Chris Weichenthal, CDAII
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December 01, 2023
Unraveling the Protective Layers for First Responders
In the unyielding battle against the fentanyl epidemic, the protection of our first responders hinges on the reliability of their gear. Within this arsenal, chemotherapy tested nitrile gloves have emerged as a formidable defense against fentanyl exposure. This article dives into the intricate processes and standards that define the fentanyl protection capabilities of these gloves.
Understanding the Fentanyl Challenge
Fentanyl, notorious for its potency, being 50-100 times more potent than morphine, and 30-50 times more potent than heroin, demands specialized protective measures. Chemotherapy tested nitrile gloves go beyond conventional options, offering a robust defense against this formidable adversary. But how are these gloves rigorously tested to ensure
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November 24, 2023
PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment. It refers to any equipment or clothing specifically designed to be worn or used by individuals to protect themselves from potential hazards, risks, or injuries in the workplace or other environments.
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November 17, 2023
An In-Depth Exploration of Uses, Safety Measures, and Applications of Benzocaine
Benzocaine is a popular topical anesthetic that offers relief from things such as pain, itching, and discomfort in various situations. In this article, we'll delve into what benzocaine is, how to use it, where and how to apply benzocaine topicals, potential side effects, and the clinical applications in a dental office.
What is Benzocaine and How Do You Use It?
Benzocaine is a synthetic compound classified as a topical anesthetic. It works by temporarily numbing the area where it is applied, thanks to its ability to block nerve signals. Benzocaine is available in various forms, including creams, gels, sprays, ointments, and lozenges. The specific
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October 20, 2023
History and Innovation…
In the realm of sports, one name has consistently stood out as the epitome of superior intra-oral protection—Pro-Form Laminate Sports Guards. These exceptional mouthguards have a rich history dating back to their inception in 1967, born from the innovative mind of a dentist with a vision for safeguarding the smiles of professional hockey and football players. The Pro-Form Laminate was developed with the unwavering commitment to provide athletes with not just protection but also unparalleled comfort.
What sets Pro-Form apart is its unique two-layered construction. This groundbreaking design was a game-changer in the industry, as it offered a level of retention, protection, and comfort that far surpassed other available materials. This innovation quickly ele
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October 13, 2023
Let's talk about it!
When we think about oral health, we often limit our concerns to our teeth and gums. However, emerging research has shed light on the profound impact of periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, on our overall well-being. It turns out that this seemingly isolated oral condition is intricately linked to several other diseases and conditions throughout the body.
Understanding Periodontal Disease...
Before we dive into the connections, let's briefly explore what periodontal disease is. It's a chronic inflammatory condition of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, typically caused by the accumulation of plaque and bacteria.
In its early stages, it might manifest as gingivitis, which is characterized by redness, swelling, and
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October 06, 2023
Bruxism. It's a word that may sound unfamiliar to many, yet it affects millions of people worldwide. This condition, often referred to as teeth grinding or jaw clenching, can lead to a range of discomforts and dental problems. So, let’s take a look into what bruxism is, explore its causes and triggers, discuss available treatments, and offer practical ways to find relief.
Understanding Bruxism
Bruxism is a habitual, involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth, typically occurring during sleep. However, some individuals also experience daytime bruxism. It can affect people of all ages, from children to adults, and can lead to various complications if left untreated. Understanding the underlying causes and triggers of bruxism empowers you to seek the appropriate treatments or practices necessary to alleviate its effects.
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August 17, 2023
Dentists use aspirating syringes and non-aspirating syringes to administer local anesthetics to their patients in preparation for pain-free dental treatment. Although many clinicians use non-aspirating syringes, there are benefits to using an aspirating syringe or self-aspirating syringe when administering local.
What is an aspirating/self-aspirating syringe?
To best understand the function of an aspirating syringe, first let’s review what it means to aspirate, medically speaking. Aspiration is the removal of fluids or cells such as blood, pus, ascites, or even cerebrospinal fluid, from the body. Syringes, although widely known for injecting medicine into the body, they now have the capability to aspirate.
The key difference is that an aspirating syringe has a harpoon at the end of the piston rod or plunger, that penetrates t
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April 27, 2023
Dentists use dental dams as a barrier to isolate specific teeth or oral tissues during certain dental procedures.
The dental dam acts as a barrier to prevent saliva, blood, and other bodily fluids from interfering with the dentist's view and access to the tooth or oral tissue being worked on.
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April 03, 2023
Impression trays are an important part of dentistry.
These specialized tools are used to create a precise impression or mold of a patient’s teeth and surrounding oral structures, that is then used to create an accurate 3-dimentional model of the patient’s mouth. The models made from the impression can then be used for different dental appliances or treatments, such as orthodontics, prosthodontics, mouth guards, snoring appliances, dentures, whitening trays, crowns, bridges, and more.
During a dental visit, if an impression is required, the impression tray is filled evenly with the impression material of choice, alginate is one of the most common materials used for impressions in dentistry. The filled tray is then seated over the arch of the teeth capturing a negative imprint of the teeth, gums.
The material sets quickly once it is inside the mou
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March 28, 2023
In the fast-paced and demanding environment of dental clinics, efficient and reliable sterilization of instruments is paramount to ensure patient safety and infection control. One crucial item that has revolutionized dental instrument reprocessing is the self-sealing sterilization pouch.
Components and Features:
A self-sealing sterilization pouch is typically made of a medical-grade, durable, and puncture-resistant material, often a combination of transparent polypropylene and medical-grade paper. These pouches come in various sizes to accommodate different instruments, from small dental items such as burs, handpieces, explorers to larger things such as forceps, rubber dam frames, instrument cassettes