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Branch Reports
9th
Out on a Limb in Dutchess County
Greetings from the Dutchess County Dental Society!
By Michael J. Schwartz, D.D.S.
This is a potential game changer, if true. An advance in Medical Technology may play a role in how we restore teeth. A more powerful 7-Tesla MRI is now available in several US Medical Centers. It will be an upgrade from the ubiquitous 1.5-Tesla and the 3-Tesla units. What peaked my interest was a research report in the Journal “Radiology”, published 6/26/18, that concludes that both a patient’s old and newer amalgam fillings may, very well, undergo a phase change with subsequent free mercury release into saliva, lungs and GI tract. This was noted in ex-vivo studies with only the 7-Tesla machine, and not the 1.5 or the 3-Tesla units. This release exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for safe levels of body mercury exposure. In a recent Oral Maxillofacial Dental School departmental study in Turkey, the troubling mercury levels were discovered and, even though it was a study that was only done outside the body, and did not duplicate itself, after 24 hours, it did raise some issues that will require further examination. The units are manufactured by Siemens, and the company states in its literature that the 7-Tesla units have not shown any issues with implanted metals, such as stents, joints, plates, screws, or metal dental restorations. The above brief study does raise questions. Keeping in mind that many scientific studies turn out to draw conclusions that, upon more detailed examination, fail to be verified as valid, especially, as levels of knowledge advance, this one does bear watching, because of the potential implications. Dental restorations containing mercury have been limited or banned, in some countries, and the removal, and disposal of these, does trigger a protocol. I have heard patients asking the MRI technicians “is this going to pull out my fillings or implants?”. So, it is a concern, already, for our patients, as well. New York State has passed a new anti-Sexual Harassment Prevention policy and training requirements, annually, for ALL employers. While, adding to our growing list of non-dental mandated programs for our practices, it reflects the current state of awareness about this issue, in the workplace. It is not an onerous program and does have benefits for a more secure and satisfying situation for all working together. We welcome to the DCDS Executive Board Michael Wiener, D.D.S., as an at-large new member. Michael received his B.A. from SUNY Albany, and his D.D.S. from Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. This was followed by a hospital based residency at the V.A. Hospital in Northport. He has a General Dental practice in Hopewell Junction, and is married with three children. In October, we were presented with an excellent lecture, by Robert Bagoff, DMD. His topic was “Simple Socket Surgery”. Our 2018 DCDS program continues with our November meeting featuring Haitham Al Shetawi, DMD, MD, from Healthquest/Vassar Brothers Medical Center. His topic will be “Contemporary Management of Oral Cancer”. December programs will be “NonOdontogenic Toothaches”, by Dr. Daisy Lee from Northeast Implant and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Look for our next All-Day seminar, in the Spring of 2019. Register early to reserve your spot. To attend our meetings, please contact our Steward, Dr. Louise Dewhirst, for a reservation, and meal selection. About the author: Dr. Michael Schwartz is Corresponding Secretary, Dutchess County Branch Dental Society and has a private General Practice in Fishkill, NY.
NOVEMBER, 2018 31
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