The Journal of the American Dental Association
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
The efficacy of three desensitizing agents used to treat dentin hypersensitivity.
In a single-center, double-masked, split-mouth-designed, clinical short-term trial, the authors assessed the clinical responses of teeth with dentin hypersensitivity (DH) after treating the teeth with one of three desensitizing agents across four weeks. ⋯ The study results should be considered with caution, as it is not clear how many of the pain relief effects were related to the natural desensitization of teeth over time.
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The aim of this study was to assess the correlates of income and income inequality with dental caries in a sample of all countries, as well as in rich countries alone. ⋯ Among rich countries, income inequality is a stronger determinant of childhood dental caries than is absolute income.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A comparison of the local anesthetic efficacy of the extraoral versus the intraoral infraorbital nerve block.
The efficacy of the extraoral infraorbital nerve block has not been studied sufficiently to ensure its appropriate clinical use. To compare the local anesthetic efficacy of the extraoral versus the intraoral infraorbital nerve block, the authors conducted a prospective, randomized crossover study. ⋯ Both nerve blocks would be ineffective in the central and lateral incisors. Both nerve blocks would be somewhat successful in the canine and premolars but not in the first molar.
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Local anesthetic needle fractures occur rarely. Since reports are uncommon, the mechanism and optimal treatment remain controversial. ⋯ Most needle fractures occur during the administration of inferior alveolar nerve blocks, often with 30-gauge needles and in children who are reported to have moved suddenly and violently as the dentist gave the injection. Dentists should avoid burying any needle up to the hub (so as to ensure the possibility of immediately retrieving the needle intraorally), avoid using 30-gauge needles to administer inferior alveolar nerve blocks and avoid bending the needle before inserting it.