PerioStōm, by Forward Science, is a chitosan microsphere powder intended to protect oral tissues following trauma, assist healing after procedures such as scaling and root planing, and fortify tissues during periods of irritation. It is an FDA-cleared “non-drug” formulation, meaning the material is not an antibiotic and the active ingredient targets more than just bacterial factors.
In clinical use, my hygienists found the dispenser easy to hold and the powder simple to express. The clear cartridge with a blue compression point provided clear visibility of the internal mechanics, ensuring the material had properly extruded. Initially, the application volume seemed small; however, this is intentional and outlined in the Indications for Use. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the material stayed securely in place following application, demonstrating effective retention despite the smaller quantity.
We are eager to see the clinical outcomes and the potential impact on patient healing. Given its ease of use and protective benefits, PerioStōm is a product my office feels comfortable incorporating into patient care.g in the office.
Previously, DENTAL ADVISOR evaluated GingiCaine® Gel Syringes and it received an Editor’s Choice rating of 97% and is a Hygienist Favorite. On top of that, it is now available as GINGICaine Fusion by Gingi-Pak. It is a topical anesthetic available not only in a jar, but also in a single-use syringe. The syringe allows for direct placement of the gel into the gingival sulcus. GINGICaine contains 20% Benzocaine and is infused with 2% Hemp Extract, which reportedly helps to immediately reduce inflammation, relieve pain and irritation. The onset is 20 seconds with a 30-60 minute duration and it is available in two flavors: strawberry and vanilla.
Injecting directly into the sulcus
The whole team!
Initial Insights
Very quick onset but it subsided in a reasonable time; it didn’t last longer than needed.
The strawberry and vanilla flavors are very mild and not medicinal; the strawberry one is especially pleasant.
The syringe was very easy to use. It works great on patients with deeper pockets.
I like that it’s a gel because some other injectable products are too runny.
It’s neat that not only does it provide anesthesia, it is also anti-inflammatory due to the hemp extract.
Keep an eye out for this product in an upcoming issue of DENTAL ADVISOR!
When I was a dental assistant at the VA hospital I assisted many periodontal residents. Watching the complex suturing of some of these incisions was always amazing to me. I always wanted to offer my doctor anything that would help make this part of the procedure easier for them if possible… just the right size suture with just the right size needle, and the delicate suture needle holders we had reserved just for these kinds of procedures.
Here at the Dental Advisor we recently received a pair of Featherlite Castroviejo Needle Holders (Laschal). According to the manufacturer these needle holders, with traditional locking mechanism and fine tips, will strongly grasp any size needle without splaying. They are lighter than titanium (weighing in at 0.8 oz.), yet will not break, loosen or rust and there is no joint to snag suture material during instrument ties.
Fealtherlite Castroviejo Needle Holders
Holding in open position
Holding in locked position
Comparison to a small pair of needle holders
Holding a tiny 1/2 circle needle on a 6-0 suture
Holding a large 3/8 semi-circle needle on a 3-0 suture
Locking mechanism
Locking and unlocking while suturing
What were the Initial Insights of the Dental Advisor team? – Super light weight. – Ridiculously easy locking and unlocking… I want to use these for my oral surgery procedures! – Held both our large and small needles tightly. – We could see the gold part of the handles corroding after continuous autoclaving, we want to see it’s durability for ourselves ;-)
What do our Clinical Evaluators and their patients think about this product once it’s used in their offices? Look for our clinical evaluation in an upcoming issue!
I had the extreme privilege of being a dental assistant at the Ann Arbor VA Hospital for 4 years before going to dental school. While I was there I assisted perio surgeries pretty much weekly. Once the surgery is complete there is still the challenge of keeping the areas healthy now that they have been treated. Whatever habits got them to the point they needed surgery are probably still there and hard to break.
Here at the Dental Advisor, we recently received IORINSE® and IOGEL® (iotech international). These rinses are molecular iodine based. According to the manufacturer, because the iodine salts have been removed there is no issues with cross-allergies with shellfish, no issues of thyroid toxicity, no staining, and it has a pleasant flavor all while having a powerful antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antimicrobial activity. And… in case you are wondering, they all have flavoring and do not taste like iodine ;-)
There are 3 different formulations: – The IORINSE can be used as an oral-anticeptic pre-procedurally or as a mouthwash for patients to use 2x/day. – The IORINSE Concentrate can be mixed with water in a patient’s waterflossing device for targeted action. – The IOGEL can be used in trays
IOGEL with some dispensed in medicine cup
Super thick viscosity of IOGEL
IORINSE with flavoring bottle
Adding flavor to bottle once bottle is opened
Color of IORINSE
What were the Initial Insights of the Dental Advisor team? – Great concept! We really want to see the effects of this product in action! – Love that the iodine salts were removed, leaving the molecular iodine. – The gel is a very nice thick consistency. It will likely stay pretty well in the trays. – Have to admit that the mint-apple smell was not our favorite, but the cinnamon was nice. – They claim no staining… we want to see this for ourselves.
What do our Clinical Evaluators and their patients think about this product once it’s used in their offices? Look for our clinical evaluation in an upcoming issue!
Pain management is a hot topic in dentistry right now. Post-operative pain is just a reality of certain procedures; however, with the opioid crisis, our options for pain management are limited. This leaves clinicians between a rock and a hard place.
Here at the Dental Advisor, we recently received a very innovative pain management device. Denta-Cool (Denta-Cool) is a cryotherapy device used intra-orally to manage post-operative pain and swelling. Denta-Cool claims it provides more comfortable and better relief from oral pain, swelling and discomfort than external ice packs without a prescription and without the use of prescription drugs.
Cryotherapy device used intraorally
Diagram of use
Denta-Cool Cryotherapy Device
What were the Initial Insights of the Dental Advisor team and our editorial board? – They were excited about the possibilities of this device! – The mouthpiece is a lot softer and more pliable than they originally though it would be when originally looking at images. – Some board members were concerned that the mouthpiece looked like it might be a little big, especially for patients with limited opening following oral surgery procedures. – The idea of cryotherapy intra-orally, rather than extra-orally, really resonated with our board’s periodontist.
Denta-Cool Mouthpiece
Board members observing Denta-Cool
What do our Clinical Evaluators and their patients think about this product once it’s used in their offices? Look for our clinical evaluation in an upcoming issue!
Patients are always looking for recommendations for toothbrushes, toothpaste, and (if we are lucky) floss. I sometimes find myself at a loss when they ask me for specialty items, such as eco-friendly and vegan. Also, those with dexterity issues deserve a better answer from me than putting a piece of foam at the end of their toothbrush (which is what I was taught).
Here at Dental Advisor, we were recently approached by a company who has an answer for all of these patient concerns. Radius is an eco-friendly company that makes a variety of toothbrushes, organic toothpaste, and even vegan dental floss.
Radius toothbrushes
Organic toothpaste
Organic, vegan floss
What were the Initial Insights of the Dental Advisor team and our editorial board? – Having a manual toothbrush that you can change out the heads is a great idea! – The large size of the heads on the toothbrushes they sent us as samples would make any dental professional wince; however, they fortunately come in smaller sizes. – The large handle size, and especially the brush with the weighted handle, are excellent for patients with dexterity issues. – There is no fluoride in the toothpastes, as is usually the case in these homeopathic/naturopathic products. On the plus side, they are coconut oil based. Coconut oil has been shown to possess some antimicrobial properties. Also, let’s be honest… the flavors are just plain fun.
What do our Clinical Evaluators and their patients think about this product once it’s used in their offices? Look for an article in an upcoming issue!
