Publications- Dr. John C. Comisi
Publications & Webinars

Clinical Diagnostics: Using SDI's Diagnostic Attachment
Shine, The Magazine of Henry Schein Shalfoon, pp 10 - 12
September 2007

Oral human papillomavirus lesion identified using VELscope instrumentation: Case report
General Dentistry, September-October 2008 Pg. 548-550
September 2008

Endodontic Instrumentation: A Technique Review
Inside Dentistry Magazine, Published by AEGIS Communications
November 2008

Crown Repair Using Glass Ionomer
Inside Dentistry Magazine, Published by AEGIS Communications
November 2008

Turn it Around with Technology – Oral Cancer Screening with VELScope
Dental Products Report
June 2009

Shofu’s Giomer Products Open New Doors for Clinicians
Compendium Of Continuing Education In Dentistry January/February 2011, Volume 32, Issue 1 Published by AEGIS Communications
January 2011

What are your current protocols for managing patients with high caries susceptibility?
Inside Dentistry June 2011, Volume 7, Issue 6 Published by AEGIS Communications
June 2011
Round Table Discussion with Michael R. Sesemann, DDS | John C. Comisi, DDS | Michael Varallo, DMD

A “Resin Cone Technique” Using Giomer Products: Introducing a new type of bioactive composite resin material that contains surface pre-reacted glass ionomer.
Inside Dentistry July/August 2011, Volume 7, Issue 7 Published by AEGIS Communications
July 2011

High Tech Direct Placement Restorative Materials
Dental Product Shopper - Digital Edition
September 2011

Guest Editorial: Not Your Grandfather's Glass Ionomer.
Dental Product Shopper Magazine published by Integrated Media Solutions
September 2011

Perspectives on EndodonticTherapy and Instrumentation
PennWell Publications
September 2011

Parkell's Brush and Bond®: The Product with the "Magic Wand"
Parkell Today US - Parkell Today September 2011 (page 5 & 27)
September 2011

To Post, or Not to Post
Inside Dentistry October 2011, Volume 7, Issue 9 Published by AEGIS Communications
Several new post-and-core systems are available to help clinicians decide how to restore endodontically treated teeth.

Using Bioactive Materials to achieve Proactive Dental Care
Oral Health Journal, December 2011
December 1, 2011

Using Bioactive Materials to Achieve Proactive Dental Care Webcast
The Whole Tooth Radio Show
January 24, 2012
We are honored to have Dr. John Comisi on to educate us all about "Using Bioactive Materials to Achieve proactive Dental Care”. Like always, join your hosts Hogan Allen & Richard Train, along with occasional clinical guest hosts, for "The Whole Tooth". The show airs every Tuesday at 8 P.M. EST, with a weekly conversation with not only the "who's who" in dentistry, but many other experts who...more

To Thine Own Self Be True(Link)
Inside Dentistry
May 26, 2012
Inside Dentistry June 2012, Volume 8, Issue 6 Published by AEGIS Communications The author presents a sequel for “To Post or Not to Post.”

"Bioactive materials support proactive dental care."
Cosmetic Dentistry the International C.E. Magazine of Beauty & Science, Vol. 2, Issue 1, 2012.
October 24, 2012

The Glass Ionomer Revolution: Using Bioactive Materials to Achieve Proactive Dental Care
Viva Learning Interactive Web-Based Training
December 7, 2012
This CE webinar will explore Cariology and caries progression; preventive care considerations and diagnostics that can help aid in caries detection and how glass ionomer materials can and should be considered for use in your dental practice. The clinician will help you develop a greater comfort level for the many applications to use this versatile and important dental material in today’s dental...more

Class II MOD Restoration
Dental Product Shopper
November 29, 2012
Case study on the practical use of use the modified resin cone technique.

Bioactive By Nature
Dental Product Shopper
January 2013
This editorial discusses the rational behind using bioactive restorative materials in the dental office.

Bioactive Materials Support Proactive Dental Care (reprint)(Link)
Dental Tribune International
January 2013

The Importance of Bioactive Material use in Dentistry
Dental Teamwork/ Palmeri Media Group
March 2013

Oral Disease: The Battle for Balance
Inside Dentistry/Aegis Communications
March 29, 2013
Employing a whole-patient approach to the lifelong struggle of caries management.

A Simple Way to Enhance Your Office's Quality Care
Dental Economics/ PennWell
April 2013

Oral Disease: Helping the Patient Stay Proactive
Inside Dental Assisting,Vol. 9, No. 4
July 2013
Part of winning the battle against oral disease is fully engaging the patient in oral healthcare. Dental research has honed the understanding of the disease process, enabling practitioners with a better foundational understanding, which, in turn, equips them with the tools to defeat oral disease. This article discusses the oral disease process, how risk factors are assessed, and the options for...more

Cement your way to successful care
Dental Products Report, Vol. 47, Issue 8, p 44 - 49.
August 2013
With the use of newer materials on the rise, the world of cements (luting agents) in dentistry has rapidly evolved to meet the needs of today's practitioners. It's more critical now to understand the science behind the products and behind the materials, and to know just what you can expect from the products you use.

Critical Elements of Bonding Success
Dental Learning
August 2013
Bonded resin composites are the most frequently placed direct tooth-colored restoratives and, released from the constraints of classical preparations required for amalgam restorations, clinicians are now able to remove the minimal amount of tooth structure required for caries removal with no requirement for a retentive preparation form. As such, resin composite restorations can play a positive...more

Deep Facial Caries Treatment
Dental Product Shopper
August 2013
This case study investigates the protocol used to treat a deep sub gingival lesion on a 37 year old female.

Bioactive and Therapeutic Preventive Approach to Dental Pit and Fissure Sealants
Compendium September 2013, Volume 34, Issue 9/AEGIS Communications
• Dental pit and fissure sealants have long been considered an important part of preventive and minimally invasive dental care; however, their complete adoption by the dental profession has not been as fully integrated as anticipated. • Drawbacks of conventional hydrophobic resin materials can be overcome with the adoption of a hydrophilic resin sealant material. • The hydrophilic properties...more
John C. Comisi, D.D.S., M.A.G.D. & Mark L. Cannon, DDS, MS


Who is using which incarnation of digital impression technology?
DentistryIQ/PennWell
October 10, 2013

How Well do You Know Dental Materials?
Dental Products Report
October 2013

Product Review: Dr. John Comisi on the benefits of Pulpdent's Tuff-Temp

Dental Products Report
October 2013

Video Evaluation: Shofu BeautiBond by Dr. John Comisi
Dental Product Shopper
October 2013

Video Evaluation: Shofu BeautiSealant by Dr. John Comisi
Dental Product Shopper
October 2013

DPR Exclusive Materials Survey: Your Guide to the Latest in Dental Materials
Dental Products Report
November 2013

The Bulk of the Matter in Composite Restorations
Dental Economics
March 2014

Game Changers
Mentor Magazine
March 1, 2014
Although bioactive dental materials aren't new, innovative developments in this tooth-saving product category have really heated up in recent year
The Evolution in Direct Placement Restorative Dentistry
Dental Product Shopper
March 2014

Oral Cancer Screenings Save Lives
WENY TV, Elmira, NY
March 6, 2014

N'Durance: Low Shrinkage and High Conversion for a Wide Range of Direct Restorative Indications
Dental Product Shopper
March 20, 2014

Are You Detecting and Screening?
Dental Product Shopper
May 2014

Personalized dentistry: an enigma?
General Dentistry
July 2014

A Digital World? Revisiting Impression Taking Today
Dental Product Shopper
August 2014

How to get protection under all composite restorations
Dental Products Report
September 17, 2014

Provisional Materials: Advances Lead to Extensive Options for Clinicians
Compendium of Continuing Dental Education
January 2015, Volume 36, Issue 1

Promote Oral Cancer Awareness All Year Long!(Link)
Dental Product Shopper
June 2015

UVeneer(Link)
Dental Product Shopper
May 2015
Find out why UVeneer dramatically reduces the time to create outstanding, predictable direct composite veneers, offering exceptional ROI because of its reusable (sterilizable) templates.

Dental Technology mimicking life?(Link)
Dentistry IQ
March 29, 2015
The art and science of dentistry has continually tried to replace damaged structure that our patients present with to our offices. This article explores how our approach to the use of dental restoratives have evolved.

Want to Save Lives? Detect Oral Cancer EARLY!(Link)
Dental Product Shopper
March 24, 2015

Infection Control: Doing the Dirty Work(Link)
Dental Product Shopper March 2015 Editorial
March 2015

Cementation in Dentistry Today(Link)
Updates in Clinical Dentistry
August 2015
Abstract: Cementation of indirect dental restorations has evolved over the years, and with each generation there have been both benefits and challenges. Today, a new classification of dental cements have entered the marketplace with the promise of improving clinicians’ abilities to reduce sensitivity and biocompatibility of these cements to both the tooth structure and the substrates used in the...more

From Our Board: Seated in comfort.(Link)
Dental Products Report
September 2015
In this new column, one clinician addresses these unique, comfortable wooden stools.

Bonding 101: Everything you need to know to have satisfied patients(Link)
Dental Products Report
September 2015
Bonding resin to tooth structure is still confusing, but, with these tips, it doesn’t have to be.
7 clinicians discuss 7 bonding agents(Link)
Dental Products Report
September 2015

Oral Squamous-Cell Carcinoma Detection: Past, Present and Future(Link)
Dentaltown Magazine
September 2015
Dr. John Comisi takes a hard look at the uncomfortable statistics of oral-cancer diagnosis, and promising testing mechanisms that may make a life-or-death difference.

Seeing the Unseen: Oral Cancer Risk Assessment: Past Present and Future(Link)
Oral Health Magazine
December 10, 2015

Cementation in Dentistry Today(Link)
An eBook from CDE World for Life Long Learning/Dental Learning Systems, LLC
December 2015
Cementation of indirect dental restorations has evolved over the years and with each generation there have been benefits and challenges. Today a new classification of dental cements have entered the marketplace with the promise of improving our abilities to reduce sensitivity and biocompatibility of these cements to the tooth structure and the substrates used in the restoration process.


The "Reservoir Restorative" Revolution

Dentistry Today
July 2016
John C. Comisi, DDS, explores the factors behind direct dental restorative failures and the methods that can improve results.

Restoring Damaged Tooth Structure with a Novel Resilient Bioactive Restorative Material
Oral Health Magazine
April 5, 2017

Biomineralization: The Next Step in Restorative Dentistry
An eBook from CDE World
April 28, 2017
Abstract
While significant advances in resin-based sciences have occurred over a number of decades, problems with composite restorations, such as recurrent decay and fracture, have continued to materialize. Bioactive materials are those that deliver minerals beneficial to tooth structure, stimulating mineralization and formation of chemical bonds that help seal the tooth and prevent micro-leakage. Use of such materials, which are capable of apatite creation at the restorative–tooth interface, is an approach that can potentially enhance the longevity and durability of composite restorations. In dentistry’s efforts to overcome the challenges of resin-bonded adhesives, a change in methodology toward use of biomineralization may be warranted.



Bioactive Materials: Clinical Choice or Clinical Necessity?


Dental Town Magazine
August 2017

The restoration of tooth structure damaged by dental caries or trauma has been the goal of the dental profession for more than 100 years. Although there have been many solutions, there is always the desire to find a better one. The placement of direct restorations is the bread and butter of general dental practices, and these restorations can often preserve healthy tooth structure and provide immediate results for patients. However, we need to recognize that our current hybridization and restorative methods may ultimately be flawed.

Retention and Remineralization Effect of Moisture Tolerant Resin-Based Sealant and Glass Ionomer Sealant on Non-Cavitated Pit and Fissure Caries: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Laith Alsabek, Zuhair Al-Nerabieah, Nada Bshara, John C Comisi

July 2019, Journal of Dentistry

  • The study design is a single-blind, split-mouth, randomized controlled clinical trial. Forty patients between age 6-9 were selected. First permanent molars' occlusal surfaces with scores of 1, or 2 according to the International Caries Detection and Assessment System II (ICDAS II) and with scores between 14-30 by using DIAGNOdent device (Kavo®, Biberach, Germany) were selected and readings recorded. One side of the mouth was randomly chosen to have either the moisture tolerant resin sealant or the glass ionomer sealant placed, and then the second material was placed on the other side. The retention of these materials was analyzed at 3 and 6 months. The sealants were then removed and DIAGNOdent readings were subsequently taken.


Effect of SDF and SDF/KI Treatment on Microtensile Bond Strength of Bioactive Materials.

Tae Kim, Kush Patel, John C Comisi

Nov 28, 2019 American Journal of Biomedical Science & Research

Abstract
Purpose: This pilot study was undertaken to determine whether SDF or SDF/KI treatment of dentin surfaces influenced the microtensile bond strength of commercially available bioactive products.
Methods: The teeth were then randomly divided into three groups of eight depending on the treatment: Advantage Arrest (SDF), Riva Star (SDF/KI), and Control group (Activa materials with and without bonding agent). Samples prepared and microtensile bond strength determined for each sample group.
Results: The results of this study showed a significant statistical difference in microtensile bond strength between the control groups and the Advantage Arrest (SDF) and Riva Star (SDF/KI) treated groups for both restorative materials. Bond strengths further decreased when they applied without the application of a bonding agent.
Conclusion: From the results of this study, the null hypothesis that there would be no significant difference in microtensile bond strength when Activa Bioactive products used with SDF or SDF/KI application, was rejected.


Comparing the efficacies of two chemo-mechanical caries removal agents (2.25% sodium hypochlorite gel and brix 3000), in caries removal and patient cooperation: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Muaaz M. Alkhouli, Salma F. Al Nesser, Nada G. Bshara, Awab N. AlMidani, John C. Comisi


February 2020, Journal of Dentistry

Introduction:This study compared and evaluated the effectiveness of Brix 3000 and 2.25 % sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) gel with conventional rotary instrumentation method in caries excavation of primary molars. The null hypothesis: no difference between the two tested chemo-mechanical caries removal (CMCR) agents used in this trial.Materials and methods:a randomized controlled clinical trial conducted with 32 children suffering from proximal caries of primary maxillary molars, age ranging between 6 and 9 years old. Subjects were randomly assigned into three groups: Brix 3000, NaOCl gel, and conventional with 10, 12, and 10 teeth in each group, respectively. After isolation of selected teeth, either CMCR agent were applied for two minutes. The application was repeated as needed until a caries-free surface was obtained. The conventional group used low-speed burs to excavate all carious lesions. The time required to obtain a caries-free result for each testing method was recorded. Wong-Baker FACES pain rating scale was used to assess the acceptance of the technique used by the child.Results:Conventional treatment required significantly less time for caries removal compared to Brix 3000 (P = .002) and NaOCl gel (P = .000). No significant difference observed between Brix 3000 and NaOCl gel (P = .679). Statistically higher pain scores were observed with conventional treatment compared to both Brix 3000 (P = .000) and NaOCl gel (P = .005). Pain scores were lower with Brix 3000, and NaOCl gel with no significant difference observed between the CMCR agents (p = .690).Conclusions:CMCR agents that are effective in removing the carious dentine of primary teeth without negatively affecting the cooperation of children.Clinical Significance:The use of a 2.25 % sodium hypochlorite gel can be an effective and well-tolerated method of removing decay from primary teeth and reduce the trauma associated with conventional rotary caries removal.

Effectiveness of a Novel Nano-Silver Fluoride with Green Tea Extract Compared with Silver Diamine Fluoride: A Randomized, Controlled, Non-Inferiority Trial
Z Al-Nerabieah, EA Arrag, JC Comisi, A Rajab
Int J Dentistry Oral Sci 7 (6), 753-761

The aim of this study wasto evaluate whether the cariostatic efficacy of a biologically synthesized novel Nano-Silver Fluoride with green tea extract (NSF-GTE) is non-inferior to Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) 38% in deciduous teeth in preschool children. This study was a randomized, single-blinded, non-inferiority clinical trial. Sixty-three preschoolers with a total of 164 active lesions were selected and randomly assigned into two groups (A: 32 children with 83 lesions treated with NSF-GTE-B: 31 children with 81 lesions treated with SDF). Clinical evaluation was performed at 21 days, 3 and 6 months after treatment using International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS II) criteria to assess carious lesions activity. Non-Inferiority margin was set at 15%. At six months, Total arrest rate was 67.4% and 79.6% for NSF-GTE and SDF respectively (P> 0.05). Furthermore, 95% confidence interval of the Relative Risk for (group A) at the three follow-up periods lies entirely below the predefined margin in comparison to (group B). Also, it was observed that anterior teeth and single surface lesions had higher arrest rates as compared to posterior teeth and multiple surface lesions (P< 0.05). Non-Inferiority was demonstrated, and both SDF and NSF-GTE presented cariostatic efficacy in primary teeth.


Vertical dimension in dental sleep medicine oral appliance therapy.
JC Hu, JC Comisi
General Dentistry 68 (4), 69-76

The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the effect of a multidimensional approach to occlusal registration, including vertical dimension as assessed using pharyngometry, on the success of oral appliance therapy. Successful medical improvements resulting from therapy were determined by secondary polysomnographic studies. Thirty patients were enrolled in this pilot study. Their initial apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) scores ranged from 6.0 (mild obstructive sleep apnea) to 81.6 (severe obstructive sleep apnea). Occlusal registrations were taken using pharyngometer readings to establish vertical and anteroposterior (AP) positions for each patient and compared to the AP-only position in the same patient, determined using a George Gauge at 70% protrusion. All follow-up sleep tests occurred 31-45 days after the delivery of oral appliances set at the multidimensional vertical and AP positions determined by pharyngometry. No appliance titration was required. In the 26 patients who completed the study, the mean AHI before therapy was 20.7, and the mean AHI after therapy was 7.8, a 62.3% decrease. Within the limitations of this study, the pharyngometer-established occlusal position was effective in lowering AHI without the need for appliance titration procedures, which are typically required when the 70% protrusive George Gauge occlusal registration method is used. Additionally, the position determined with the 70% George Gauge was, on average, 5.0 mm more protrusive than the pharyngometer registration.

Evaluation of the spatter-reduction effectiveness and aerosol containment of eight dry-field isolation techniques
TD Ravenel, R Kessler, JC Comisi, A Kelly, WG Renne, ST Teich
Quintessence international (Berlin, Germany: 2020), 2-12

OBJECTIVE:The novel coronavirus that was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, created a pandemic that has the potential to change the paradigm of health care delivery. Of interest to the dental community is the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the saliva of the affected patients that can potentially cause transmission of COVID-19 via droplets. The highly infectious nature of the pathogen has created a sense of urgency and a need for extra caution to prevent the spread of the disease and the potential infection of patients and the entire dental team. Spatter consists of droplets up to 50 µm in size that are effectively stopped by barriers such as gloves, masks, and gowns. Aerosols are defined as droplet particles smaller than 5 µm that can remain airborne for extended periods and that have been reported to be significant in viral respiratory infections. In this study, aerosol represented by particulate matter with a size of 2.5 µm (PM2.5) was measured.
METHOD AND MATERIALS:Eight dry-field isolation methods were tested in a setup that included a realistic dental manikin and a high-speed handpiece that generated air-water spray. Environmental noise generated by the suction devices, suction flow rate of each setup, and the amount of environmental spatter and aerosols, were measured.
RESULTS:The experimental setups showed significant variability in the suction flow rate, but this was not correlated to the level of sound generated. Some experimental setups caused a short-term level of noise that exceeded the NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) guidelines and were close to the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) recommended thresholds. It is also worth noting that the variability in the flow rate is not reflected in the efficacy of the experimental setups to mitigate spatter. All experimental setups, except the IsoVac system, provided statistically significantly better spatter mitigation compared to the control. All experimental setups also were efficient in mitigating aerosols compared with the positive control (P < .0001) and most systems yielded results similar to the negative control ambient PM (P > .05).
CONCLUSION:Results indicate that spatter reduction was significantly better amongst the setups in which an additional high-volume evacuator (HVE) line was used. All setups were efficient at mitigating PM2.5 aerosols in comparison to the control. The conclusions of this study should be interpreted with caution, and additional mitigation techniques consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations must be implemented in dental practices.