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VibraJect: Worth the Investment?

October 31, 2007

VibrajectI have heard a great deal about the Vibraject which attaches to the barrel of the syringe and creates small vibrations which makes injections almost painless. The vibrations confuse the nervous system so it does not know what to feel. This can be used for blocks, infiltrations and PDL injections. Is it worth the investment? Does this really make injections almost painless?

Editors Note:

According to the company:

Vibraject’s “effectiveness is based on the Gate Control Theory of nerve function proposed in 1965 by psychologists Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall. In short, the theory suggests that nerve endings sense vibrations first and then cannot transmit feelings of pain. So the vibrations essentially mask your patients’ discomfort, putting them at ease during even the most dreaded injections.”

“The VibraJect’s ability to assist in the reduction of pain perceived by the patient was assessed by qualified dentists in a randomized controlled clinical trial at Queen’s University Belfast, N. Ireland. The study involved 329 patients and it was found that by using the VibraJect, patient’s perception of pain was reduced. This was statistically highly significant, indicating less painful injections for patients, especially in the most painful areas, whereas in this particular study, topical anesthetic did not. The involved dentists gave positive feedback such as its ease of use, efficiency, and its non-invasiveness. Overall, it was deemed to be a useful tool in the quest to improve dentist-patient rapport. ”

See more at Vibraject.com

Written by admin · Filed Under Surgery, Dental Injections, Anesthesia, What's New | 1 Comment 

SIROEndo System Endodontic Unit: More Efficient?

October 31, 2007

Anon. comments:
SiroEndo I am a general practitioner and I do a lot of endo. I have been looking for a system to increase my efficiency and to decrease chair time. I have been thinking about the new SIROEndo system which is permanently attached to the dental chair. It has a built in electronic apex locator and an electric handpiece that goes into reverse and back out of the canal if the file blades start to become engaged too tightly in the walls to avoid file fracture. The handpiece can be automatically set to shut down when the file tip reaches the working length. I like the fact that we will not have to put out or clear away the electronic apex locator and handpiece motor. That will save time. Has anybody tried out this unit? Has it been more efficient for your practice?

Written by admin · Filed Under Instrumentation, Endodontics, What's New | Leave a Comment 

Robots in Implant Dentistry?

October 17, 2007

Craig, a reader, asks:

Robotic DrillI am interested is finding out if there is any need or opportunity for small robotic device to be used to either properly position a drilling guide based on information obtained from a 3D scan or fluoroscopy so that the dentist can drill the hold in the proper axial direction. If not in implant dentistry, do you think there are other opportunities for the use of robots in dentistry? Thanks for any comments.

Editors Note:

There was an interesting article earlier this year about a robotic smart drill developed by Aston University(UK) and clinically tested at the University Hospital Birmingham in a cochlear implant procedure. The robotic smart drill is currently only being used for cochlear implants, but the potentials for wider surgery applications in the future are extensive. Click Here for the article.

Written by admin · Filed Under Dental Implants | 1 Comment 

Implant Drills: What Are Your Experiences?

October 17, 2007

Dr. R. asks:

Drill
I wanted to know what is a good surgical drill/ contra-angle system to use for placing dental implants. Is there one considered to be better then all other or are they all pretty much the same thing? I have tried out several from different implant companies and they all seem to have about the same features. I am just starting out to place my own implants and I want to buy one system. Any recommendations? What should I be looking for? Anything to watch out for? Thanks.

Written by admin · Filed Under Dental Implants | 3 Comments 

Protemp: Fast Temporary Crowns or Not Worth It?

October 3, 2007

Anon. comments:
ProtempWhen I was at the American Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry meeting in Atlanta I tried out these preformed temporary crowns called Protemp Crowns, from 3M, in one of the workshops. They are easy to adapt around the prepared tooth and you can use finger pressure or instruments to adapt it to the contours and margins.

After a few tries, I still felt that I needed to reline the temporary crown to get enough retention and resistance and to refine the margins. I was also put off by the need for stacking an inventory since they are preformed. I was not impressed. I think it is easier to make a pre-op impression and use that as a mold. Anybody having success with Protemp crowns?

Editors Note:

According to 3M:

“Protemp™ Crown allows you to perform a single-unit crown in less than four minutes…No matrix, impression materials, cartridge guns, mixing tips or liners are needed - simply select the appropriate preformed crown size. With its soft malleability, easily adapt the crown to its oral environment, light cure, polish and cement using standard temporary cements.

Protemp™ Crown provides a custom fit for your adult patients. Protemp™ Crown temporization material can be trimmed, adapted and re-shaped chair-side using common dental instruments. Protemp™ Crown has very low oxygen inhibited layer and other physical characteristics such as no odor and low exothermic temperatures.”

Written by admin · Filed Under Fixed Prosthodontics, Restorative, 3M ESPE, What's New | 3 Comments 

Pentamix: Does it Save Money and Chair Time?

October 3, 2007

Anon asks:

PentamixI work with two other dentists and we are thinking about buying a Pentamix set-up. We plan on putting the Pentamix on a cart and wheeling it from operatory to operatory as needed. We have been using the cartridges for twenty years and they work fine but we think we can cut down on chair time and waste by using the Pentamix system.

It seems pretty straightforward. Can somebody with experience with this system offer advice? Have you found that in the long term it saves money and chair time?

Editors Note:

According to 3M, the goal of the Pentamix system is: “to help you capture an accurate, problem-free impression the first time … every time. With the touch of a button, Pentamix Automatic Mixing Unit mixes and dispenses a completely homogeneous mix. And it’s free of voids that can interfere with the accuracy of the impression and the final fit of the prosthesis. Trying to manually squeeze heavy body impression material out of a cartridge dispenser can put added strain on assistants. The Pentamix™ 2 Automatic Mixing Unit puts an end to staff complaints.”

Written by admin · Filed Under Restorative, 3i Dental Implants, Impression Materials | 4 Comments