Dentinal hypersensitivity has been referred to as one of the most painful and chronic dental conditions, with a reported prevalence of between 4% and 57% in the general population and a higher prevalence in periodontal patients. It may also occur as a result of, or during, dental treatment. Clinicians must screen for dentinal hypersensitivity and diagnose by exclusion, determine appropriate treatment, and provide treatment and preventive recommendations. Consideration should also be given to treating dentinal hypersensitivity associated with dental treatment. Traditional treatments have included adhesive resins, fluoride varnishes, HEMA,iontophoresis, gingival grafts and desensitizing dentifrices. Other technologies include the use of bioglass particles,ACP, as well as 8% arginine and calcium carbonate paste.

Methamphetamines were originally derived from amphetamine. Meth can be illegally and easily synthesized, and is known by many names, including speed, crystal meth and ice. In the United States, more than 10 million people report having tried meth. Its use results in immediate effects that can be pleasurable but medically dangerous. Longer-term use results in serious and devastating medical, psychological and oral conditions, and in extreme cases can result in death. Dental professionals are in a position to help with the early identification of meth abuse and to refer patients to medical professionals for counseling and treatment. Palliative and preventive oral care and treatment, as well as counseling, should be provided, along with monitoring of the patient, and definitive care should be provided when appropriate for the individual patient.

Over 30,000 new cases are expected to be diagnosed in the United States this year alone. With proper intra-oral and extra-oral examinations conducted by a trained healthcare professional, early diagnosis can make all the difference in the management of the patient’s condition, although prevention remains the healthcare provider's best option. To help avert future incidence, at-risk patients need to be educated by healthcare providers, including on nutritional information and, in the case of tobacco users, the U.S. Public Health Service’s "Five A’s." Armed with a full understanding of the disease, the oral healthcare professional is the most likely frontline clinician to prevent, diagnose and manage a patient's oral cancer.

Obturation is a critical component of root canal therapy, and must both provide a complete seal for the root canal system and eliminate all avenues of leakage from the oral cavity. Historically, gutta-percha cones have been the standard material of choice for root canal obturation, used together with a sealer/cement. The first gutta-percha carrier-based obturating techniques were developed more than two decades ago. More recently, obturating techniques have been introduced that include resin-based sealers and obturators,syringe-applied heated gutta-percha, and the use of guttapercha as an outer coating on obturator carriers composed of plastic or metal. It is important to select an obturation technique that offers consistency and is easy to use.

Twenty-six million people in the United States are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). As the baby boomer generation continues to mature, medical procedures extending life improve,and with pharmacology advances, this number will increase. With an increased number of patients living with CKD seeking dental treatment, will the dental healthcare provider be prepared to provide treatment to patients living with renal disease-induced anemia, and with secondary hyperparathyroidism and its effects on bone metabolism and the cardiovascular system? Many providers are familiar with providing palliative treatment for xerostomia, but how do you recommend palliative treatment for someone who is on strict fluid and dietary restrictions, such as patients living with end stage renal disease? Diabetes and hypertension are the two greatest causes of kidney disease. Dental providers should be knowledgeable about the different stages of renal disease and different treatments associated with this condition, and be prepared to address oral complications of renal disease. The dental healthcare provider must become more familiar with the impact of periodontal disease on renal disease, specific medical challenges and become proficient in collaborating with medical healthcare providers to provide dental treatment to these patients.

Primary tooth pulp therapy can preserve primary teeth until ormal exfoliation when clinical conditions permit. Therapeutic options include pulpotomy, indirect pulp treatment and pulpectomy. The appropriate therapeutic options depend on the health of the pulp. In order to determine which treatment option should be pursued, it is necessary to clinically and radiographically assess the tooth. Options for vital primary teeth include pulpotomy and indirect pulp treatment. Provided that careful attention is paid to detail during the clinical procedure and follow-up, as described in this article, both techniques have similar success rates and can save primary teeth.