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NobelDirect: Efficacy Reconfirmed?
June 27, 2007
This past Monday the Sweden’s Medical Products Agency (MPA) demanded that Nobel Biocare further improve instructions for use of NobelDirect(tm) and NobelPerfect(tm) one-piece dental implants. The MPA told the firm in late 2006 to improve product information on the NobelDirect and NobelPerfect implants after a probe revealed possible shortcomings in instructions that could explain a breakdown of the jawbone in some patients.
“The Medical Products Agency has now reviewed the company’s plan for improvement of the information on the dental implants and takes the decision that the information must be supplemented and further clarified,” the MPA said in a statement.
In reacting to the MPA announcement, Nobel Biocare stated:
“Nobel Biocare welcomes the renewed confirmation of market clearance without constraints by the MPA for NobelDirect(tm) and NobelPerfect(tm) one-piece implants. The comprehensive scientific evidence that Nobel Biocare provided to the MPA proved the product safety and effectiveness of NobelDirect(tm) and NobelPerfect(tm) one-piece implants. The prospective multi-center study and additional extensive scientific documentation representing 1973 implants followed up to six years have led the MPA to reconfirm their decisions of February 2006 and December 2006 and to reiterate the market clearance for both products. The Company is pleased that a conclusion was found after a 19-month process….The allegations against the products have been fully refuted.”
But will the revised instructions and warning notices on the NobelDirect and NobelPerfect implants dampen future enthusiasm for these implants? Is this truly the end of this saga for Nobel with NobelDirect? What are your thoughts?
ImplantCad: A Higher Standard for Monobloc Titanium Bars?
June 26, 2007
Biocad, a company based in Canada, is set to launch ImplantCad later this year. ImplantCad utilizes an improved technology for generating monobloc titanium bars, for overdentures and fixed detachable hybrid prostheses.
These titanium monobloc frameworks, or ImplantCad bars, are highly accurate because they are CAD generated and seamless because there is no welding of segments. The bars are also very light because they are milled titanium.
According to the company:
“BioCad is the only company in the world to offer such a system as ImplantCad. Our mission is to use robotisation’s advances to create monobloc bars (ImplantCad bars) of unsurpassed quality. Upon examing your ImplantCad Bar, you will immediately notice it’s lightness and passivity…, and the total absence of common defects such as welding seams and porosity.”
There is little additional information about ImplantCad, but you can sign up at the company’s website at, www.biocad.ca, to stay informed. You can also call the company at418.683.8435
Our question, though, is whether this technology is really all that new? Don’t many labs already offer these types of bars? Didn’t 3i pioneer this, and hasn’t Nobel Biocare been doing this for awhile? What are your thoughts on the uniqueness of BioCad? Does the market need an improved technology for generating monobloc titanium bars?
Single Tooth Anesthesia System (STA) : A Major Advancement in Anesthetic Delivery?
June 25, 2007
Dr. H asks:
Does anyone have any experience with Milestone Scientific’s new Single Tooth Anesthesia System, known as STA, which was recently named as a top product by Dentistry Today?
According to the company,
“The STA System enables the dental professional to precisely administer an intraligementary injection to anesthetize a single tooth in only one to two minutes, rather than administering a mandibular block that anesthetizes an entire quadrant.
The STA Intraligamentary injection has an immediate onset, whereas the typical block injection can take 8 to 12 minutes before a dentist can start treatment. In addition, the STA intraligementary injection last as long as a traditional infiltration or mandibular block.
Using the innovative CompuFlo with DPS technology, the STA System informs the clinician of the exact location of the needle point between the tooth and bone to directly target the periodontal ligament in order to comfortably anesthetize a single tooth without causing collateral numbing of the cheek, lips and tongue or histological damage commonly associated with the traditional PDL injection. “
Furthermore, the company states:
“We believe that a device which allows dentists to effectively anesthetize a single tooth will greatly enhance the productivity of dental practices and, when combined with the painless injection capabilities already present in our CompuDent system, such a device should represent a compelling value in the marketplace. “
Additional information the STA System, can be found at: www.stais4u.com
Is this a product you would consider for your practice? Other than as a potential time-saver, is there any other reason to consider this new product? Will this help many patients overcome the fear of a dental injection?
Nanotechnology: Will Premium Implants Resonate with Patients?
June 20, 2007
Dr. K asks:
I’m wondering what others think of the recent trend by dental manufacturers to incorporate nanotechnology into their dental implant surface designs? Examples include: 3i’s Nanotite, Straumann’s SLActive, and Astra Tech’s Osseospeed.
Clinical studies seem to indicate that the use of nanotechnology for surface treatments will cut healing time in half and improve osseointegration. Of course, I’m interested in others thoughts regarding the clinicial data surrounding these new surface treatments, but I’m also wondering whether the benefits of these new surface treatments will be clear enough to patients? Will patients understand the concept of “premium implants”?
NobelActive: Initial Impressions?
June 12, 2007
Any thoughts on Nobel Biocare’s recent introduction of NobelActive, a new dental implant design with an innovative thread pattern?
According to Nobel Biocare:
“The one-stage implant features a unique shape and a new thread design with a ’self-drilling’ capability to facilitate drilling protocols in areas of narrower osteotomy. The product is easy to use and provides high initial stability and good outcomes. NobelActive(tm) has been designed for increased soft tissue volume at the head of the implant, resulting in improved esthetics.”
Any comments on this innovation?
Implant Location System (ILS): A Future Leader in Computer-Guided Implant Surgery?
June 11, 2007
Recently, Tactile Technologies Ltd. obtained US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its second-generation Implant Location System (ILS) for dentistry. The FDA approved the first-generation product two years ago, but the company did not launch sales until it developed the second-generation product.
According to the company:
“The ILS is constructed as a combination of the following tools: An intuitive and simple pre and in-operative planning software, Tactile sensors that determine the bone contour for navigation and registration, and Intra-oral, computer-adjusted guiding sheaths to direct drilling. “
In addition, as explained by Tactile:
“The use of the ILS enables implant placement without the need for flap surgery. Flap surgery is often accompanied by potential marginal bone loss and soft tissue recession, which reduces success rate and may result in problematic aesthetics.”
More information about this fascinating new technology can be found at Tactile’s Website , but we’d be interested in your comments on this system. Will the ILS allow clinicians to overcome the limitations of conventional implantation surgery and, as claimed by the company: “enable the newcomer practitioner to perform implantations with the accuracy, speed, and success rate of experienced oral-surgeons?”
rhPDGF-BB: Possible Treatment for Osteonecrosis of the Jaw?
June 10, 2007
Does anyone have any thoughts on the possibility of using the protein therapeutic, recombinant human platelet derived growth factor (rhPDGF-BB), as a treatment for Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ)?
Recently, BioMimetic Therapeutics announced that the FDA has given the company orphan drug designation to pursue this indication for rhPDGF.
BioMimetic comments:
“ONJ lesions are often severely painful and debilitating open sores in the mouth for which there are currently no proven therapeutic treatments,” said Dr. Samuel Lynch, president and CEO of BioMimetic Therapeutics. “Based on the ability of rhPDGF-BB to stimulate bone and tissue healing, we believe that rhPDGF-BB has the potential to help these patients. Thus, ONJ represents another potential to leverage our platform rhPDGF technology and be assured of market exclusivity in this indication.”
Interestingly, BioMimetic Therapeutics is already marketing recombinant human platelet derived growth factor, under the trade name GEM 21S, as a grafting material for periodontal regeneration.
According to the company:
“Extensive in vitro and animal studies have shown that following release at the wound site, rhPDGF-BB stimlulates chemotaxis (recruitment of cells), mitogenesis (the proliferation of cells) and matrix formation (new tissue formation).”
Does anyone have any experience with GEM 21S for periodontal regeneration? Do you think it will be prove beneficial for ONJ lesions, as well?
Revois: The All-in-One Implant System
June 7, 2007
Any thoughts on Curasan’s new REVOIS® All-in-One Dental Implant System, which recently received FDA clearance?
The system appears to offer several new innovations.
As the company states:
“The REVOIS® All-in-One System is a self-contained, intelligent modular system. All components are coordinated to achieve maximum precision with a minimum number of parts.
One important part of it is the multifunctional precision abutment. This universal abutment fits all diameters, thus one single prosthetic line can be used for all REVOIS® implants.“
Additional Features, include:
- *Innovative Snap-on System with matching Snap-on Tool - for maximum precision
- *Special angled abutment - 45°
- *More bone and soft tissue growth by platform-switching and special abutment design
- *High primary stability by progressive thread merging into a fine thread
- * Functional, well thought-out implant design: rounded apex and conical shape, micro and nano roughness of surface and tapered drills especially aligned to the REVOIS® implant - for a minimal-invasive insertion with maximum osseointegration.
You can read more about this new implant system at the Curasan’s website. Leave your thoughts and comments below.
PerioChip: A Significant Adjunct Therapy for SRP?
June 4, 2007
Dr. P asks:
Perio treatments are often an unpredictable. After a common SRP protocol (scaling and root planing) for reduction of pocket depth in patients with adult Periodontitis, I have used various products available in the market. I recently have been introduced to Periochip (DexcellPharma) and I would like to know what my colleagues have experienced with this product. Technique? Results? Indications? Thanks.
Physics Forceps: An advancement in exodontia?
June 3, 2007
Has anybody evaluated Misch’s new Physics Forceps and One Minute Extraction technique?
GoldenMisch, Inc., which produces the Physics Forceps claims that “they represent the most exciting and innovative advancement in exodontia in over 200 years.” By employing an efficient first-class lever, the Physics Forceps deliver a mechanical advantage that is useful for achieving atraumatic extractions.
In addition, the company comments that:
“A noticeable and very unique benefit of the Physics Forceps® is that they make only one point of contact with the tooth, as opposed to conventional forceps that work like pliers. The days of pulling, squeezing and twisting are now gone forever. “
What are your thoughts on this new technology? Will you be buying these and throwing out your conventional forceps?
DetecTar: More Effective Sub-Gingival Calculus Detection?
June 3, 2007
Does anyone have any experience with the DetecTar device, portable product that device uses Light-Emitting Diode (LED) and fiber optic technologies to detect calculus?
The company that makes the product claims that:
“This easy to use, cordless device detects up to 3 times more calculus than traditional methods. By quickly and accurately detecting sub-gingival calculus, it helps clinicians reduce the possibility of over-scaling, thereby decreasing root sensitivity and helping ensure proper reattachment of gingival tissue.”
Also, in a Journal of Periodontology article, the authors concluded that:
“The optical probe offers the possibility of subgingival calculus detection and may, therefore, be suited to determine the endpoint of root surface instrumentation during non-surgical periodontal therapy. ” (J Periodontol 2005;76:1202-1206)
Have you used the DetecTar device in your practice? If so, what has been your experience? Has it been helpful as a guide before scaling, or in decreasing uncertainty in deep pockets?
Twist Drill PRO: Next generation in drill technology?
June 2, 2007
Any thoughts on Straumann’s new Twist Drill Pro, which the company has labeled as the next generation in drill technology?
According to Straumann :
“Twist Drill PRO Ø 4.2 mm is designed to help prevent over-preparation of the osteotomy site. The rounded flat-end tip facilitates safe drill positioning and ensures secure drill centering in the implant bed. The defined direction is maintained throughout the drilling process. “
Anybody have any experience with this drill? Has it helped your surgical site preparation?
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