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Michael R. Sesemann, DDS, was among several international lecturers invited to address the Future of Restorative Dentistry Leadership Summit, held recently in Orlando by Ivoclar Vivadent, a global dental product innovator.

Dr. Sesemann addressed an audience of 30 leading dentists from North America and Europe on the topic, Bulk Fill Works in Practice: Balancing Efficiency and Long-Term Performance with Direct Posterior Composites. Special emphasis was placed on evidence-based case studies from his dental practice at the Nebraska Institute of Comprehensive Dentistry (NICD) in Omaha.

Bulk Fill is a new composite restorative material created to maintain a high degree of esthetic and functional integrity while improving production time and reducing procedural stresses on the treated teeth. In 2010, Dr. Sesemann was one of the first North American dentists to be selected to research the product.

“This summit brought together an esteemed collection of presenters and a great group of professionals,” said Dr. George Tysowsky, Vice President of Research and Development for Ivoclar Vivadent. “We discussed very important trends that are currently impacting dentistry, including Bulk Fill restorative materials, new technologies, and new cementation protocols.”

PHOTO:  Event attendees

Survey says: the smile. That’s according to 1,018 Americans, age 18 and older, who responded to a study regarding perceptions of aging and beauty.

Conducted by Kelton-Global Marketing Research Company, the survey showed that 45 percent of respondents believe a person’s smile can most easily defy the effects of aging. The eyes came in second at 34 percent.

Here are some other noteworthy statistics from the study:

• 54 percent of the population over age 50 believe the smile to be the feature that can best overcome the appearance of aging. Only 39 percent of their younger counterparts felt the same.

• 80 percent of adults admit they would spend money to hide or correct aging flaws.

• Women are more likely than men (84 percent vs. 75 percent) to invest in improvements.

• Of the women surveyed, 63 percent said they would fix their teeth before they would pay for a weight loss plan.

• Among respondents willing to invest in cosmetic treatments, 62 percent would spend on preserving their smile; 48 percent would pay for weight loss; 33 percent would treat thinning hair; 33 percent would reduce dark under-eye circles; 31 percent would eliminate wrinkles; and 28 percent would repair spider veins in their legs.

Omaha dentist Michael R. Sesemann, DDS, has been selected to sit on the advisory board for the prestigious Kois Center for Advancing Dentistry Through Science in Seattle, WA. Founded and directed by John C. Kois, DMD, MSD, the center offers clinical and didactic courses on esthetics, implants, occlusion and restorative dentistry.

As part of the advisory board, Dr. Sesemann’s role is to provide direction for the center and to act as a liaison between the organization, its members and the dental community.  

“I am proud to have been chosen to represent the Kois Center in its mission to assist members in gaining the knowledge and skills to help them advance to extraordinary levels in providing dentistry in their communities. Certainly my experiences at the center have been of benefit to my patients and my practice,” said Dr. Sesemann.

To learn more about the Seattle-based Kois Center, visit www.koiscenter.com.

FACT:   Today’s dental radiation levels have been found to be comparable to those we absorb during a two-hour plane ride or while working in the back yard for a few hours. 

Part of our responsibility at NICD is to review and vet the scientific content of news pertaining to our profession. That said, a recent story in the American Cancer Society’s journal, Cancer, caught the attention of many. Entitled “Dental X-Rays and Risk of Meningioma,” the article summarized a study that sought to develop a correlation between dental X-rays and brain cancer. The story was picked up by several networks and broadcasted widely.*

After assessing the study upon which the article was based, the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) have found it to be flawed. Of primary concern is that conclusions were drawn using a “population-based-control study.” This means data was collected by means of recall and self-reporting on the part of the study group, often decades after the X-ray occurrences.

Failure to account for significant advancements in dental radiography is another of the study’s major errors.  Conclusions were drawn from antiquated machines of yesteryear to formulate conclusions for current day. There was no calibration for the sensitive technology now utilized.

“It is regrettable to think that an article based on outdated technology could scare the public and cause them to avoid needed treatment,” said AGD president Dr. Howard Gamble. 

At NICD, we also must side with the ADA and AGD in expressing that the report was seriously flawed and detrimental to the public we serve. Please know that we encourage you to ask any questions you may have — we’re here to help guide you toward the healthiest solutions for you.

NOTE: As a Section Editor of Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry, and a member of other dental publication editorial boards, Dr. Sesemann stays current on scientific dental literature. He is pleased to share information that impacts your health, orally and in general. We pledge that we will always make decisions concerning radiographic type and frequency based the needs of each individual, and after a careful and thorough assessment of their personal conditions and the current science involved in any treatment. It is a commitment we take very seriously.

* The article originally appeared on April 10, 2012.

In an April 11, 2012 news release, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the worldwide incidence of dementia is projected to skyrocket in coming decades.  The article cited 35.6 million cases worldwide in 2010, and projected 65.7 cases by 2030 and 115 million cases by 2050.

Longer life expectancy coupled with ongoing medical advancements is stated to be the cause of the increase. At the same time, improved medical care is also at the root of economic woes for countries struggling to provide long-term care for people with dementia. There are only eight countries worldwide with national programs to help people with dementia, and the U.S. is currently not among them.

So what does this have to do with dentistry? In our experience at NICD, there is a correlation between people who maintain optimal dental health throughout their lives and people who experience optimal quality of life in later decades. We have observed that when our aging patients are able to avoid major dental issues, they have more energy and resources to focus on their general health — and that’s our wish each of you.

Dentistry Today has honored Michael R. Sesemann, DDS, FAACD of Omaha, NE with recognition in its selection of “2012 Leaders In Continuing Education.”

Omaha, NE (PR Newswire) June 17, 2012— Announcing a special recognition appearing in the December, 2011 issue of Dentistry Today published by Dentistry Today, Inc.,Dr. Sesemann was selected for the following honor:

“2012 Leaders In Continuing Education”

Dr. Sesemann commented on the recognition: “This is quite an honor for me. The fact that Dentistry Today (www.dentistrytoday.com) included me in its selection of “2012 Leaders In Continuing Education,” for the sixth year in a row signals that the dentistry my staff and I try to deliver on a daily basis supplies excellent value for our patients. It is gratifying to be recognized in this way and I humbly accept the honor on behalf of our entire team.”

Following the publication of Dr. Sesemann’s selection for Dentistry Today’s 2012 Leaders In Continuing Education list, American Registry seconded the honor and added Dr. Sesemannand his office, the Nebraska Institute of Comprehensive Dentistry, to the “Registry of Business Excellence™”.

This year marks the 13^th year that April has been designated as oral cancer awareness month.  Since a low level of public awareness of oral cancer still exists, the dental and medical communities need to make every effort possible to lift the level of public awareness and to support the development of a comprehensive program designed to more thoroughly screen for the disease. Perhaps as some motivation to raise the bar, one might recall these statistics every day before entering the office:  in 2012, nearly 37,000 patients (in just the United States) will be diagnosed with some form of oral or head and neck cancer, resulting in more than 8,000 deaths; that is one death per hour, 24 hours per day.  It is a disease that is often discovered late in its development; and now with HPV16 contributing more to the overall incidence of oral cancers (especially in the posterior regions of the oral cavity), early warning signs that have historically alerted the professional to the presence of disease are very often less visible.[1]

So, what is your dental community doing to detect oral cancer on you and your family?  Here at Nebraska Institute of Comprehensive Dentistry (NICD), for decades Dr. Sesemann has used tactile palpation and visual senses at check up exams, checking for lumps, bumps and tissue changes. Catching abnormalities early is key.  Nowadays exciting advancements in technology are available to take the cancer screening process one step further.  NICD has acquired optional equipment and is proud to use it on our patients.  Named VELscope, the non-invasive hand-help device uses stimulation of natural fluorescence to reveal diseased areas not yet visible or palpatable. There is no additional cost to our patients for this service. With statistics like a 5-year survival rate for oral cancer being approximately 83 percent, as compared to a 5-year survival rate of 32 percent when found at a later stage, it is comforting to know we are doing everything possible to catch things early.  

[1] Adams DDS, Damon, Editor-in-Chief, “April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month” Dentistry Today

December 2011

Maybe the title should be Toothpaste 9-1-1. Either way we are here to help with the increasingly harder decision on which toothpaste is right for you.

Should you choose tarter control, whitening or one that does both? There’s paste or gel, total care, cavity protection, cool mint or bubble mint, all natural, with peroxide or without. Never fear, help is here.

Generally speaking, simple fluoride toothpaste is the best choice. Better yet it is usually the least expensive. Pastes and gels that contain a lot of extra chemicals can cause tooth sensitivity. We recommend Crest or Colgate Cavity Protection. Paste, gel and flavors are personal preferences.

This is not to say that all specialized toothpastes are without merit. Some we believe to be beneficial for certain wants and needs include:

• Prescription-strength fluoride toothpastes or rinses prescribed for people who are prone to excessive tooth decay or who do not produce enough saliva.

• Tom’s Toothpaste of Maine, which offers some natural alternatives for people who are sensitive to the foaming chemical Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) found in most toothpaste.

• Non-fluoride toothpastes for in young children unable to expectorate (spit), as swallowing toothpaste with fluoride can cause stomach upset.

Some other important things to note are:

• Whitening toothpaste may diminish surface stains but will not change the color and brightness of teeth. If tooth whitening is your goal, bleaching systems are vastly more effective.

• Denture wearers should never use toothpaste on their denture or partial. Denture creams are recommended due to the lack of abrasives that they contain. Toothpastes contain abrasives that can cause micro scratches in the acrylic consequently causing greater risk of stain.

• Dog owners need to be aware of the ingredient xylitol. This natural sweetener can be found in toothpaste, gum, mints and numerous other products, and can be deadly to dogs even in small doses.

• No matter which paste you are using, the action of brushing is most important. Brushing for two minutes, at least twice a day is recommended to keep teeth and gums healthy.

Did you know that the NICD routinely screens for oral cancer during your check-ups? To date this has included visual and tactile tests for lumps, bumps and/or tissue changes. 

Now with the addition of new technology, we are able to detect pre-cancerous areas before skin changes occur and masses develop.  Called the VELscope Vx, it is a non-invasive handheld device that uses stimulation of natural fluorescence to reveal diseased areas not yet visible or palpatable.

When found early, the 5-year survival rate for oral cancer is approximately 83 percent, as compared to a 5-year survival rate of 32 percent when found at a later stage.

Together the VELscope Vx and patient education are the most powerful weapons we can offer in the fight against oral cancer. Be aware that the use of tobacco products is the main contributor to oral cancer. If suspicious lumps, bumps or tissue changes arise between dental visits, call us immediately for a check-up. We want to keep you healthy — for life.
Contact us for more information or visit  <https://www.oralcancer.org> or <https://www.velscope.com>