Drillstops.com has released a series of drill stops designed for use with the Straumann and compatible systems. They also have an adjustable depth guide which features analogs of the narrow, standard and wide neck implant platforms allowing for a more accurate visualization of the position of the implant neck. The gauge has been renamed `Verban Depth Gauge` after its inventor Dr. Emil Verban.
Ingenious Dentistry LLC has released a radiographic marker that features one or three precision stainless steel ball bearings sized at 5mm. These are placed at the time radiographs are taken and used to calibrate the resulting radiographic image. Their site features some good tips and explains how to calculate the actual size of the object of interest in the calibrated xray.
Implantvision has released both a PC-based and web-based version of their patient education solution, Patient-VU. This application is specifically geared towards implantology practice. These products feature narrated videos and animation to demonstrate various common implantology-related concepts to patients.
Zimmer Dental has released a one-piece implant design. It features a straight and angled version with the abutment integrated into the implant. The abutments are asymmetrically contoured and intended for immediate restoration protocols. The implants come in 3mm, 3.7mm and 4.7 mm diameters.
GoldenMisch has developed a set of extraction forceps. Its design delivers a powerful mechanical advantage by employing an efficient first-class lever. The forceps feature a bumper which is set low on the alveolar ridge, perpendicular to the tooth, creating a good fulcrum point. The Physicsforceps makes only one point of contact with the tooth, as opposed to conventional forceps that work like pliers. The website shows various testimonials and animation of the `rolling` extraction technique.
Zimmer`s Socket Repair Membrane is a specially shaped collagen membrane designed to assist wound healing in alveolar facial plate repair and residual ridge preservation following atraumatic, flapless single-root tooth extractions. It is pre-cut to fit single root sockets, saving the clinician time and limiting waste. The membrane contains graft material by capping the socket with the circular portion of the membrane and helps retain the post extraction buccal wall preventing the bone particles from dispersing into the tissue and preventing
Innovative Implant Technology has released an innovative kit to aid in the planning and placement of dental implants in a variety of clinical situations. It features colour-coded `measuring blades` that aid in determining the optimal implant size for a particular edentulous space. The measuring pins are used during placement to ensure optimal implant-tooth and implant-implant spacing.
Biomet / 3i has released their upgraded surface, Nanotite. Nanotite features their previous Osseotite surface treated with discrete crystalline deposition of Calcium Phosphate (CaP) resulting in a more complex surface topography. They claim that the biologic benefits Of CaP may play a key role in enhanced site response, potentially improving clinical predictability and outcomes. – This surface is named the same as one released by Bicon a few months ago, are they the same?
Using stem cells harvested from the extracted wisdom teeth of young adults, researchers have successfully generated tooth root and supporting tooth ligaments to support a crown restoration in experiments using miniature pigs. The restored tooth mirrored the original tooth in function and strength, the research team reports in the December issue of the open access medical journal PLoS ONE. The technique holds promise for use in humans, the investigators say. Dr. Songtao Shi said: “In this study, we use stem
Medtronic recently announced that the FDA Dental Products Advisory Panel has unanimously voted to recommend approval, with a condition the use of INFUSE® Bone Graft for certain oral and maxillofacial bone grafting procedures. INFUSE Bone Graft is recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) applied to an absorbable collagen sponge carrier. The purpose of the protein, which occurs naturally in the body, is to stimulate bone formation. It has been previously approved by the FDA for use in certain lumbar spine
