Rubber dam use during root canal treatment: findings from The Dental Practice-Based Research Network.

Background: The Dental Practice-Based Research Network (DPBRN) provided a means to investigate whether certain procedures were performed routinely. The authors conducted a study to quantify rubber dam use during root canal treatment (RCT) among general dentists and to test the hypothesis that certain dentist or practice characteristics were associated with rubber dam use.

Methods: DPBRN practitioner-investigators (P-Is) answered a questionnaire that included items about rubber dam use and other forms of isolation during RCT.

There is limited evidence to support the effectiveness of dental lasers in the removal of caries compared with rotary burs.

Purpose/question: To evaluate the scientific evidence regarding laser technology for removal of carious tissue.

Source Of Funding: Information is not available.

Type Of Study/design: Systematic review.

Biocompatibility testing of simulated total joint arthoplasty articulation debris.

Surface characterization was performed to evaluate the surface condition of an uncoated cobalt alloy disc (control), and discs with medium and thick boron coatings for total joint articulating surfaces. Discs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy before and after dissolution studies. Chemical analyses of elemental transfer to the solution were assessed to evaluate the surface stability of the new coating.