USA

Keystone Dental`s Pink Collared Genesis Implant

Keystone Dental`s Genesis Implant has been cleared by regulators. The implant system features a patented BioSpark™ surface, a nano-surface that mimics the structure of bone, creating a healing environment to optimize bone integration. In addition, the unique AnaTite™ process results in the first-ever marketed pink implant collar and a complete line of pink prosthetics. The aesthetic breakthrough of the AnaTite process allows the Genesis System to project a more natural hue through the patient`s gum tissue for a more natural

Dental Implant Prices decline due to Pressure from Generics

Dental Implant Prices Decline by 3.3% in Europe as Practitioners Purchase Implants From Low-Cost Manufacturers, According to Millennium Research Group. Average selling prices of dental implant fixtures and final abutments have decreased 3.3% and 8.1%, respectively, over the past year. This occurred as dentists attempted to maintain profitability during the economic crisis by demanding greater discounts and increasingly purchasing implants from low-cost manufacturers.

NYT article on Radiation Concerns In Ortho Offices using Cone Beam CT-Scans

Because children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to radiation, doctors three years ago mounted a national campaign to protect them by reducing diagnostic radiation to only those levels seen as absolutely necessary. Not only do most dentists continue to use outmoded X-ray film requiring higher amounts of radiation, but orthodontists and other specialists are embracing a new scanning device that emits significantly more radiation than conventional methods, an examination by The New York Times has found. Some orthodontists now use

NobelDirect Bone Loss results in Class Action Lawsuit Potential

Nobel Biocare has been sued by a California dentist seeking class-action status on behalf of dentists whose patients have suffered complications such as bone loss from one of its products namely the NobelDirect dental implant. The suit by Jason M Yamada, a periodontist, seeks compensation for dentists who have had to perform surgery on their patients, or pay for restorative surgery, after complications from the implants, which it said were defectively designed. The suit proposed a class action to cover

NYTimes Article on Dental Implants

The New York Times has published a consumer-oriented article on dental implants. They discuss the options: dental implant versus bridge and the coverage dental insurance companies provide for this service. This well written article is an excellent introduction to dental implants especially useful to share with patients considering this treatment.

Titanium Foam developed for Dental Implants

Scientists at North Carolina State University have developed a new lightweight “metal foam” with elasticity similar to bone that could lead to a new generation of medical implants, likely overcoming a range of problems associated with devices currently in widespread use. “Our composite foam can be a perfect implant material to prevent stress shielding,” said Rabiei, the lead researcher. “This is because the modulus of our composite foam is matching perfectly with that of bone. That means when the implant

Cerapedics Develops Peptide Coated Bone Grafting Material

Cerapedic`s i-FACTOR bone graft is the only biologic bone graft that combines a unique anorganic bone mineral (ABM) and small peptide (P-15™) to act as an attachment factor for specific integrins on osteogenic cells. This novel mechanism of action enhances the body’s natural bone healing process resulting in safe, predictable bone formation at a lower cost than growth factors. ABM/P-15 has been in human clinical use for more than thirteen years in an estimated 500,000 patients worldwide. P-15 is a

Alaskan Dentist makes Bird Beak Implant

Dr. Kirk Johnson, an Anchorage Alaska dentist spread holiday cheer by performing an unusual operation on an unusual patient. A bald eagle came to Anchorage`s bird treatment and learning center with a severely damaged beak possibly caused by fishing line. Dr. Johnson made a mold using dental impression material with which he fashioned a temporary beak implant.

Zosseo – Universal Implant Drill Stop Kit

Developed by a practicing dentist, the Zosseo Universal Implant Drill Stop kit allows for osteotomies that do not require as precise a visualization for depth control. It has a single width for all drills – only requires length determination for the osteotomy and has precise depth penetration – eliminating the risk of over drilling and potential sinus or nerve complications.

No Warranties on Orthopedic Implants – NYTimes Article

The million or so artificial hips and knees implanted each year in the United States are normally not guaranteed. Instead, the costs of replacing implants that fail early because of design or mechanical problems — devices that sell for as much as $15,000 each — are largely paid by Medicare, insurance companies and patients. Implants can fail for many reasons, but if only a small percentage of them fail prematurely because they are substandard, the costs to taxpayers, policyholders and