Dr. Rick Newhart Updates

No flu shot party

Unfortunately, the WV Health Department will not allow us to host more than our own office for flu shots this year.  Please call the Health Department at 485-7374 for more information about flu immunizations.

3 CE Seminars Coming Up

The Blennerhassett Dental Society is having their monthly meeting on October 25 at 6:00 pm, at the Parkersburg Country Club. Dr. Mark Byron will be speaking about “The Mystery of Diagnosing Endodontically Involved Teeth”. At the WVU Auditorium in Charleston Memorial Hospital, Dr. Douglas Damm is speaking in the morning on “Bisphosphonates, Metamphetamines, Osteonecrosis, and other oral complications”. In the afternoon, Dr. Joseph Bee is speaking on “Portable Dentistry”. Also, “The Addicted Brain” seminar is being held on November 17 at the Charleston Civic Center.

Superior Genial Spinal Foramen and its Canal

Vandewalle et al. (IJOMI2006;21:581-586) studied the characteristics of the superior genial spinal foramen which is located on the lingual aspect at the midline of the mandible just superior to the genial protuberance. The foramen was present in 98% of over 380 dry human cadaver mandibles that were dissected. The size of the foramen varied from .6 to .7mm and contained a distinct branch of the lingual artery and the lingual nerve. Vandewalle states that the artery was a sufficient size to cause significant hemorrhage during surgery procedures if it is inadvertently severed, along with a possibility of neurosensory disturbances to the tongue. In conclusion, Vandewalle states that identification and localization of the superior genial spinal foramen is suggested during implant surgery for implant patients on the lower arch. Dr. Newhart frequently places implants in edentulous mandibles and has carefully encountered and worked around this anatomical structure.  

Implant Allergy?

Flatebo et al. (JOP2006;77:1201-1210) studied the immunological effects of implant placement in 13 patients age 21-29 years at the time of gingival healing collar placement. The patients were monitored for six- months after implant placement and biopsies were taken with a 6mm punch, yielding 26 specimens of the 13 patients. Specimens were subject sustained to evaluate for an immunological reaction to dental implants being placed. Their findings indicate a lack of immunological response in any of their patients and they conclude in a small sample size that tissue sensitive reactions to titanium implants were not observed. Dr. Newhart is pleased that this study, even though small, confirms the lack of any type of immunological response to dental implants.

Periodontal Disease in HIV Infected Women

Alves et al. (JOP2006;77:773-779) studied the relationship between HIV status, viral load, and CD4 count in 584 HIV-seropositive women compared to 151 HIV-seronegative women over a 6-month period from 1995-2002. Authors used the Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS), which is considered the largest and most detailed study involving women and HIV disease in dental health.  There was no consistent effect of periodontal status from HIV viral load status and CD4 count between the HIV infected women. However, they did find a 10-fold increase in tooth loss risk in HIV infected women compared to non-infected women. Regular dental visits and proper oral hygiene instructions appear to be just as affective for the HIV-positive women as in HIV-negative women in improving their periodontal health. Dr. Newhart feels that this study is very positive in that it would indicate that HIV-infected women with periodontal problems can be helped and will respond to therapy as well as their non-seropositive counter parts. 

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.

The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all.

By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honor, and life.

Proverbs 22:1-2 & 4

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

Dr. Newhart’s periodontal update is a referenced literature and research review and newsletter. Dr. Newhart is not claiming to perform, endorse, or achieve the results of every surgical technique or procedure published in this newsletter. Dr. Newhart is a licensed periodontal specialist, who has significant post-doctoral implant and periodontal education & training.