Biomedical subjects

R Blankenau

Publications and source records attributed to R Blankenau.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1999

The current status of vital tooth whitening techniques.

Tooth whitening of vital teeth continues to have a major impact on the practice of dentistry. The growing public interest in having whiter, brighter teeth is clearly evident in the advertisements from toothpaste manufacturers on "whitening" formulations of their products and by the number of individuals seeking whitening procedures from their dentists. In addition, new over-the-counter whitening products continue to emerge in a marketplace that cannot seem to get teeth white enough, bright enough, fast enough. What new products and procedures have evolved over the past decade to whiten teeth? Are they better, safer, faster, and more effective now? Are dentists meeting public demand for whiter teeth and is this quest having a positive or negative impact on the practice of dentistry or the patient's dental health? I posed these questions to a group of experts on whitening procedures to get their opinions and recommendations.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed1999

New light curing options for composite resin restorations.

The concerned practitioner needs to understand the chemistry of the materials, the dynamics of polymerization, the stress factors created, and the specific light energy requirements needed to attain maximum results. If a practitioner chooses to use one of the nontraditional curing systems, he or she needs to consult with the manufacturer to determine the spectral output of the system, and contact the manufacturer of the composite to ensure that the material used will cure properly with the chosen light source. The manufacturers have customer service representatives who are usually very knowledgeable about their products. Current claims about new technological developments based on laboratory experiments and anecdotal information are promising. However, multicenter prospective clinical studies are still needed to validate safety and efficacy. Then clinicians can make informed decisions that will enable them to provide the highest quality dentistry for their patients. We will revisit this topic as more information becomes available.

Argon↗

PubMed1998

Case report. Use of an argon laser to treat drug-induced gingival overgrowth.

This article explores the use of an argon laser to treat severe drug-induced gingival overgrowth. The patient was being treated with phenytoin (Dilantin, Parke-Davis), cyclosporine and a calcium channel blocker. He had undergone a kidney transplantation and had insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. He had severe gingival overgrowth, which prevented him from wearing his removable prostheses, and a superimposed Candida albicans infection. An argon laser was used to excise the gingival overgrowth so new maxillary and mandibular prostheses could be fabricated.

Anticonvulsants↗

PubMed1995

Is there a cure for Medicare's outpatient payment pains?

Though HCFA is getting ready to release a new report to Congress on Medicare outpatient payment reform, there's consensus that a broad overhaul of the outpatient payment system is still in the distance. So when--and how--will the nightmare of a broken payment system be fixed?

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S.↗

PubMed1995