Dear DrBicuspid Member,
Although implant fracture is rare, it can have serious consequences for both clinicians and patients. A new study looked at the associations among failed implants to identify potential trends and warning signs of failure. Researchers found that screw-retained implants fracture sooner than cement-retained ones, and fractures are more likely to occur in the premolars and molars. Read more here.
Also this week on DrBicuspid.com, periodontist Dr. Alvin Danenberg asks if toothpaste is necessary for your patients to properly clean their teeth? He poses this provocative question to discuss the larger topic of what is in toothpaste, what manufacturers claim, and the best way for you to help your patients clean their teeth. Read more here.
Looking for a way to distract your patients? Have them take a walk on the wild side. Researchers found that immersing dental patients in a virtual reality environment with nature scenes was most effective at distracting them during their procedures, compared with virtual urban scenes or no distraction at all. In fact, patients who navigated a virtual coastal environment during their procedures reported lower levels of pain afterward. Learn more here.
Providing patients with more information leads to better dental health, right? Not exactly. A new study found that giving pregnant women basic oral health information health was effective at improving their hygiene, but the addition of other interventions produced no further benefits. Read more here.
There's a solid patient communication point in the above study. All practitioners want better health for each of their patients, but sometimes too much information is a drawback, not a virtue. It's often a good idea to stop and think about the message you and your team want to deliver to patients while remembering to phrase it in a way that resonates with them.
