for the film to adhere firmly to the tooth's surface, said Hontsu. The film is currently transparent but it is possible to make it white for use in cosmetic dentistry. Researchers are experimenting on disused human teeth at the moment but the team will soon move to tests with animals, Hontsu said, adding he was also trying it on his own teeth. Five years or more would be needed before the film could be used in practical dental treatment such as covering exposed dentin—the sensitive layer underneath enamel—but it could be used cosmetically within three years, Hontsu said. The technology, which has been jointly developed with Kazushi Yoshikawa, associate professor at Osaka Dental University, is patented in Japan and South Korea and applications are under way in the United States, Europe and China. The "tooth patch" is a hard-wearing and ultra-flexible material made from hydroxyapatite, the main mineral in tooth enamel, that could also mean an end to sensitive teeth. "This is the world's first flexible apatite sheet, which we hope to use to protect teeth or repair damaged enamel," said Shigeki Hontsu, professor at Kinki University's Faculty of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology in western Japan. "Dentists used to think an all-apatite sheet was just a dream, but we are aiming to create artificial enamel," the outermost layer of a tooth, he said earlier this month. Researchers can create film just 0.004 millimetres (0.00016 inches) thick by firing lasers at compressed blocks of hydroxyapatite in a vacuum to make individual particles pop out. These particles fall onto a block of salt which is heated to crystallise them, before the salt stand is dissolved in water. The film is scooped up onto filter paper and dried, after which it is robust enough to be picked up by a pair of tweezers. "The moment you put it on a tooth surface, it becomes invisible. You can barely see it if you examine it under a light," Hontsu told AFP by telephone. The sheet has a number of minute holes that allow liquid and air to escape from underneath to prevent their forming bubbles when it is applied onto a tooth. One problem is that it takes almost one day for the film to adhere firmly to the tooth's surface, said Hontsu. The film is currently transparent but it is possible to make it white for use in cosmetic dentistry. Researchers are experimenting on disused human teeth at the moment but the team will soon move to tests with animals, Hontsu said, adding he was also trying it on his own teeth. Five years or more would be needed before the film could be used in practical dental treatment such as covering exposed dentin—the sensitive layer underneath enamel—but it could be used cosmetically within three years, Hontsu said. The technology, which has been jointly developed with Kazushi Yoshikawa, associate professor at Osaka Dental University, is patented in Japan and South Korea and applications are under way in the United States, Europe and China.

EYETOOTH IMPLANT: Tooth implantation in eye for blind person

A 60-year-old Mississippi woman who had been blind for nine years can now see again after doctors implanted one of her teeth into her eye—the first time the surgery had been performed in the U.S. Two weeks after several sessions of intensive surgery, she now has 20/70 vision in one of her eyes, which is predicted to continue improving as it heals.

In 2000, Sharon Thornton was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a rare disease that can destroy skin—and corneal—cells. Even after she recovered from the disease, brought on by a reaction to her medication, her corneas—the surface of the eye—were too scarred to allow her to see, or obtain a transplant.

After stem cell treatment in 2003 failed to restore her vision, doctors went looking for alternatives. Victor Perez, an associate professor of ophthalmology at the University of Miami Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, decided to attempt modified osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis (MOOKP), what he called a procedure "of last resort," in a prepared statement. 

To begin the months-long process, doctors removed one of Thornton's canine teeth—aka an eyetooth—along with part of the jaw and cut it all down to a shape small enough to replace the cornea. The doctors then drilled a hole into it to insert a lens. In order for the tooth to bind to the lens sufficiently, the implant spent a couple months in the patient's body. In Thornton's case, it was implanted near her shoulder.  

To prep the eye to receive the tooth and lens, the doctors placed a cheek graft over the eye to promote moisture. The final tooth-lens product was removed from Thornton's shoulder and placed in the center of the eye, in line with the retina.

The MOOKP procedure was developed in Italy in 1963, and has been more common in Europe and Asia, but only about 600 operations have been undertaken. Given the small number of treatments, its safety remains unconfirmed, and other doctors have their reservations. "It requires a sizable team and several operations," Ivan Schwab, of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, told CNN. "It's just an extreme variation on techniques we're already doing."

The procedure also requires the cheek tissue graft to remain over the eye surface, which gives it a strange, skin-like appearance. Doctors, however, can often use a cosmetic eye shell to make it look more natural.

For some, however, the procedure might represent a new chance at vision. Even in patients who qualify for a corneal transplant, the body occasionally rejects the foreign tissue. Using a piece of the person's own body makes it more likely to accept the necessary lens. 

After a patch was removed from her eye on Labor Day, Thornton could begin to make out faces for the first time since 2000. She later told CNN that she was looking forward to being able to see her newest grandchildren for the first time—and being able to watch her favorite TV show again

source 
image

INTERESTING DENTAL HISTORY FACTS; YOU ALWAYS WANT TO KNOW

* In 1866 Lucy Beaman Hobbs became the first licensed female dentist
 

* In 1986, the winner of the National Spelling Bee won by spelling ODONTALGIA (which means toothache)
 
* The average amount of money left by the Tooth Fairy in 1950 was 25 cents. In 1988 it was $1.00.
 
* The earliest dentist known by name is Hesi-Re. He lived in Egypt over 5000 years ago.

 
 
* In Egypy, mummies have been found with tooth fillings of resin and malachite. Loose teeth were held together with gold wire.
 
* The first toothbrushes were tree twigs. Chewing on the tips of the twigs spread out the fibers, which were then used to clean the teeth.
 
* Ancient Greeks used pumice, talc, alabaster, coral powder or iron  rust as toothpaste.
 
* George Washington never had wooden teeth. His dentures were made from Gold, hippopotamus tusk, elephant ivory and human teeth!!
 
* Blacksmiths in early America often served as Dentists also
 
* In 201 AD the Romans were dental experts - using gold crowns and fixed bridgework, and a paste made of ground eggshell and honey to clean the teeth.
 
* In 1905 dental assistant Irene Newman was trained to clean teeth. She became the first Dental Hygienist.

source 
image 2 3

BLOOD THINNERS & DENTAL PROCEDURE

Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Agents and Dental Procedures

An increasing number of dental patients are taking “blood thinner” medications for various medical conditions. These drugs interfere with the body’s normal clotting (stopping blood flow) mechanism. There are two main processes by which the body normally forms a blood clot at the site of tissue injury. The first involves small blood cells called platelets which clump together at the wound to form a mechanical plug. This plug slows the flow of blood through the vessel and forms a matrix for the next phase of coagulation. During coagulation chemicals in the blood interact with each other to fill in the spaces between the platelets, stabilize the clot, and make it more solid until the process stops the bleeding.

Antiplatelet agents such as aspirin, Ticlid (ticlopidine), and Plavix (clopidogrel) target the first phase of clot formation by preventing platelets from sticking together and adhering to blood vessels. These agents do this by creating permanent changes in the platelets which last throughout the lifetime of the platelet (7-10 days). These effects can only be countered as the body produces new platelets that have not been exposed to the drug.

Anticoagulant agents such as warfarin (coumadin) inhibit the second phase of clotting by blocking production of proteins that stabilize the clot. Warfarin can only affect these blood proteins when they are being made. This means that it takes several days for the drug to reach full effect and that anticoagulation also goes away slowly when the medication is stopped. Consequently, when changing the levels of anticoagulation, this process must occur gradually. Another important fact is that the effect of warfarin is influenced by many foods and other drugs, resulting in the need for frequent monitoring by the physician.

Many procedures in dentistry can produce bleeding (see Box to Right). Most of the time this bleeding is not difficult to control even in patients who are taking anticoagulation and antiplatelet medications. However, both the effect of these medicines on clotting and the potential for bleeding associated with particular dental procedures is variable. Consequently, it is essential that for each procedure that the risk of bleeding be weighed against the risk of altering the dose or discontinuing the medication.

Some Dental Procedures Associated with Bleeding

• Dental prophylaxis (teeth cleaning)
• Scaling and root planing (deep teeth cleaning)
• Periodontal (gum) surgery
• Tooth extractions
• Dental implant placement
• Biopsies

Your dentist will want you to provide a thorough and complete medical history. Factors that he/she may ask you to provide include: all current medications; name of your physician; purpose of antiplatelet and / or anticoagulation therapy; anticipated time that you will be on these medications; the results of any laboratory monitoring of the effects of these agents; and any problems that you have had with your medicines. Your dentist may want to consult with your physician and it may be necessary to run some tests before your treatment (see Box to Right). Furthermore, precautions may be made before, during and after the dental procedure to reduce the risk of significant oral bleeding. Do not discontinue or alter your medications without the advice of your physician and dentist.

---

INR

The INR is shorthand for “International Normalized Ratio.” It is the primary method that health care providers use to measure the degree of anticoagulation that patients have as a result of taking warfarin (coumadin). This test has generally replaced the prothrombin time (PT). For most medical indications, the expected range for anticoagulation as measured by the INR is 2.0 – 3.5. This number gives an approximation of how long someone taking these medications needs to clot in comparison to a normal individual. For example, an INR of 2.0 roughly equates to a coagulation time of twice normal.

---

Questions and Answers about Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Medications

Q: Is it necessary to check my clotting times before a dental appointment.
A: Depending upon the type of medication you are taking and the type of dental procedure that is to be performed, you may need to obtain specific blood tests that your dentist orders shortly before your dental procedure. This will give your doctor an idea of how your medication is affecting your ability to clot. On the rare occasion when it is recommended that a medication be discontinued, this decision is typically made by discussion between your dentist and your physician. They will determine when and for how long any medication should be discontinued, and when it should be resumed. These orders should be followed explicitly.
Q: Why not stop my blood thinners before dental care just to be safe?
A: In the past, these medications were discontinued prior to dental procedures because of fear of potential bleeding. However, many studies have since proven that the risks of discontinuing these medications can be very dangerous, and serious bleeding from most dental procedures is very uncommon. Additionally, bleeding can be controlled in the dental office in many ways (pressure, stitches, medications, socket packing, etc.). Therefore, even with surgical procedures these important medications are seldom stopped in modern dentistry.
Q: What measures can I take to minimize bleeding after a dental procedure?
A: Most invasive dental procedures result in bleeding that is well controlled if simple procedures are followed. For example, after surgical treatment applying firm pressure on the bleeding sites for 30 minutes with moist gauze or tea bags will usually stop the bleeding. Patients should refrain from spitting, rinsing, using a straw, drinking hot beverages, and smoking for at least the first 24 hours. Also, patients should avoid eating hard or sharp foods (such as pretzels, chips, nuts) for the first two to three days. Your dentist may also prescribe certain medications that can help minimize bleeding. Follow the instructions given to you by your dentist.
Q: At what point do I seek help for oral bleeding and whom should I contact?
A: If at any time you have a concern regarding bleeding after surgery, you should feel free to contact your dentist or oral surgeon. If all the local precautions described above are taken and there is significant blood loss; meaning continuous bleeding that occurs for more than several hours, or the formation of a very large blood clot (a “liver clot”), then you clearly should seek help. Your dentist or oral surgeon should provide you with a means of contact after hours (i.e.: office number, on-call pager), and failing that, you should visit your local emergency room.
Q: What other precautions should I take if I am on antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications?
A: If you are prescribed a new medication while taking anticoagulants, make sure your prescribing doctor understands you are on these medications. Your pharmacy will also check for drug interactions, and if you have any doubts, consult your physician/ dentist to ensure there is no conflict. Be aware also that over-the-counter medications such as Motrin, Advil and Aleve, can result in antiplatelet effects. Additionally “herbal” or “non-traditional” medications can interfere with, or increase the effects of your anticoagulant medications. Before you take any new medication whether prescribed or over-the-counter, you should check with the provider that prescribed your anticoagulant medications!

source 

DENTISTRY & BOTOX

                       There is an increase in women and men alike, who would like to age gracefully and look ever younger. As a result of this, there is a surge in demand for medical professionals providing Botox and cosmetic services. Therefore, if you are a fully qualified, or soon to be qualified, medical professional looking to further develop your skills or your practice, then training to be a Botox administer can be an ideal solution for you.

It is interesting that dentists are one of the professions wanting to add this skill to the CV.

Currently, dentists are considered ‘Independent prescribers’ where the condition affects your teeth. Putting this into English, this means that they are one of the few professionals authorised to dispense prescriptions, which is exactly what Botox is: prescription-only. Due to their experience and background in anaesthesia as well as general medical training, dentists would therefore make for great training candidates.

In fact, this seems to be where the industry is headed as it was reported by The Telegraph that a quarter of dentists are now able to offer Botox alongside other cosmetic procedures such as anti-aging fillers and facial peels.

The theory is, apart from general oral health, a visit to the dentist now carries a goal of aesthetically better teeth – this could be through whitening or through a straightening procedure. Whatever it may be, the goal of a youthful ‘Hollywood’ smile is on the up, and dentists are slowly but surely becoming a one-stop shop for cosmetic makeovers.

With many NHS dentists turning their back on public dentistry and going private, the option to include more cosmetic services is becoming ever more appealing.

And it’s clear to see why. After all, it could be argued that there is no point in investing in a perfect smile if it is to sit on a face with wrinkles and under-eye bags.

With different beauty treatments available under one roof, this becomes more convenient for a customer, and more profitable for the dentist. It is certainly a trend that isn’t likely to lose momentum anytime soon. As long as they receive proper training, this should be an exciting time for cosmetics and dentistry.

What is Botox?
botox is the common brand name used for Botulinum Toxin Type A: a medicine used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and can also be used to treat certain medical impairments such as excessive sweating and even motor neuron syndrome.

Doctors make for great candidates for Botox training for a number of reasons – primarily because of patient safety. Firstly, Botox is a prescription-only treatment. And secondly, the NHS recommends that the person prescribing the medicine knows your full medical history. For someone already in the medical field, medical professionals will have a better understanding as to who is most compatible for the treatment as well as having the knowledge to deal with unforeseen situations that may arise when an accident or emergency occurs.

Botox is generally considered a safe procedure, but this perception could easily be reversed as soon as non-medical professionals become available to administer the treatment.

source:- dentistry & botox

               image