Recent Commentsmed3D Software: Cheaper in the Long Run?
July 25, 2007
Dr. H asks:
Does anyone have experience with the med3D software? I believe it is initially more expensive to purchase, but since it is controlled by the dentist and not a large company like SimPlant it is cheaper to use for treatment planning in the long run.
What has been your experience with this system? Any comments on this versus Simplant would be appreciated. Thanks.
DDSGadget.com Editor Note:
Med3D Software has a product called implant3D. It enables a dentist to process computertomographic scans (CT-scans) in DICOM-3-Format, which have been acquired by a radiologist and transfered to him (typically on CD-ROM) directly to his computer, a “central processing” is not required.
Additional Information can be found at either of these websites:
http://www.med3d.de/
http://www.med3d.de/en/start_en.html
Apex Locator: Consistently Accurate Readings?
July 25, 2007
I just bought the Apex NRG and have had pretty good success establishing an accurate working length. I have previously used the Justwo and the Root ZX. I had middling success with both of those. I do so much endo that it is worth my while to have reliable a apex locator.
Has anybody used an electronic apex locator that provided consistently accurate readings? In wet canals with sodium hypochlorite or blood? I would like to be able to insert the file to estimated working length and take a reading at the beginning of the procedure, before the pulpectomy has been completed. Are any of you able to do that? I would be willing to purchase another apex locator if it worked any better than these. It would be worth it to me.
Tulsa Dental ProTaper Rotary File: Too Costly, Too Narrow?
July 25, 2007
Dr. K asks:
I just took a course in using the Tulsa Dental ProTaper nickel titanium rotary file system. I did not fracture any of the files while instrumenting the extracted teeth.
However, I am a bit concerned about the cost. The instructor recommended using each file once and then discarding it. He said that after you use a rotary nickel titanium file once, it is liable to fracture if used again. You also have to buy their electric motor and handpiece too. I do not understand how to set the torque value on their motor.Seemed very confusing to me.
I am also concerned about the size of their master apical file. I always used to go to at least a #35 file to the apex. Their system uses a really narrow file at the apical terminus, like A #20. Is that wide enough? Seemed easy to obturate the canal afterwards using either their Thermafill or similar sized cold gutta-percha master cones.
What are your experiences with this system? Is it as good as they say it is? I’d be interested in your thoughts.
NobelGuide vs. SurgiGuide
July 19, 2007
Dr. W asks:
The use of surgical guides for dental implant treatment planning and placement represents one of the most exciting and innovative developments in implant dentistry.
I’m wondering if someone could comment on the advantages of one surgical guide system over another. I am going to purchase one system to help me place implants more accurately.
Specifically, I’d like to get some feedback on NobelGuide from NobelBiocare vs. SurgiGuide from Materialise (Simplant)?
What are the pros and cons of each system? What are the most important factors to consider when deciding on which system to use in my practice?
3-D Biomodels for Implant Placement
July 19, 2007
Dr. A asks:
I’m wondering how others are using 3-D life-size, physical, biomodels in dental implant treatment planning and implant placement?
In some ways, I think that the growing sophistication of 3-D dental modeling software makes these physical models somewhat superflous, but on the other hand I do agree that a real-life physical model provides certain advantages over just an image on a computer screen. So are you using these physical biomodels in all cases, or only in the more complicated situations? What other benefits have you gotten from using these biomodels?
Laser Technology in Implant Dentistry?
July 11, 2007
Dr. H asks:
I’m considering incorporating laser technology into my dental implant practice. From what I’ve read, lasers could aid in the placement of dental implants and also help in decontamination of the implant surface in cases of peri-implantitis. I’d be interested in others thoughts on their experience with surgical lasers during implant treatment? Any other benefits to be aware of? Any drawbacks? Thanks.
Dental Pain Relief: New Compound Enters Phase 2 Trials
July 11, 2007
Recently, Adolor Corporation announced the initiation of a Phase 2 study of ADL5859, a novel delta opioid agonist in development for the treatment of dental, as well as, other pain. The current study of ADL5859 is a randomized, double-blind, single-dose, active and placebo controlled parallel group study of ADL5859 for the treatment of pain after surgical removal of impacted third molars. The study is expected to enroll approximately 200 subjects. The active control is ibuprofen.
Through a proprietary research platform based on cloned, human opiod receptors, Adolor has identified a series of novel, orally active delta agonists that selectively stimulate the delta opioid receptor. The delta receptor is one of three opioid receptors that modulate pain; the other receptors being the mu and kappa receptors. Today, all marketed opioid drugs interact with the mu receptors in the brain and spinal cord. Delta compounds, like those being tested by Adolor, may contain analgesic properties comparable to mu opioid agonists, while limiting some of their well-known and problematic side effects.
For more information on this interesting compound, see: http://www.adolor.com/delta_agonist.html
Planmeca ProMax: Should I Upgrade to CBCT?
July 9, 2007
Dr. C. asks:
I have a PlanMeca ProMax Digital Pan machine, upgradable to CBCT. I am wondering if I should upgrade to CBCT? Does anyone have experience with this machine to comment on durability, quality, etc. ?
I’ve had many little nagging mechanical problems, all taken care of by manufacturer under warranty, but am cautious of additional investment of moving to CBCT. I’ve had marginal success with Tomo features. Thanks for any comments.
Virtual Articulator: A Tool for Improved Implant Planning?
July 5, 2007
Has anyone had any experience with the use of the Virtual Articulator for implant planning and design?
The virtual articulator (VA) is an attempt to apply Virtual reality (VR) techniques, which have proven revolutionary in other medical disciplines, to the field of dentistry.
It is intended for use as a tool for the analysis of complex static and dynamic occlusal relations. Its chief application is in individual diagnosis and the simulation of the mechanical articulator. In combination with CAD/CAM technologies, the virtual articulator, appears to offer the potential for higher accuracy in implant planning/design, as well as a potentially shorter therapy time period.
One company that is offering a virtual dental service is: 3D LAB Service GmbH.
The company’s goal is actually:
“No computer-made prosthetic work without a virtual articulator.”
The process is basically as follows:
• The input unit in form of a scanner
• The 3d LAB modelling software, the core of a virtual articulator
• and the output device, a “rapid prototyping system” with stereoscopic inkjet technology
Furthermore, the articulator displays a “mechanic simulation system”, where the patient data, communicated by the dentist, can be transferred to.
More information on 3d Lab Service can be found at: http://www.3dlabservice.de/eng_index.html
Have you used virtual reality/virtual articulator systems in your implant practice? What was your experience? What has been the feedback from clinicians and labs? Please leave your thoughts below.
Detecting Caries: A Revolutionary Approach?
July 5, 2007
Quantum Dental Technologies, is a Canadian start-up company, that is working on a new approach to caries detection. The company was recently featured in the Toronto Star, Canada’s largest daily newspaper. Though, the product will not be launched until next year, the company is apparently currently looking for financial and strategic partners to help with the rollout of their product. We’d be interested in your thoughts on this product. Will this fly? How would this compare to the competition?
According to Quantum, the problem right now is this:
“The standard for detecting tooth decay, or “caries,” is through manual probing and x-rays, both of which are of limited use if the decay is below the surface of the tooth. Detecting early demineralization, a precursor to decay, is even more challenging.”
The solution:
“Quantum has developed a prototype of a laser device that uses heat and light waves to detect tiny, below-surface lesions in teeth without exposing a patient to potentially harmful radiation.”
The technology:
“The device works by aiming a small hand-held laser at a tooth, which is exposed to pulses of near-infrared light. This causes the tooth to glow and release heat. A special infrared detector measures the wavelengths of light and heat that are emitted from the tooth. Healthy teeth produce a specific wavelength signature, so any deviations can be analyzed to pinpoint hidden lesions and early breakdown of mineral. This process is repeated at various tooth depths simply by changing the frequency of the laser.”
Early Results:
“Tests from a lab prototype have proven the effort worthwhile. Between the teeth, considered one of the most difficult places to detect cavities, the technology can consistently spot lesions as tiny as 50 microns. That’s about half the diameter of a strand of human hair. It can also spot signs of tooth demineralization and decay up to 5 millimetres below the surface of a tooth and under fillings. Generally, you need to lose roughly 30 per cent of the mineral in an area of your tooth before it starts showing up on an x-ray. If a problem area is found early enough, it’s possible to remineralize the tooth using special treatments of gels and pastes. In other words, no need for needles and drilling.”
To read more about Quantum, check out the interview with the President of the firm at: Toronto Star
Digital Impression Systems: How Fast Will This Be Adopted?
July 4, 2007
Intra oral digital impression systems are coming to the forefront of dentistry. But how fast is the adoption going to happen?
These digital impressions systems replace the tray and putty method of impressing patients with a highly detailed digital scan of the tooth prep area. This technology-driven process eliminates the imprecision synonymous with conventional impressions. It also improves communication between the dental laboratory and the dentist, increases productivity, and lowers rejection rates.
Big manufacturers are excited about the potential of this technology. In 2006, 3M purchased Brontes Technologies, a developer of proprietary 3-D intraoral imaging technology IOS, for $95 million. Another interesting system is the Cadent iTero™ .
Here’s how the Cadent iTero™ works: Once the digital impression is captured, it is reviewed on screen for accuracy and the margin is identified. Then it is emailed to Cadent’s manufacturing facility for milling into the physical model. That model is then sent to the laboratory for restoration fabrication.
As the company states:
“With significant benefits such as increased patient satisfaction, improved clinical outcomes, and enhanced office efficiencies, iTero will change your impression of digital impressions.”More information can be found at: http://www.cadentitero.com/
Clearly this area of digital technology is quite exciting. Initially, it seems like there will be a hybrid of both traditional and digital impressions.
But, how fast is it the adoption of digital impression systems going to happen? Is there interest from patients, clinicians and labs? Will it have the major positive effect on the Crown, Bridge and Implant process in the dental office and laboratory that manufacturers are claiming? Would you consider using digital impression your dental practice or lab?
Leave your thoughts and comments below.
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