General dentistry
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Dealing with pain is an inevitable sequela to dental treatment. Although several drug regimens primarily involving narcotics have been used in the past, availability of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has increased recently. ⋯ Data analysis of a survey of 130 dentists revealed that respondents still rely on narcotic analgesics for pain relief and generally exceed needed potency and quantities in their prescribing habits. Dentists are treating rather than preventing pain, and NSAIDs are underused.
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Trace-element neurotoxicity contributing to the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) may be an important etiologic factor for this disorder. This clinical study was conducted to determine the urine concentrations of mercury (Hg) from patients with AD disorders. ⋯ The results of this study do not indicate that subjects with AD have a greater body burden of Hg, according to urinary excretion. This can be further evidence that Hg from amalgam restorations or diet is not related to etiology and pathogenesis of AD.