DENTAL TRIBUNE The World’s Dental Newspaper · Middle East & Africa Edition PUBLISHED IN DUBAI 2 Hours FEBRUARY 2010 Trends & Applications Emergency dental implant procedures NO. 1+2 VOL. 8 News & Opinions FDI, FOLA and DTI launch campaign for Haitian dentists 4Page 10 Media CME Oral cancer: Early detection saves lives 4Page 6 4Page 8 Jet 'to replace dentist's drill' A futuristic "plasma jet" that eradicates tooth decay without fillings could be replacing the hated dentist's drill in as little as three years, it was claimed. The space-age device fires a beam of electrically-charged oxygen atoms into tooth cavities to obliterate decay-causing bacteria. Traditionally, the same job is done by drilling holes into the tooth that has to be filled. Unlike the dentist's drill, the plasma jet is non-invasive and DT page 2 Baby death linked to mum’s gum disease The first-ever documented link between foetal death and a mother's pregnancy-related gum disease has been reported. A 35-year-old woman delivered a full-term stillborn baby who, during pregnancy, experienced severe gum bleeding, a symptom of pregnancy-related gingivitis. Approximately 75% of pregnant women experience gum bleeding due to the hormonal changes during pregnancy. These findings – by Yiping Han, a researcher from Department of Periodontics at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine – are discussed in an article in the February issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology. The article explains that bleeding in the gums allows bacteria in the mouth to enter the bloodstream and potentially infect a foetus – but can be stopped by the immune system. However, in this case, the mother also experienced an upper respiratory infection like a cold and low-grade fever just a few days before the stillbirth. Lead author, Yiping Han, said: ‘There is an old wives' tale that you lose a tooth for each baby, and this is due to the underlying changes during pregnancy.. ‘But if there is another underlying condition in the background, then you may lose more than a tooth.' Even though the amniotic fluid was not available for testing, Han suspects from work with animal models that the bacteria entered the immune-free amniotic fluid and eventually ingested by the baby. ‘The timing is important here because it fits the timeframe of haematogenous (through the blood) spreading we observed in animals,' Han said. Post-mortem microbial studies of the baby found the presence of F. nucleatum in the lungs and stomach. The baby had died from a septic infection and inflammation caused by bacteria. After questioning the mother about her health during the pregnancy, Han arranged for her to visit a periodontist, who colDT page 2 First Emirati professor joins Masdar ABU DHABI // An academic who has received numerous awards for her scholastic achievements has become the first Emirati faculty member at Masdar Institute of Science and Technology. Dr Amal al Ghaferi will be an assistant professor at the institute, which is the research arm of the US$22 billion (Dh80.8bn) carbon-neutral Masdar City project. She will teach materials science and engineering and carry out research in nanotechnology and energy. “I believe my position at Masdar Institute will open doors to pursuing my research in nanotechnology and related fields,” said Dr al Ghaferi. “I am looking forward to this challenging mission and hope to become a role model for all UAE nationals.” She graduated in physics from UAE University, where her grade-point average was 3.98 on a 4.0 scale. She later earned a PhD in materials science and enDT page 2 AD DTMEA 1+2/10 Highest quality made in Germany high quality glass ionomer cements first class composites innovative compomers modern bonding systems materials for long-term prophylaxis temporary solutions bleaching products… All our products convince by excellent physical properties perfect aesthetical results Temporary crown and bridge material • particular fracture and wear resistance • now available in 6 attractive shades : New ! hade ch S Blea Nano-C eramTechn ology 010 EDC 2i AE Duba s at Visit u 457 Booth avilion nP Germa Light-curing nano-ceram composite • universal for all cavity classes • comfortable handling, easy modellation • highly esthetic and biocompatible • exact match of translucency and shade to the packable Composan bio-esthetic PROMEDICA Dental Material GmbH Tel. + 49 43 21 / 5 41 73 · Fax + 49 43 21 / 5 19 08 Internet: http://www.promedica.de · eMail: info@promedica.de Resin-reinforced glass ionomer luting cement • strong adhesion, very low film thickness • especially suited for zirconia-based pieces