Dr. Rick Newhart Updates

SUCCESSFUL CE FROM KNIGHT DENTAL

We had a successful CE event with Greg Wetzel from Knight Dental on April 19. If you weren’t one of the 33 people to attend, Mr. Wetzel spoke about laboratory diagnostic wax-ups for anterior cosmetic cases, and how that can aid the dentist in treatment planning and diagnostic work-ups for the patient.  Mr. Wetzel has special introductory laboratory fees for dentists who want to try this in their office.  Please call Greg at 1-866-901-7488!

$800 A MONTH FOR A DENTAL OFFICE?

What a great deal for monthly leasing cost of a medical/dental professional satellite office space at 1308 Market Street !  If you are interested, or you know of anyone who would be interested, please call 304-422-4867.

BIOACTIVE GLASS FALLS SHORT

Dybvik et al. (JPerio2007;78:403-410) studied the effect of using a perio-glass, or a bioactive ceramic filler in the treatment of severe periodontal osseous defects over a 12-month period in 19 patients displaying significant tooth mobility. The 7 control defects received open debridement, while the 12 test defects received bioactive ceramic filler. All teeth had a grade II or III mobility with a poor long-term prognosis. Results after one year showed that both groups show a significant reduction in pocket depth.  However, between the two groups there was no difference in terms of probing attachment levels. The authors conclude the bioactive glass did not provide any benefit over open debridement in teeth with deep osseous defects and hyper mobility. Dr. Newhart does not feel that teeth with hypermobility are good candidates for periodontal bone grafting of any sort, and that there are better materials on the market than periodontal glass.  Dr. Newhart feels that if you are going to use bioactive glass to treat a periodontal defect, your best results would be obtained with teeth that are not mobile at all.   

FINGERNAIL VARNISH OR TOOTH VARNISH?

Cosyn et al. (JPerio2007;78:430-437) studies the effect of adding a subgingival chlorhexidine varnish to full mouth scaling and root planing in the reduction of pocket depths over a 6-month period in 33 non-smoking chronic periodontitis patients. The test group of 17 patients had a full mouth scaling and root planing, followed by the administration of a chlorhexidine varnish via a blunt needle to the depth of the pocket. The varnish was then removed using a 15 minutes after its application. The 35% chlorhexidine varnish solidifies in the pocket and it easily removed by the curette. However, the chlorhexidine administration group received an added benefit from the addition of the varnish. Dr. Newhart is excited by this technology and is sure there will be more studies published in the near future. 

IMPACTED AGAIN?

Cooke and Wang (IJPRD2006;26:483-491) look at impacted maxillary canines incidence and treatment. The authors point out that the maxillary canine is the second most commonly impacted tooth after the maxillary third molar, with a reported incidence of up to 1% to 2.5%. The incidence of mandibular canine impaction is much lower at only .35%. The authors suggest apically positioned flap surgery for maxillary canines with very minimal gingiva to preserve the gingival band during exposure.  Also, for lingually impacted canines, both open and closed reduction techniques are discussed.  The disadvantage of the closed canine bonding technique is that if the orthodontic bracket comes loose a second surgery is usually required to rebond the bracket. Dr. Newhart routinely performs maxillary canine exposure surgery using the facial apically positioned flap technique or the palatal open or trap door technique.  The authors discuss failure of the tooth to move, which may be due to not removing enough bone, inappropriate orthodontic mechanics, ankylosis of tooth, or improper bonding methods.

  For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

                        1 Timothy 2:5-6

Thank you for your continued referral of dental implant and periodontal patients!

Please visit our website at: thegumdr.com

Dr. Richard Newhart, Periodontist

Dental Implant Placement

1308 Market Street

Parkersburg , WV 26101

(304) 422-4867