The Journal of the American Dental Association
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Review
The therapeutic applications of and risks associated with acetaminophen use: a review and update.
In response to the April 2010 U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) revision of warning labeling for over-the-counter (OTC) acetaminophen, or N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP), products, the authors reviewed APAP's potential for liver toxicity. ⋯ APAP has numerous applications in dentistry, but if it is used conjointly for other conditions, the risk of the patient's experiencing an overdose increases. In the context of recent FDA concerns about the increased incidence of APAP-related liver toxicity, the authors provide recommendations for safe prescribing practices for APAP. Practitioners should caution patients to follow recommended dosage instructions and avoid taking multiple APAP-containing products.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A comparison of the anterior middle superior alveolar nerve block and infraorbital nerve block for anesthesia of maxillary anterior teeth.
The authors conducted a study to compare the efficacy of the anterior middle superior alveolar (AMSA) nerve block with that of the infra-orbital nerve block (IONB) in achieving pulpal anesthesia in the anterior maxilla. ⋯ The IONB produced anesthetic success in canine and premolar teeth, with a more rapid onset than that for the AMSA nerve block. Although the AMSA technique was significantly more successful than IONB in attaining incisor anesthesia, it was ineffective for central incisors, as assessed according to rigorous electronic pulp testing. The IONB and AMSA nerve block produced similar levels of injection discomfort.
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Treating periodontal disease during pregnancy to improve outcomes is controversial, and the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are conflicting. The authors performed meta-analysis of these RCTs to assess the overall effect of treating periodontal disease during pregnancy. ⋯ Pooled results from the highest-quality RCTs do not support the hypothesis of a reduction of PTB or LBW in women who are treated for periodontal disease during pregnancy.
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During 2009, both chambers of the U.S. Congress passed health care reform bills that contained a variety of provisions specific to oral health and dental care. In March 2010, the Senate version-the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (referred to as the Affordable Care Act [ACA])-was signed into law. ⋯ The oral health provisions in the health care reform bills evidenced strong congressional interest in oral health and dental care, with an emphasis on equitable care for children. Practice Implications. The effect of each congressional action on the future of dental practice will depend on how the provisions are regulated and implemented. The dental profession needs to recognize the strong and ongoing interest of lawmakers in oral health care and must maintain active engagement in the policymaking process.