Dentistry Today — April 2012

Inside this issue

Excerpts from the issue. Open the digital edition to read any page in full.

1. Page 11

   Why choose ARGEN for your SCRAP REFINING? Read what your dental colleagues are saying... "Being the largest user of dental alloy in the United States, we ONLY use a refinery we know will give us accurate results every time. Argen has been our choice for precious metal recovery for over 10 years. We have performed 48 third party assays to confirm Argen's results, and all 48 assays proved 100% accurate." – Darryl Withrow Vice President, Operations Glidewell Laboratories GLIDEWELL LABORATORIES "Previous to using Argen for my refining, I researched over 10 different companies, and found that I received the best…

2. Page 14

   April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month This year marks the 13th year that April has been designated as oral cancer awareness month. Since a low public awareness level still exists, the dental and medical communities need to make every effort possible to lift the level of public awareness and to support the development of a comprehensive program designed to more thoroughly screen for the disease. Perhaps as some motivation to raise the bar, consider these statistics: every day before entering the office; in 2012, nearly 37,000 patients (in just the United States alone) will be diagnosed with some form of…

3. Page 16

   Below is a letter sent to the editor-in-chief of Dentistry Today, received in response to the article "A Single File System: 'The Science of Simplicity,'" written by Sergio Kuttler, BS, DDS, and John West, DDS, MSD, that ran in the March 2012 issue. The article is available on our Web site, . Dear Editors, In reading the article in the March 2012 issue of Dentistry Today, "A Single File System: 'The Science of Simplicity,'" by Drs. Sergio Kuttler and John West, we are exposed to a discussion that dismantles the highly oval nature of many canals along their entire lengths.…

4. Page 17

   FOCUS ON: Endodontics L. Stephen Buchanan, DDS, discusses the latest trends in endodontics for 2012. Q: What are the latest trends in conventional endodontic therapy, and how would you rate them: good, bad, or indifferent? A: I think the most significant conceptual and procedural advancements in conventional endodontic therapy are currently being built around negotiation and irrigation. Negotiation is becoming much less of a chore in molars as we have begun to understand and solve the problems of rotary negotiating files as they are the first instruments taken to length in small curved canals. Irrigation has improved as better delivery…

5. Page 18

   Keeping Dentistry in the Hands of Dentists Our healthcare system is changing. Millions do not have adequate or even with health insurance. Pressure mounted from all sides, and what has happened? The government has stepped in to influence how healthcare is administered. Any change that affects medicine in this country will soon affect dentistry as well. With the unemployment rate we might see, employers losing benefits, fewer and fewer people able to obtain the dentistry they need and want. This applies to urgent care and elective care as well. Dental care is often delivered or eliminated altogether. We all see…

6. Page 20

   VIEWPOINT continued from page 18 We, as dentists, are creative problem solvers always seeing new challenges cropping up clinically and figuring out how to solve them. As with the one-visit denture, there must be innovative methods of care and we need to find them. In the 10 years since the US surgeon general's report on oral health, not much has changed. It is still a matter of access and cost. We must change that now. In our private practices, we can apply newer techniques such as a one-step denture. We can develop more efficient processes and procedures to provide less…

7. Page 22

   Dentistry Today.com Providing you with news and information from the industry leader in clinical content. Visit Our Site Today! Technique of the Week Endodontic Procedure Sponsored by SWITE In this video, Dr. David Clark explores endodontic procedures with straight-line access to root canals. SS White Burs' ENDOGUIDE carbide burs are designed for endodontic access and root canal exploration. Their unique micrometer tips act as a self-centering guide for straight line access to canals, maximizing efficiency and preserving precious peri-cervical dentin. Dr. Clark explains that round burs, in contrast, tend to "run off," which may lead to gouging and potential perforation.…

8. Page 24

   From the January 2012 Issue PULP PROTECTANT/LINER BISCO The new TheraCal LC, a light-cured, resin-modified, calcium silicate-filled base/liner, is designed for use in direct and indirect pulp capping and as a protective base/liner under composite, amalgam, cements, and other base materials. It can also be used as an alternative to calcium hydroxide, glass ionomer, RMGI, IRM, ZOE, and other restorative materials. For more information, call (800) 247-3368 or visit bisco.com. FREEinfo, TASK-VISION LED GLASSES Vision USA Providing hands-free direct light, Task-Vision LED Glasses, available in 8 levels of magnification, feature 2 bright LEDs that focus directly on the area you…

9. Page 26

   Ivoclar Vivadent The newest edition to Ivoclar Vivadent's bluephase family of curing lights, the bluephase style combines a new, slim, lightweight design with all the features, power, and efficiency that have made bluephase THE DENTAL ADVISOR'S top-rated LED curing light for the past 3 years (2009 to 2011). Ergonomic, high-powered, and cordless, it reduces the strain exerted on the hand and arm while curing. For more information, call (800) 533-6825. FREEinfo, IMPLANT TREATMENT KIT Gildewell Labs This all-in-one, restorative-based solution includes everything you need to restore a missing tooth: your lapiered implant of choice, surgical drills, patient-specific healing and temporary…

10. Page 28

    To assist practitioners in their selection of essential dental products, Dentistry Today presents items reviewed by THE DENTAL ADVISOR'S staff of editors and consultants. Established in 1984, THE DENTAL ADVISOR, based in Ann Arbor, Mich, has provided dental professionals worldwide with objective, accurate information using in vivo and in vitro results on the performance of materials and equipment based on clinical and laboratory research. For more information, visit dentaladvisor.com or call (800) 347-1330. Futurabond DC +++++ VOCO America | (888) 658-2584 | vocoeamerica.com Editors' Comments • "Single-dose design is relatively easy to use." • "Good wettability of the tooth surface."…

11. Page 30

    Spotlight New Endodontic Kits Feature the Latest Innovations in Ultrasonic Instruments MOUNT LAUREL, NJ–SATELEC, inventor of the piezoelectric ultrasound generator for dentistry, presents Endo Success Retreatment and Endo Success Apical Surgery—the latest innovations in ultrasonic instruments. Endo Success Retreatment, a set of specific inserts designed for the different aspects of canal retreatment, features for the first time ever in ultrasonic instruments titanium niobium technology. This alloy, together with excellent biocompatibility and great stability, has a characteristic microcrystalline alpha-beta structure that is beneficial to transmitting ultrasound without attenuation. Practitioners can work continuously at high powers and maintain remarkable flexibility. A full…

12. Page 32

    Spotlight New Rotary Endo File's Efficiency and Resistance to Cyclic Fatigue Cited TULSA, Okla.–Utilizing a proprietary new method of processing Ni-Ti wire that results in a blue titanium oxide layer, DENTSPLY Tulsa Dental Specialties' Vortex Blue rotary endodontic file offers a visibly new approach to metallurgy. It features the same variable helical angle design as the original Profiles Vortex file that clinicians have come to know and trust for efficiency and dependable clinical outcomes, and it also offers a leap forward in resistance to cyclic fatigue–the leading cause of file separation–with a minimum of a 65% improvement over M-Wire Ni-Ti…

13. Page 34

    Spotlight Digital Intraoral Radiography System's Imaging Plate Technology Prevents Plate Mix-Up, Reduces Operation Time ATLANTA–The CS 7600, Carestream Dental's latest digital intraoral radiography system, reinvents imaging plate technology, improving usability, productivity, and security with an innovative and fully automated workflow. Its exclusive Scan & Go technology, offered as an option, utilizes Smart Plates—thin, flexible plates that have no attached cable— to prevent plate mix-up and reduce operation time. This feature, an industry first, identifies the plates electronically with patient information, allowing the device to automatically route scanned images to the proper computer and patient file. The CS 7600's user-friendly operation…

14. Page 36

    Spotlight Retraction Capsule Provides Effective Gingival Retraction in Half the Time ST. PAUL, Minn–3M ESPE introduces its latest impression-taking breakthrough—the 3M ESPE Retraction Capsule. Designed with an extrafine tip that can be inserted right into the sulcus, it is the first gingival retraction product that delivers stringent retraction paste using common composite dispensers. The unsieving enabled by its use makes it a convenient alternative to traditional gingival retraction methods such as retraction cord and other retraction pastes. Compared to retraction cords, it can cut up to half the time from the gingival retraction procedure, and it is up to 30%…

15. Page 39

    Device Provides Snoring Relief CHATSWORTH, Calif.-The SNOR.X anti-snoring device gently holds the tongue forward during sleep, keeping the upper airway open and free from obstruction. The prevention of this obstruction relieves snoring. SNOR.X is constructed of a tongue sleeve and a plastic ring that goes around the device. The patient places his or her tongue into the sleeve and squeezes the front end of the device to create a gentle suction that holds the tongue in the forward position. For more information, call Success Essentials at (800) 423-3270, ext. 4585. FREEinfo, Flexible Partial Requires No Metal Clasps ATLANTA-Offered by Global…

16. Page 40

    Seventh-Generation Bonding Agent Now Offered in 6-mL Bottle SAN MARCOS, Calif.–Shofu announces the availability of BeautiBond, its seventh-generation bonding agent, in a 6-mL bottle. Previously, it was available only in a unit-dose, but positive sales results coupled with customer requests led Shofu to expand its offering. The 6-mL bottle will be priced the same as the unit-dose box to allow customers to choose which offering best suits their needs. BeautiBond is a self-etch, prime, and bond all-in-one product. Its unique, dual-functionme monomers (phosphonic acid and carboxylic acid) work independently, achieving equal bond strength to dentin and enamel that is comparable…

17. Page 42

    Spotlight Carbides Facilitate Oral Cavity Access KENNESAW, Ga–Offered by Microcopy, NeoBurr Oral Surgery/HP Lab Carbides are precision-engineered and made of a hardened stainless steel shank and a premium-grade tungsten carbide cutting head. Offered in popular sizes, each piece measures 44.5 mm long and fits into standard HP hand pieces (shank No. 1). Sterilized and individually packaged in a 10-pack, these carbides offer clinicians better access to hard-to-reach areas such as third molars, wisdom teeth, or dental implant preparations. For more information, call Microcopy at (800) 235-1863 or visit neoburrcom. FREEinfo, NITROUS OXIDE CONSCIOUS SEDATION Now you can actually see your…

18. Page 43

    High-Speed Handpieces' Durability, Dependability, and Performance Cited MALVERN, Pa–DentalEZ Group's Concentrix family of high-speed handpieces by Star-Dental consists of economical handpieces that are durable, dependable, and designed for superior performance. Each handpiece is made of sturdy stainless steel and contains a lubricated steel bearing turbine for smooth, high-torque operation. A unique water spray enables users to maintain a cool temperature for both the tooth and bur, and the fiber-optic models contain single glass rod optics for shadow-free illumination. The small head and high-torque design of the handpieces provide superior oral accessibility and visibility, and the high power enables quick and…

19. Page 44

    Spotlight Nonstick Matrix Helps Clinicians Produce Ideal Anatomy in Less Time LOS ALAMITOS, Calif.-The SuperCurve nonstick matrix helps clinicians produce ideal anatomy without spending a lot of time finishing. It hugs the tooth for unmatched stability during placement, and the rolled ridge on the occlusal margin creates beautiful marginal ridges. Its micro-thin, nonstick finish ensures that consistently tight contacts are achieved, yet it is easy to remove after curing. For more information, call Tri-odent at (800) 851-3940. FREEinfo, Instrument Designed to Remove Cemented Crowns Rapidly and Painlessly DETROIT-Offered by Golden Dental Solutions, inventors of the Physics Forceps, the WAMep is…

20. Page 45

    Bulk-Fill Flowable Posterior Composite Allows Curing of 4-mm Layers in Only 10 Seconds When Using Universal Shade BRIARCLIFF MANOR, NY--VOCO's new x tra base, a fast-setting bulk-fill flowable posterior composite, allows curing of 4-mm layers in only 10 seconds when using the universal shade. This is 50% faster than leading brands. The 75%-filled x-tra base has low shrinkage stress and low shrinkage that—combined with its high compressive strength (350 MPa) and flexural strength (133 MPa)—makes it a perfect foundation for posterior fillings. It can therefore be used in the open and closed sandwich technique, and its self-leveling effect allows easy…

21. Page 46

    NEWS/TRENDS Industry News Carestream Dental Announces CS Brand Identity Atlanta based Carestream Dental announced recently the launch of a major ad campaign designed to familiarize existing and prospective customers with the company's rich tradition and many trusted brands. The campaign combines a strategic rebranding initiative whereby the company will be renaming several products under the Carestream Dental (CS) brand. Carestream Dental's existing products have been sold under multiple brand names, including SoftDent, PracticeWorks, Kodak, Optime, RVG, Trophy, and Windent. While these are recognized as leading products for various oral health specialties, the different brand names have the potential to obscure…

22. Page 47

    Death by Dentures? Did George Washington's Famous Oral Appliance Do Him in? Was the throat infection that took George Washington's life caused by colonies of bacteria that grew in his world-famous dentures? By all reports, he was a very athletic, strapping man who was taller, larger, and stronger than the average countryman of his time. So how is it that—at the age of 67—he became ill and died in only 3 days, asks Michelle Keib, of Syracuse, NY based SonicBrite (sonicbrite.com), a global manufacturer/supplier of cleaning products for oral appliances. The "murder" weapon? George Washington's well-documented dentures. tened by gold…

23. Page 48

    Dental Organizations Respond to Pew Report The ADA The ADA agrees with much of the report "A Costly Dental Destination," which puts the burden placed on already strained hospital emergency rooms (ERs) by patients needing dental care. It validates what the ADA has been saying for years: too many Americans face barriers that impede their ability to get dental care. People in pain often have no recourse other than seeking care in ERs. Most ERs can treat only symptoms by dispensing antibiotics and pain medications, palliatives that provide only temporary relief, meaning the problem will persist. A study conducted last…

24. Page 49

    NEWS/TRENDS Industry News DenMat Expands Executive Team DenMat announced recently a major expansion in its executive management team. Leading the DenMat Sales group will be Shawn Potter, who most recently served as general manager of the Orascoptic and Surgical Acuity businesses (Sybron Dental Specialties, Danaher Corp). Oliver Gelles, formerly the vice president of global marketing and product development for Sybron Corp (Sybron Dental Specialties, Danaher Corp), joins DenMat as senior vice president of global marketing; former Discus Dental executive Scott Mejia, as DenMat's senior vice president of operations and product development, will lead all manufacturing and product development initiatives; Mary…

25. Page 52

    Drug Target Could Help Fight Gum Disease Stripping certain oral bacteria of their access key to gangs of other pathogenic oral bacteria could help prevent gum disease and tooth loss. A study published in the journal Microbiology suggests that this bacterial access key could be a drug target for people who are at high risk of developing gum disease. The bacteria Treponema denticola frequently gangs up in communities with other pathogenic oral bacteria to produce destructive dental plaque. Re-searchers from the University of Bristol have discovered that a molecule on the surface of T. denticola called Treponema denticolachymotrypsin like proteinase…

26. Page 53

    Periodontal Disease Blood Samples Can Be Used to Screen for Diabetes Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is widely used to test for diabetes. Oral blood samples drawn from deep pockets of periodontal inflammation can be used to measure HbA1c, an important gauge of a patient's diabetes status, a New York University (NYU) nursing dental research team has found. HbA1c blood glucose measures from oral blood compare well to those from finger-stick blood, the researchers say. According to guidelines established by the American Diabetes Association, an HbA1c reading of 6.5 or to a lab for analysis. The testing kit was adapted to enable…

27. Page 54

    In First Impressions, George Freedman, DDS, gives readers a brief summary of products that have recently been introduced to dentistry, based on his clinical experience. Relyant Scalers and Curettes Nordent Dental scalers tend to lose their sharpness with continual use. Dull scalers and curettes require more manual effort and a longer chairside time to get the job done. This causes longer recall appointments than necessary, hygienist hand fatigue, and patient discomfort. The calculus is often burnished, not removed. In-office scaler sharpening is the standard method for returning these instruments to full operational sharpness and angulation, but dental offices are busy…

28. Page 56

    Getting to the Root of Together for a combined 175 years our companies have been recognized as leaders and innovators of the design and manufacture of state of the art endodontic products... We are Everything Endo. Ax's Endo® Widen your Vision The Ax's Endo offers multiple advantages such as better visibility, maneuverability, and reliability in each of your treatments. Ax's Endo Kit Ax's Endo Handpiece Endoglare Hexo-S (6 pigs) Gutta Percha (2 pkgs) Sterilization Box $799 Handpiece Only: $695 3 reduction ratios: Ax'S Endo® 04 (100:1) Ax'S Endo® 06 (75:1) Ax'S Endo® 08 (50:1) Slim neck design, ergonomic, balanced load…

29. Page 57

    the Problem Since 1905 Revo-S™ A customized treatment using 3 files - RCT in 1-2-3 The asymmetrical cross section of the Revo-S™ facilitates penetration by a "snake-like" movement and offers a root canal shaping adapted to the biological and ergonomic imperatives. This sequence has a cutting, debris elimination and cleaning cycle which optimizes the root canal cleaning by improving the upward removal of the generated dentine debris. $21.95 Per pack of 3 (SC1, SC2, SU) Available in 21, 25 and 29mm note: SC1 is always 21mm Bonus: Never Buy a Hand File Again! For every 3 packs of Revo-S, receive…

30. Page 58

    58 . 1 READERS' CHOICE Top 25 Endodontic Products Dentistry Today's Second Annual Readers' Choice Top 25 Endodontic Products, selected on the basis of lead generation, represent some of the profession's most innovative endodontic products. The products appear in no particular order. Ultradent Products Endo-Eze TiLOS endodontic files take the guesswork out of performing endodontic procedures by providing the necessary instruments optimized to perform their specific function in an easy-to-follow sequence that reliably delivers safe and effective results. And, for minimally invasive treatments, the system utilizes a 30° reciprocating handpiece that allows instrumentation to follow the natural anatomy of the…

31. Page 60

    Top 25 Endodontic Products . 1 Coltène/Whaledent GuttaFlow is the first flowable gutta-percha obturation system that combines gutta-percha and sealer in one material. This self-curing, injectable system works at room temperature (no heating required), ensuring an excellent seal without the shrinkage. With the excellent flow and sealing properties of GuttaFlow, condensation is not required. It comes in single-unit dose capsules that deliver a consistent dosage and minimize contamination. It is also radiopaque and can be removed easily if retreatment or post placement becomes necessary. For more information, call (800) 221-3046 or visit coltenewhaldent.com. FREEinfo, Medidenta This new sequence with only…

32. Page 62

    Top 25 Endodontic Products . 1 voco America The Post Procedure kit includes all matching materials used from the post cementation to the final core buildup. The kit includes 3 sizes of Rebilda Posts, dentin-like flexible glass fiber posts with high radiopacity, high translucency, and excellent light conductivity with matching reamers and drills. The award-winning, dual-cured, self-etch bond Futurabond DC can be used in the self cured mode without any light. This is a great product in the root canal, thus avoiding the pooling effect (the blocking of the canal due to cured adhesive). Special Endo Tm brushes allow easy…

33. Page 64

    Top 25 Endodontic Products . 1 Essential Dental Systems SafeSliders are a series of patented flat-sided instruments that were designed by endodontists to eliminate the fear of separating instruments. They reduce instrument engagement in root canals, allowing faster advancement with less resistance. These instruments can be pre-bent in order to conform to any canal shape. SafeSliders reduce instrument stress, improving durability. Dentists can experience increased instrument flexibility without needing to sacrifice strength. For the first time, dentists are able to replace instruments when they dull, not because they fear breakage. SafeSliders are an affordable solution for endodontic root canal therapy.…

34. Page 66

    Top 25 Endodontic Products . 1 CommonSense Dental One of Dentistry Today's Top 100 Products for 2011, the EndoPoint locator file makes endodontic apex location a much simpler process. The new design is now available in 2 lengths, 20 and 26.5 mm. It's available in 6 sizes: 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 mm. It's sold as a kit of 6 (all one size or assortment). Its new shorter length improves access to posterior teeth and short-rooted teeth. Both a shorter canal and up to a 26.5-mm canal can be measured due to the attachment of the locator clip…

35. Page 68

    68 . 1 READERS' CHOICE Top 25 Endodontic Products Aseptico The AEU-7000E-70V provides the ultimate return on investment. A unique handpiece calibration system automatically detects the internal properties of individual reduction handpieces at the time of treatment, ensuring highly accurate speed and torque results. Existing handpieces can continue working, resulting in additional cost saving. Compatible handpiece ratios include 4:1 through 16:1 for endo, 4:1 and 12:1 for restorative or surgical applications, 1:1 for polishing or adjustments, and 16.1 through 32:1 reduction for implant. Custom display names and settings can also be added to the programmable preset buttons for enhanced customization.…

36. Page 70

    Top 25 Endodontic Products JS Dental Manufacturing Xtreme endodontic instruments are extremely flexible and follow the canal with virtually no transportation, ledging, or perforation. The development of a controlled memory material has enabled JS Dental Manufacturing to make files that follow the canal like nothing else on the market and are also 300% less likely to separate. These files follow the path of least resistance, resulting in a perfectly enlarged canal, preserved tooth structure, and easier obturation. They also return to their original shape during autoclaving. The Xtreme instruments are available in K File and turbo file configurations as well…

37. Page 71

    Endodontic Products Top 25 READERS' CHOICE Meta Biomed Performing accurately in any root canal condition (dry, bleeding, wet, saline, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, sodium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine, etc.), i-ROOT is a new-generation apex locator by dual frequency type. It can measure the apical constriction exactly without any worries about measuring incorrectly. It is developed and upgraded based on the technology of the eMagic Finder (EMF100 Series) apex locator. For more information, call (888) 400-META. FREEinfo, CLINICIAN'S CHOICE Constructed with revolutionary Controlled Memory NiTi Technology, TYPHOON Infinite Flex NiTi Files exhibit virtually no memory. Unlike traditional Ni-Ti files that by strengthen within the canal,…

38. Page 72

    Top 25 Endodontic Products J. Morita USA Since the early 1990s, Root ZX has been one as one of the world's best-selling apex locators. Its patented technology has been independently evaluated to be 97.5% accurate. The clinical accuracy rate is not affected by blood, other discharges, or electrolytes. In addition to apex location, the Root ZX II model also offers a low-speed handpiece option for canal preparation. It delivers motor flexibility with speed settings from 150 to 800 rpm and several safety functions, including Auto Apical Reverse and Slowdown. Root ZX mini, introduced in 2011, is a compact and lightweight…

39. Page 74

    ce Test 148 dentalCEtoday.com INFECTION CONTROL Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus A Continuing Infection Control Challenge John A. Melmari, PhD Members of the genus Staphylococcus are Gram-positive spherical organisms that are commonly observed under the microscope as irregular graplike clusters. Of the 34 staphylococcal species (16 which are found to infect humans), Staphylococcus aureus is the most prominent, clinically relevant member. It is among the most highly adaptable and successful microorganisms, and in the last half century has emerged as one of the most feared human pathogens.1 Despite the fact that it does not form spores to protect itself from unfavorable environmental…

40. Page 76

    Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus... continued from page 74 in the presence of methicillin and other beta-lactam antibiotics.9 While the presence of these altered staphylococci on intact skin does not always lead to clinical infection, the incidence of MRSA colonization and infection has rapidly increased. WHAT IS THE INCIDENCE OF METHICILLIN-RESISTANT S AUREUS INFECTIONS? S aureus is one of the most common bacterial pathogens found in hospital-acquired and community-acquired infections, with reported incidence rates ranging from 28.4 to 354 infections/100,000 persons.10 Other epidemiological data indicated an increase in inpatient S aureus infections in US hospitals between 1998 and 2003, which corresponded to approximately…

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