Friday Dental Download: June 27, 2014

This week, we discuss how dentists can improve their work efficiency, learn about deadly flesh-eating bacteria, and introduce a digital technology that’s expected to accelerate the prosthetic workflow. Flow along on twitter using the hashtag #FridayDentalDL

1. Where do stand with your dental ergonomics?

An average of two out of three dental professionals experience occupational pain, and as such, musculoskeletal disease forces early retirement for nearly one-third of dentists. Dental equipment can play a big role in work efficiency as can changing your work habits. Dentists can only improve their ergonomics when they improve their physical well-being.

2. The effect of peptides on the oral cavity

In our bodies, multiple microorganisms called microbes thrive while living in harmony with other microbes. Some, however, are parasitic, which means they flourish and thrive at the expense of our health. Researchers may have found a way to target the pathogenic microbes, the ones harmful to us, through a technology known as STAMP. If STAMP proves to be successful, it could eliminate tooth decay, improving the oral health of millions.

3. High school student died from flesh-eating bacteria following dental procedure

In February, a Maine high school student got his wisdom teeth out, normally a routine dental procedure. Three days after his surgery, he had a lot of swelling and became extremely weak and dizzy. It was later reported that the student contracted necrotizing fasciitis, a rare flesh-eating bacteria disease that destroys the fascia – a layer of connective tissue underneath the skin. Although this type of disease is rare, make sure you communicate with your dentist if you experience unexpected side effects.

4. New study: Intra-oral scanners accelerate workflow

Digital technology is increasingly finding its way into everyday dental practice. Intra-oral scanners provide new treatment options for patients and are expected to accelerate the workflow. Little was known about the actual time required to make digital impression, until now. A new study found that the time required for digitalizing a dental implant fixture (like partial removable dentures) took significantly less time than making conventional impressions ­– around 12 minutes.

5. Here’s Why Coconut Oil is Becoming Known As The “Miracle” Dental Bacteria Killer

Mainstream science has now fully recognized the power behind coconut oil. Not only does it combat tooth decay and drastically improve overall mouth health, but also specifically crushes a yeast known as candida albicans that can lead to deadly infections.