Straumann has been granted a US Patent on its new implant delivery mount. The much needed redesign features `keyless` removal and incorporates an innovative implant indexing system into the mount, anticipating that implant indexing will increasingly be done at the time of implant placement.
The friendly takeover is Straumann`s largest to date and will position the group as a “one-stop shop” by providing solutions such as bone augmentation as well as implants and prosthetics, the firm said. “Overall it is a positive strategic move. They are copying the strategy of other major competitors, such as Nobel Biocare, by providing both implants and prosthetics,” said Vontobel analyst Christoph Gubler. Straumann has struggled to match Nobel`s presence in the U.S., where fewer dentists have used implants
Straumann’s academic partner, the International Team for Implantology (ITI), introduced the first Volume of the ITI Treatment Guide in cooperation with Quintessence publishing. Volume 1, entitled `Implant Therapy in the Esthetic Zone – Single-Tooth Replacements` was introduced to the professional community at the EAO’s 15th Annual Scientific Meeting in Zurich.It takes its readers through the entire process, starting with the assessment of the patient’s individual esthetic risk profile and proceeding to through ideal three-dimensional implant placement and proven prosthetic management
Osteohealth`s GEM 21S is a wound healing and bone regeneration technology termed growth-factor enhanced matrix (GEM). It has recently become available for clinical use. This graft material consists of a concentrated solution of pure recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor (rhPDGF-BB), the synthetic form of the body’s key natural wound healing stimulator PDGF-BB, and an osteoconductive (bone scaffold) matrix. This is the first available purified, recombinant (synthetic) growth factor product and is the result of over a decade of extensive research.
In the course of a routine inspection of Biora AB, Straumann`s oral regenerative product company in Sweden, in October 2006, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigator made a number of observations predominantly concerning maintenance of quality system documentation and procedures associated with the company`s products. Biora has received a “warning letter“ from the FDA, which indicated that its “dental bone grafting materials“ are on import detention in the U.S., until the inspectional observations are resolved. No other countries
Preclinical results were presented recently at the EAO meeting for Straumann`s innovative hydrogel-based membrane, which confirmed the product`s efficacy and ease of handling. The first clinical trial was successfully completed in the third quarter, with each of the endpoints being met. On this basis, applications for regulatory clearance should be submitted in the current quarter. Straumann and Kuros Biosurgery, a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute, ETHZ and the University of Zurich, applied for a patent on this technology in
Thommen Medical has redesigned their VECTOdrill™ twist drills in a high-strength, alumina-toughened zirconia (ATZ). The drills` ATZ ceramic ensures efficient and consistent cutting performance throughout the life of the twist drill. The pilot drill design features a high efficiency cutting tip which initiates the pilot hole without the need for a round bur and has the ability to cut laterally to correct osteotomy location. These are similar in design to the MIS ceramic drills reported on previously.
Straumann has received a US patent for a bioactive coating for their implants. Their modified sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) surface is coated with an Arg–Gly–Asp (RGD)-peptide-modified polymer (PLL-g-PEG/PEG–RGD). According to a study by Danny Buser, RGD-coated implants demonstrated significantly higher percentages of bone-to-implant contact as compared with controls at 2 weeks. The hypothesized mechanism is that the attachment of RGD peptides directed towards integrin receptors on the PEGylated surface promotes adhesion of cells of mesenchymal origin e.g. osteoblasts to the
Straumann has filed a US patent application for a Peek/Titanium composite one-piece Implant. This implant design features an outer titanium shell (label 1 and 2) and an inner core made of PEEK (label 3 and 4). This designs claims the aesthetic advantage of the white-coloured PEEK at the collar and abutment with the proven osseointegration properties of titanium. This is an interesting design response to the number of zirconium collar (TBR Group) and all zirconium implant (Z-Systems) designs.
Thommen Medical has introduced their SPI MONO torque ratchet. It is manufactured from a solid billet of titanium. It has a torque range of 10Ncm to 35Ncm in 5 Ncm increments. The one-piece construction simplifies regular maintenance as there are no parts to disassemble for cleaning and no lubrication is required.
