Brown University engineers have shown that both zinc and titanium oxide nanosurfaces can reduce the presence of bacteria. Discs with nanostructured surfaces had bumps that measured only .023 microns in diameter. Discs with microstructured surfaces had bumps that measured about 5 microns in diameter. Microstructured zinc oxide discs were host to 1,000 times more bacteria than the nanostructured zinc oxide discs. Similar, but less striking, results were duplicated on titanium oxide discs. The engineer`s hypothesis is that: `with the nanostructured
Zirconium One Stage Implants
Ceraroot have designed five ziconium-based one-stage implants for use in different areas of the mouth. The anatomically designed implants incorporate the abutment into the implant for a very esthetic result. An interesting video is posted on Google Video showing the use of a Ceraroot implant in an immmediate placement procedure.
Dental Implan – Patient Education Software
Dental Implan Inc , has released patient education software to assist practitioners in explaining to patients what a proposed treatment plan will involve. The software was developed for Jeffrey Ganeles, a florida periodontist, to enhance and streamline patient consultations.
NobelDirect – Analysts` Report on Bone Loss Controversy
Merrill Lynch and UBS have released stock research reports regarding Nobel Biocare`s NobelDirect implant design. Several recent studies suggest more than 3mm of bone loss in 14-55% of patients. An expert panel advising the Swedish Medical Products Agency on the safety of the NobelDirect implant has responded to a recent Nobel Biocare rebuttal letter in a critical manner. The Merrill Lynch analyst suggests a NobelDirect withdrawal may be ahead.
Ceramic VectoDrill Set
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.
BioFunctional Implant Coating – US Patent Issued
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
Temporary Orthodontic Micro Anchorage System
Temporary Orthodontic Micro Anchorage System
Benex Control – Root Extraction System
Meisinger`s Benex Control system is part of their `Bone Management` instrument collection. It uses a teflon coated tooth-borne ratchet system to extract the tooth root. This is a variation on the `easy-x-trac` system profiled earlier this year.
Proximator ™ Extraction Kit
Karl Schumacher`s Proximator extraction kit consists of 7 periotome-like elevators designed to fit different aspects of the tooth. They are designed to eliminate the fibrous attachment where a periotome does not have sufficient strength.
ZiUnite ™ – Nobel`s new Zirconium Implant Surface?
Nobel Biocare makes mention of their new all-ceramic implant design that uses a zirconium based surface in their annual report (page 35). Clinical trials are in progress. It seems interest in Zirconium Oxide based implants is on the rise by the big companies. Definitely a trend to keep an eye on.