Dentistry | Jotup

Elon Musk says ‘disc replacement’ worked for him. But evidence this surgery helps chronic pain is lacking

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

In comments following the post, Musk said the surgery was a “gamechanger” and reduced his pain significantly.

Key Points:

In comments following the post, Musk said the surgery was a “gamechanger” and reduced his pain significantly.
So what is disc replacement surgery and what does the evidence tells us about its benefits and harms?

What’s involved in a disc replacement?

Disc replacement may be performed for a number of reasons, including slipped discs in the neck, as appears to be the case for Musk.
In Australia, even if you have health insurance, a disc replacement surgery may leave you more than A$12,000 out of pocket.
Disc replacement surgery is not performed as much as other spinal surgeries (for example, spinal fusion) but its use is increasing.
In New South Wales for example, rates of privately-funded disc replacement increased six-fold from 6.2 per million people in 2010–11 to 38.4 per million in 2019–20.

What are the benefits and harms?

But there has been very little research comparing disc replacement surgery with non-surgical treatments.
Unfortunately, these crucial first research steps have largely been skipped for disc replacement surgery for both neck and back pain.
There are no clinical trials we know of investigating whether disc replacement is effective for neck pain compared to nothing or compared to non-surgical treatments.

Complications are not uncommon, and can include disclocation of the artificial disc, fracture (break) of the artificial disc, and infection.
Revision surgery means a re-do to the primary surgery if something needs fixing.

Are there effective alternatives?

Many surgeons see disc replacement as an alternative to spinal fusion, and this choice is often presented to patients.
Indeed, the research evidence used to support disc replacement mainly comes from studies that compare disc replacement to spinal fusion.
Fortunately for patients, there are new, non-surgical treatments for neck and back pain that evidence is showing are effective – and are far cheaper than surgery.

Christine Lin receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), and Medical Research Future Fund.
Christopher Maher receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), and Medical Research Future Fund.

Caring for older Americans’ teeth and gums is essential, but Medicare generally doesn’t cover that cost

Retrieved on:

Friday, April 19, 2024

As dentistry scholars, we believe Koop also deserves credit for something else.

Key Points:

As dentistry scholars, we believe Koop also deserves credit for something else.
Americans who rely on the traditional Medicare program for their health insurance get no help from that program with paying their dental bills aside from some narrow exceptions.
This group includes some 24 million people over 65 – about half of all the people who rely on Medicare for their health insurance.

‘Medically necessary’ exceptions

The list of circumstances that would lead patients to be eligible is short.
Some examples include patients scheduled for organ transplants or who have cancer treatment requiring radiation of their jaws.
But we believe that dental care is necessary for everyone, especially for older people.

Chew, speak, breathe

While many working Americans get limited dental coverage through their employers, those benefits are usually limited to as little as $1,000 per year.
And once they retire, Americans almost always lose even that basic coverage.
Rich Americans with Medicare coverage are almost three times more likely to receive dental care compared to those with low incomes.

Connected to many serious conditions

Having diabetes makes you three times as likely to develop gum disease because diabetes compromises the body’s response to inflammation and infection.
At the same time, treating diabetes patients for gum disease can help control their blood sugar levels.

Chemo can damage your teeth

Many cancer treatments can damage teeth, especially for older adults. As a result, Medicare has started to reimburse for dental bills tied to tooth decay or other oral conditions after they get chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

More than nice to have

Doctors and dentists are educated separately, and doctors learn very little about dental conditions and treatments when they’re in medical school.
Most dental electronic health records aren’t linked to medical systems, hindering comprehensive care and delivery of dental care to those in need.
Medical insurance was designed specifically to cover large, unpredictable expenses, while dental insurance was intended to mainly fund predictable and lower-cost preventive care.

Medicare Advantage plans

Until Medicare expands coverage to include preventive dental services for everyone, alternative plans such as Medicare Advantage, through which the federal government contracts with private insurers to provide Medicare benefits, serve as a stopgap.
In 2016, only 21% of beneficiaries in traditional Medicare had purchased a stand-alone dental plan, whereas roughly two-thirds of Medicare Advantage enrollees had at least some dental benefits through their coverage.

Frank Scannapieco is affiliated with The Task Force on Design and Analysis in Oral Health Research, and consults for the Colgate-Palmolive Company. Ira Lamster is a member of the Santa Fe Group. He currently receives consulting fees from Colgate, and research support from the CareQuest Institute.

Infections after surgery are more likely due to bacteria already on your skin than from microbes in the hospital − new research

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Genetic data from the bacteria causing these infections – think CSI for E. coli – tells another story: Most health care-associated infections are caused by previously harmless bacteria that patients already had on their bodies before they even entered the hospital.

Key Points:

Genetic data from the bacteria causing these infections – think CSI for E. coli – tells another story: Most health care-associated infections are caused by previously harmless bacteria that patients already had on their bodies before they even entered the hospital.
We show that many surgical site infections after spinal surgery are caused by microbes that are already on the patient’s skin.

Surgical infections are a persistent problem

Among the different types of heath care-associated infections, surgical site infections stand out as particularly problematic.
A 2013 study found that surgical site infections contribute the most to the annual costs of hospital-acquired infections, totaling over 33% of the US$9.8 billion spent annually.

Still, surgical site infections occur following about 1 in 30 procedures, typically with no explanation.
While rates of many other medical complications have shown steady improvement over time, data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that the problem of surgical site infection is not getting better.

BYOB (Bring your own bacteria)

Prior studies on surgical site infection have been limited to a single species of bacteria and used older genetic analysis methods.
But new technologies have opened the door to studying all types of bacteria and testing their antibiotic resistance genes simultaneously.
Over a one-year period, we sampled the bacteria living in the nose, skin and stool of over 200 patients before surgery.

In fact, 86% of the bacteria causing infections after spine surgery were genetically matched to bacteria a patient carried before surgery.
That number is remarkably close to estimates from earlier studies using older genetic techniques focused on Staphylococcus aureus.
They likely acquired these antibiotic-resistant microbes through prior antibiotic exposure, consumer products or routine community contact.

Preventing surgical infections

At face value, our results may seem intuitive – surgical wound infections come from bacteria that hang out around that part of the body.
If the most likely source of surgical infection – the patient’s microbiome – is known in advance, this presents medical teams with an opportunity to protect against it prior to a scheduled procedure.
The fact that most infections don’t actually start with sources in the hospital is probably a testament to the efficacy of these protocols.

Dustin Long receives funding from the National Institutes of Health. Dr Bryson-Cahn receives funding from the Gordon and Berry Moore Foundation and is the co-medical director for Alaska Airlines.

Opening Ceremony of Modern Dental Group, ACESO Production Base Successfully Held in Vietnam

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Dentistry, Growth, HK, Long Thanh International Airport, Transport, Technician, Long Đức Industrial Park

Opening Ceremony of Modern Dental Group, ACESO Production Base Successfully Held in Vietnam

Key Points:

Opening Ceremony of Modern Dental Group, ACESO Production Base Successfully Held in Vietnam
(28 March 2024, Hong Kong) - Modern Dental Group Limited (hereinafter referred to as "Modern Dental" or "the Group", stock code: 03600.
HK), a leading global dental prosthetic device provider, successfully held the grand opening ceremony for ACESO production base in Dong Nai, Vietnam today.
Modern Dental Group is committed to ensuring efficient and high-quality production to meet the customers’ demands and support continuous expansion.
The opening of ACESO production base in Vietnam will significantly empower the core production capabilities and efficiency of the Group, driving vigorous development of new quality productive forces and solidifying the Group’s leading position in dentistry.

Global Experts from SEPA Call for the Control of Gingivitis Rather than Waiting for Periodontitis to Develop

Retrieved on:

Monday, April 8, 2024

SEPA: Limited knowledge among oral health teams of the recommendations and evidence currently available on oral antiseptics (that are clinically proven to be effective) reduces their implementation; therefore, more practical and simple advice is proposed.

Key Points:

This was highlighted at an International Summit of Experts held at the Casa de las Encías in Madrid, Spain, the headquarters of the SEPA Foundation.
"Periodontal diseases are prevalent worldwide, affecting hundreds of millions of people," says the meeting coordinator, Dr. Paula Matesanz, vice president of SEPA.
As Dr. Iain Chapple summarizes, "It is time for a paradigm shift: we must control gingivitis and not wait until periodontitis develops."
J Clin Periodontol 2022 Jun:49 Suppl 24:4-71 (version adapted by SEPA available at https://portal.guiasalud.es/gpc/tratamiento-periodontitis-estadio-iv )
* Chapple I, Time to take gum disease seriously.

Epic Bio Announces Robust Slate of Presentations at the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) 27th Annual Meeting

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Poster, SAN, Cell, Abstract, Baltimore Convention Center, Gene, FSHD, Ballroom, Society, Convention, Dentistry

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Epic Bio , a leading epigenetic editing company that plans to have its FSHD program enter the clinic this year, today announced the acceptance of six abstracts, three oral presentations, and three poster presentations at the upcoming Annual Meeting of the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT), taking place May 7-11, 2024, in Baltimore, Maryland.

Key Points:

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Epic Bio , a leading epigenetic editing company that plans to have its FSHD program enter the clinic this year, today announced the acceptance of six abstracts, three oral presentations, and three poster presentations at the upcoming Annual Meeting of the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT), taking place May 7-11, 2024, in Baltimore, Maryland.
Location: Baltimore at the Baltimore Convention Center, Ballroom 1, Baltimore, Maryland
Location: Baltimore at the Baltimore Convention Center, Ballroom III, Baltimore, Maryland
Location: Baltimore at the Baltimore Convention Center, Ballroom III, Baltimore, Maryland
Location: Baltimore at the Baltimore Convention Center, Exhibit Hall, Baltimore, Maryland
Location: Baltimore at the Baltimore Convention Center, Exhibit Hall, Baltimore, Maryland

Verana Health to Reveal Results from Largest Pediatric Intraocular Lens Study, Funded by the FDA, During AAPOS 2024

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Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Device, Intraocular lens, IOL, CDRH, Health equity, Partnership, Patient, SAN, Research, American Academy, Manuscript, MD, ENT, Quality, Safety, FDA, Cataract, Food, Medicine, Dentistry

Verana Health led the analysis utilizing real-world data from the Academy IRIS Registry – one of the largest specialty society clinical data registries in all of medicine.

Key Points:

Verana Health led the analysis utilizing real-world data from the Academy IRIS Registry – one of the largest specialty society clinical data registries in all of medicine.
“The results of this study underscore the transformative potential of high-quality, curated real-world data in generating real-world evidence to enhance treatments and improve patients’ lives,” said Sujay Jadhav, CEO of Verana Health.
“We thank the FDA for the opportunity to lead this study, and we extend our appreciation to the Academy for its partnership.
Verana Health utilized its clinician-directed and artificial intelligence-enhanced population health data engine, VeraQ ®, to analyze curated, de-identified IRIS Registry data on pediatric cataract surgeries, amplifying the depth and accuracy of the study's insights.

TELA Bio Welcomes Acclaimed Surgeon as Vice President of Medical Affairs and Surgeon Strategy

Retrieved on:

Monday, April 8, 2024

Surgeon, Plastic, Associate, Education, Matrix, National Cancer Institute, Bellevue Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center, NYU, University, General surgery, Surgical oncology, Health, FACS, Dentistry

MALVERN, Pa., April 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TELA Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: TELA), a commercial-stage medical technology company focused on providing innovative soft-tissue reconstruction solutions, today announced Howard N. Langstein, MD, FACS, as Vice President of Medical Affairs and Surgeon Strategy.

Key Points:

MALVERN, Pa., April 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TELA Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: TELA), a commercial-stage medical technology company focused on providing innovative soft-tissue reconstruction solutions, today announced Howard N. Langstein, MD, FACS, as Vice President of Medical Affairs and Surgeon Strategy.
Dr. Langstein is the former Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Rochester Medical Center, known for his extensive expertise, especially in microvascular reconstruction and innovative approaches to complex surgical problems.
“With more than 30 years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery, I understand the needs and challenges in this space,” said Dr. Langstein.
"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Langstein to our team," said Paul Talmo, Chief Technology Officer of TELA Bio.

Benevis Celebrates Dental Hygienist Week, Honoring Their Vital Role in Oral Health

Retrieved on:

Monday, April 8, 2024

Dentistry, Dental hygienist, Patient, DNA, Oral hygiene, Dental, Dentist

The Benevis team of dental professionals includes over 250 Dental Hygienists who provide high-quality dental care and oral health education for their patients.

Key Points:

The Benevis team of dental professionals includes over 250 Dental Hygienists who provide high-quality dental care and oral health education for their patients.
At Benevis, Dental Hygienists are often the first care team member patients encounter and through routine cleanings, the ones they build a trusted and lasting relationship.
The oral health education and support in providing happy healthy smile tips they provide are vital for patients’ health as most dental diseases are preventable.
“At Benevis, we recognize the vital role that our Dental Hygienists play during national Dental Hygienist Week but also every other week of the year as they make up such an essential part of our organization’s DNA,” said Dominique Szach, Director of Dental Hygiene, Benevis.

Benevis Observes National Minority Health Month by Highlighting the Need for Equitable Access to Dental Health in the U.S.

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Dental care, Dentistry, Source, Dentist, Office of Minority Health, CHIP, Education, Patient, Orthodontics, HHS, American Academy, American Academy of Pediatrics, Insurance, NIH, Medicaid, OMH, Minority group

For the April observance, Benevis is raising awareness about the importance of improving the dental health of minority communities to reduce health disparities and improve overall health outcomes.

Key Points:

For the April observance, Benevis is raising awareness about the importance of improving the dental health of minority communities to reduce health disparities and improve overall health outcomes.
Benevis recognizes that not all Americans have equitable access or financial resources to receive routine dental care and orthodontic treatment, making poor oral health a primary marker of social and economic inequality.
Benevis has positioned itself as a leader in dental healthcare and orthodontics for children and families with social, economic, and environmental barriers to dental care.
Committed to breaking down barriers to high-quality, affordable dental care for children, Benevis has provided the following educational resources:
To help spread awareness for equitable oral health, the Dental Health Disparities Greatest for Minorities infographic .