Saturday, October 6, 2007
DIAGNOdent - Laser Caries Detection Aid
Caries detection to a new level. Is DIAGOdent the magical wand in seeking caries? This $3000 piece of equipment, which the manufacturer claims will pay for itself in a month, may be worth it. The thing is sort of like a metal detector, beeps when there is significant decay in tooth structure. Nothing replaces our good old clinical exam and radiographs but this tool goes one step beyond in helping us detect and localize the lesion before further progression. I like the idea of this instrument but I think the sound feature could induce some heart pain in a patient. We may one day not even have to tell our patients to pay up for that filling, I think they'll get the message with one swoop of a pen!
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Pericoronitis
Pericoronitis is a common problem in young adults with partial tooth impactions. It occurs when the wisdom tooth has failed to erupt completely through the gum bed, allowing bacteria into an open space around the tooth, causing infection. Common symptoms include a swollen lump near the eruption site, stiffness of the jaw, bad odour or taste in the mouth, swollen lymphs, and pain in the general area that may also run down the entire mandible or neck.
Treatment is usually provision of antibiotics to control the infection. In cases where pericoronitis has recurred, with two or more episodes in the last year, removal of the impacted tooth is indicated.
Pericoronitis that causes symptoms should be treated as soon as possible. If it is not, the infection can spread to other areas of the mouth. The most severe cases are treated in a hospital and may require intravenous antibiotics and surgery.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Good Morning!
I am a second-year dental student at the University of Maryland Dental School. I started this blog to enchance communication with my classmates and to post random things. Right now I am studying for the National Boards Part 1, it sucks spending the best days of summer in the library but it is well worth it. I'm taking the exam in early August. School starts on the 20th so I have a couple weeks to relax, sigh.
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