Dental industry news, trends and information from Patterson Dental.
A gingivitis diagnosis can leave a patient discouraged about their oral health, and as the practitioner it’s up to you to deliver a solution that provides the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel! One of many keys to helping a patient to combat […]
Let’s face it, cleaning and sterilizing instruments for re-use might just be one of the most tedious and dull parts of your day. But the bottom line is that it is also a crucial part of your day. Ensuring that instruments are free of potentially […]
A funny thing happens when you find a product that offers both supreme comfort and the right fit: safety and peace of mind come right along with it. For parents, this might be that time you found the perfect car seat for your toddler. For […]
Floss every day because flossing once a day increases your life expectancy by 6 years! Floss every day because if you don’t floss, you miss cleaning 35% of your tooth surfaces! Floss every day because flossing is essential in preventing bad breath, tartar build-up, and […]
It’s true. Your patients look forward to that squeaky clean feeling after a professional dental cleaning. But as dental professionals, we know it’s not just about helping patients’ smiles look bright and fresh. Cleanings remove bacterial plaque and tartar not only from the visible portions […]
Hot coffee or iced coffee? Sandals or loafers? Bring lunch or buy lunch? Happy hour or home? As working professionals our weekdays are filled with choices, and for dental industry professional those choices can swiftly multiply! Which file, which bur, which fluoride…the list goes on. […]
Think back to when you were young and your parents took you to the dentist. Whether you had to be drug there or went with little complaint, most kids didn’t particularly enjoy spending time at the tooth doc’s office (**exception: picking out a toothbrush and […]
As a dental professional, you undoubtedly are often asked by your patients, “What’s the best kind of toothpaste to use?” For many patients, any off-the-shelf toothpaste is adequate for daily cleaning, but for some, a stronger solution is needed. These patients may not realize that […]
Local anesthetics are among the most commonly administered drugs in clinical dentistry. Articaine and Lidocaine, two of the most popular types, may sound similar, but there are key differences in their chemical makeups. Understanding these differences can help guide you when choosing the safest and […]
Dental caries, also known as tooth decay or cavities, remains the most prevalent chronic disease among children in the U.S. According to a recent study, 5-10% of U.S. children will experience oral health issues by the age of three. What is even more alarming is […]
A win feels good no matter what, but wouldn’t you agree that some wins are worth more than others? Winning the lottery, for instance, probably feels more valuable than winning a game of Pinochle against grandma. What about our giveaway? Well, it’s worth 72! Read […]
Ahhh, the busy hum of a bustling dental office. The chipper chatter of patients, the whir of a high-speed handpiece, the whoosh of the suction…all of this din may seem routine and comforting, but did you know it may also be dangerous? The National Institute […]
The fact of the matter is this: medical emergencies are a frequent occurrence in dental offices, and being prepared to handle such an emergency properly and efficiently is of paramount importance both for your patients and your practice. By being prepared, we don’t mean merely […]
As you know from pedo-focused (Tooth) Picks past, we love gabbing about the importance of helping children establish proper oral care habits as early as possible. One of the best ways to encourage kids to engage in such habits is by making the tasks FUN! […]
It’s Earth Day: A day when recycling, re-purposing, upcycling, and small ways to give back to planet earth are all top of mind. Many dental products – including most dental floss and floss containers – aren’t recyclable in the traditional fashion, but there are plenty […]
Patterson Dental has recently announced that pharmaceuticals are now available for purchase on our website, including certain products that are classified as controlled substances. Unlike other products, the sale of controlled substances is regulated by the government, and as such certain procedures are integrated into […]
From outlining the 7 steps of endodontics, to covering 8 products at the root of root canals, we’ve enjoyed taking the month of March to publish various pieces of content focused on endodontics. The month isn’t over yet, though, and today we’ll be sharing a […]
Fortunately, Endodontics – the dental specialty which concerns the study and treatment of dental pulp – is an area of dentistry that has seen tremendous growth over the last 20 years. Unfortunately, however, this particular specialty is often still overlooked or dismissed. This can largely […]
Flying cars and hover boards may not be here yet (well, at least not safe ones), but the future has arrived when it comes to one thing: brushing your teeth. Bluetooth technology has introduced a whole new world of possibilities in home oral care. The […]
It’s March, which means snow melting, birds chirping, sun shining, and pulp…pulping? That’s right, we’ll be taking this month to focus on all things endodontics, starting with one of the most infamous procedures of all: the root canal! Root canals are a lot like broccoli: […]
February 28 marks Tooth Fairy Day, a day which pays tribute to the generous little sprite kind enough to visit our bedrooms and leave treats, trinkets, or money, in exchange for our lost baby teeth. Losing teeth can be a jarring experience for little tykes, […]
PART I: THE PROBLEM How many times have dental professionals heard something like this from a patient: “I came in to have my teeth cleaned, and now I’m leaving with them feeling fuzzier than they did when I walked in!” This “fuzzy feeling” comes from […]
Brrrrrr, it’s chilly outside. That makes it the best time of year to bundle up! We’re not talking about scarves, mittens, or mukluks, though. We’re talking about bundling up with a Power Bundle from Crest and Oral-B. It might not keep you warm in frigid […]
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, which we at Patterson couldn’t be happier about! You best believe we’ll take any chance we can get to talk about the importance of children’s oral hygiene. Research has shown time and time again that our health habits […]
Vinyl Polysiloxane, or VPS, impression material involves a chemical reaction between 2 substances known as a base and a catalyst. These two components must be mixed evenly and thoroughly for the product to set correctly. There are 4 main delivery methods to creating this mixture. […]
Hu-Friedy, a global leader in manufacturing dental instruments and products, released the results of an independent scientific study evaluating the sharpness and edge retention of two scaler brands. Research was conducted by the Cutlery & Allied Trades Research Association (CATRA), a specialized third-party blade laboratory, […]
In today’s market place, there are 4 primary generations of dental bonding agents. The number of steps needed to create a proper bond has been reduced generation to generation, but each generation carries its own benefits. Here’s a simple guide to each of them. 4th […]
With the market flooded with attractive ads for “new and improved” cements, the practitioner may wonder if, and when, they are worth the extra money. Since our trust in the quality and sealing ability of composite resins has grown, that has tended to flow over […]
Just when you thought it wasn’t possible for Sirona to do it again – they did. Their CEREC software update 4.4 provides what I think is a BIG GAME CHANGER when it comes to implantology – CEREC Guide 2. What Is CEREC Guide 2? CEREC […]
If navigating options for teeth whitening is making you dizzy instead of dazzled, you’re not alone. The options are endless, especially with so many new over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening products on the market. But teeth whitening is not black and white, and it might not […]