Dentistry Today — January/February 2024

Inside this issue

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

1. Page 6

   Something's Coming It is trite to say this is a new year that we will look forward to. But it is! There were many things coming into play last year that will have a giant impact in every day dental practice. And they will continue to develop throughout 2024. The term "AI" has come into everyday use in dentistry and in the world in general. Right here in the publishing business, we are seeing submissions that are aided and often totally written with AI assistance. Sure, for research it's great, but it shouldn't be a substitute for writing the entire…

2. Page 8

   Use of TheraCal LC and TheraBase for Pulp Protection James Chae, DDS A 13-year-old female patient presented with deep caries on the lower left first molar (tooth No. 19). Clinically, the cavity was barely visible (Figure 1). A preoperative bite-wing was taken to make sure that there were no interproximal caries (Figure 2). All the photos were taken using the CS1200 intraoral camera (Carestream Dental). After applying an inferior alveolar nerve block with 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine, a clamp no. 4 (Hu-Friedy) was placed on the first molar, and a rubber dam was inserted. The initial cavity preparation was…

3. Page 10

   Revolutionizing the Dental Landscape: The Super Generalist The history of dentistry, much like an intricate tapestry, weaves together a rich evolution, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Casting our gaze back to the mid-1980s, dentistry was a discipline where mastery encompassed an array of facets—cosmetics, full mouth reconstruction, and intricate periodontal treatments. This era was defined by an insatiable hunger for greatness, typified by the pursuit of prestigious programs such as the postgraduate program I attended in an advanced prostheses fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. Needless to say, attaining this type of knowledge was limited to mentors and institutions.…

4. Page 12

   VIEWPOINT continued from page 10 cial surroundings in the practice. Moreover, the advent of technology has refined the landscape of dentistry, infusing it with newfound capabilities and efficiencies. Innovations such as rotary instrumentation revolutionizing root canal therapies and state-of-the-art CBCT x-ray machinery facilitating precise implant placements have empowered dental professionals to expand their horizons. Clear aligners, once deemed the exclusive domain of orthodontic specialists, now empower general dentists to correct malocclusions, expanding the scope of patient care and patient retention. This simply allows the clinicians and business owners to offer their practices as they expand their procedural menus. Cutting costs…

5. Page 14

   Well-Being in Dentistry Alex Barrera, DDS, talks about the importance of self-care for dentists and how it reduces stress, prevents burnout, and facilitates a fulfilling career. Q: You are both a yoga instructor and a dentist. What led you to becoming a yoga instructor, and how has that changed the way you practice dentistry? A: I first discovered yoga as a stressed-out dental student. I was looking for a way to decompress while also moving my body. I was a complete beginner at first, but after graduating dental school, I slowly began taking more yoga classes. What started as a…

6. Page 15

   SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION 15 CORPORATE PROFILE Five Reasons Why Dental Practices Are Embracing Sunbit's Patient Financing Solution Dental practices seeking operational efficiency and improved patient outcomes are rapidly adopting Sunbit technology (data on file). In just 3 years, the patient financing technology provider has added more than 10,000 dental practices and racked up thousands of 5-star reviews. Here are 5 key reasons behind Sunbit's appeal: Enhanced Patient Experience Sunbit simplifies the entire patient financing process, providing nearly every patient who walks through one's office access to flexible payment options. The user-friendly, 30-second application requires only a patient's government-issued ID to…

7. Page 18

   Dental Plus USA Strong and Durable Solution Ensures Natural Aesthetic Appearance SOUTH JORDAN, Utah–G Cam is the solution to permanent restoration that the dental industry has been looking for. It differs substantially from traditional materials used in dental restorations. Its molecular structure, a unique nanocomposite, grants it unprecedented strength and durability while ensuring a natural aesthetic appearance, closely resembling the translucency of tooth enamel. One of the key advantages of G Cam over traditional materials like zirconia is its impressive adaptability. G Cam can be tailored according to individual patient needs, offering an unparalleled level of customization. Furthermore, it demonstrates…

8. Page 20

   Proclaim At-Home Solution Effortlessly Transforms Gingival Health MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.–Founded in 2017, Proclaim is a leading preventative health technology company committed to building innovative, tech-driven solutions that drastically improve the quality of daily oral care. The Custom-Jet Oral Health System is a clinically proven at-home solution that effortlessly transforms gingival health in just 3 days. Utilizing an intraoral scan, each system features a custom fit mouthpiece with up to 60 psi pulsed electromagnetic (repeatedly and focally) that pulse water between the teeth and below the gumline, providing a 360° deep clean in just 7 seconds. With the push of a…

9. Page 22

   Ritter Dental Chair Provides Increased Mobility for Clinicians, Easy Access for Patients SAN ANTONIO- The Vanguard Dental Unit features a seamless hydraulic lift with adjustable speed and has the ability to withstand 400 lbs. The unit is ambidextrous with a 30° swivel that provides easy access for the patient and increased mobility for the clinician. The Vanguard includes Dentistry, Assistant side features up to 4 instruments and an integrated control panel. The dentist side features up to 5 instruments, including 3 active handpiece positions and an integrated control panel. The Vanguard is available with or without cuspidor. Some additional features…

10. Page 24

    Ultradent Products Laser Features Built-In WiFi Connectivity for Easy Updates SOUTH JORDAN, Utah– The Gemini EVO laser combines the benefits of higher 100-W peak power with the versatility of dual wavelength design. The 100-W of peak, super pulsed power provide faster cutting, less heat, and ultra-clean incisions in soft tissue. The 2 wavelengths (810 nm + 980 nm) can be used individually or together, providing 3 wavelength modes. The Gemini EVO laser has 16 preset procedures divided into 3 categories for efficient, intuitive use. Built in WiFi connectivity makes it easy to update software or obtain technical support and allows…

11. Page 25

    Great Lakes Dental Technologies Appliance Features Unique, Heat-Softening Material TONAWANAD, NY--The Rhea Occlusal Appliance is ideal for patients with occlusal and certain intracapsular disorders, as well as for long-term wear. It is fabricated with unique, heat-softening material using an innovative manufacturing process to provide exceptional fit, retention, and patient comfort. The appliances are custom formed to original models, and chairside seating is only necessary to fine-tune fit and adjust for minor variations. It is available as a wearguard, flat occlusal plane, or full contact with an anterior guidance splint. For more information, call (800) 828-7626 or visit the website at…

12. Page 26

    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. TeliCAM Denterpsise International The introduction of the in-office intraoral camera 4 decades ago revolutionized dentistry. Dentists were empowered with enhanced vision, and patients could see inside their mouths for the first time. As intra oral cameras improved in quality and decreased in price, they quickly became a standard (and very neces sary) feature of the dental armamentarium. The advent of teledentistry and heightened patient dental awareness have ushered in the era of the transformative TeliCAM,…

13. Page 27

    Owandy Intraoral Scanner Owandy Radiology The future of dentistry is digital. And the foundation of digital dentistry is the intraoral scanner. The most important features of a good intraoral scanner are speed; precision; and simplicity; and, of course, price. Far too many of the earlier scanners have been prohibitively expensive, well beyond the means of most practitioners. The Owandy Intraoral Scanner is a revolution any intraoral scanner designed for everyday use, and available wired or wireless. It offers an ultrafast, 20-second, full-arch scan (60 seconds for a full mouth with bite) with a 20-µm accuracy enhanced by AI powered reconstruction.…

14. Page 28

    Q&A Dentsply Sirona: Education is Key to Sustainable Dentistry Sustainability is a word on everybody's lips. Erania Brackett, head of sustainability at Dentsply Sirona, considers the key sustainability challenges and opportunities facing the dental industry today and how we can all take action to build a brighter world. Based on the FDI World Dental Federation definition, sustainable oral healthcare is the provision of equitable, ethical, high-quality, inclusive, and safe care with appropriate, effective, and efficient use of resources. Through this, the health care opportunities of current and future generations are respected and protected by actively minimizing negative environmental impacts. Q:…

15. Page 30

    Premier Dental Diamond Burs Stay Sharp Longer, Offer Faster Cutting PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA–Two Striper Pro Packs are exciting, new procedural diamond bur packs. For 110 years, dental professionals have turned to Premier Dental as a leader in bringing innovative products to market that improve their daily procedures, practices, and patient outcomes. Choose from 4 diamond bur procedure packs. Each pack contains 5 of the most popular diamond burs for crown and bridge, inlay/onlay, veneer, and operative procedures. Pro Packs are attractively priced, so one can take this opportunity to experience the superior performance and feel of a Two Striper diamond…

16. Page 32

    INNOVATIONS 32 SPOTLIGHT Solmetex Isolation System Ensures Optimal Retraction, Moisture Control, and Enhanced Visibility MARLBOROUGH, Mass–DryShield is the ideal dental isolation solution, combining a high-suction evacuator, cheek retractor, and oral pathway protector in one efficient device. This innovative approach streamlines procedures, saving 25% to 40% of your time while improving outcomes. With DryShield, you can work on 2 quadrants simultaneously, ensuring optimal retraction, moisture control, and enhanced visibility. This eliminates the need for 4-handed dentistry, resulting in higher-quality work. A study showed that 95% of dentists surveyed find DryShield simplifies their restorative procedures. DryShield provides hands-free isolation, replacing traditional tools…

17. Page 34

    America Printing System Delivers Precise Dental Devices in Compact Size RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ–A fusion of simplicity, practicality, and intuitive design, the new DentaMile Desk MC 3D printing system delivers highly precise dental devices in a compact size. Ideal for dental practices, the validated solution includes the DentaMile Desk MC 5 DLP printer with a high-precision 2K light source, DentaMile Wash MC with an easy-to-use wash program, and DentaMile Cure MC with Omni 360 technology for even curing. For more information, call (800) 662-6383 or visit dmg-america.com. tures High Flexural Strength, Excellent Wear Resistance INDIAN LAND, SC–V-Print splint comfort is a…

18. Page 36

    Tokuyama Dental America Flowable Composite Features High Strength and Wear Resistance ENCINITAS, Calif— OMNICHROMA Flowis the world's first one-shade flowable composite able to aesthetically shade match any tooth color from A1 to D4. Its high strength and wear resistance make it suitable for a wide range of indications beyond cavity lining and minor restorations, giving clinicians the freedom of choice for any direct restoration. With aesthetic properties ideal for seamless shade-matching in the anterior and strong mechanical properties to hold up in the posterior, OMNICHROMA offers clinicians the benefits of a one-shade universal composite, now with the versatile handling needs.…

19. Page 38

    Pulpdent Bioactive Composite's Viscosity Ensures Accurate Placement WATERTOWN, Mass.–ACTIVA Presto is a versatile, highly aesthetic, bioactive composite indicated for all classes of cavities and load-bearing applications. Its stackable, low-flow viscosity ensures superior handling and accurate placement, even in difficult-to-reach areas. It bioactively seals margins and promotes apatite formation to help defend against secondary caries. Crysta MCP Technology sets ACTIVA Presto apart. Crysta is a newly patented methacrylate functionalized calcium phosphate molecule that is stabilized in a highly active transitional state. When incorporated into composite resins, Crysta facilitates remineralization of damaged teeth structure and enables top-tier aesthetics. Crysta is the first…

20. Page 39

    Directa-A Division of DirectaDentalGroup Periotomes Feature Meticulously Crafted, Fine-Tapered Blades NEWTOWN, Conn.—Luxator periotomes represent a pinnacle in dental instrument design, catering to the precise needs of modern dental practices. These periodontal ligament knives feature meticulously crafted, fine-tapered blades that perform a range of critical functions with finesse. They delicately compress the alveolar bone, and gently facilitate tooth extraction, all while minimizing tissue damage. The Luxator extraction instrument range elevates the already exceptional array of high-quality extraction tools they offer. In the context of contemporary dental techniques, particularly implant procedures, Luxators are indispensable. They enable fast healing for implant placement post-extraction…

21. Page 40

    Top Innovative Products Dentistry Today's Eighth Annual Top Innovative Products are selected based on lead generation. These products appeared in our Innovations section throughout the past year. BISCO Varnish Used for Treatment of Hypersensitive Teeth Adds Two New Flavors Two new FluoroCal flavors (bubblegum and green apple) are now available for purchase along with the original and refreshing spearmint flavor. All flavors are sweetened with xylitol, ensuring better patient compliance. FluoroCal is a fluorideand calcium-releasing varnish that is indicated for application to enamel and dentin for the treatment of hypersensitive teeth. It delivers targeted and sustained release of calcium and…

22. Page 42

    Top Innovative Products IMPLADENT LTD One-Step Bone-Grafting Solution Designed for Socket Preservation Without Membrane The OsteoGen Bioactive Bone Grafting Plug is a readily applied, one step clinical procedure for one root extraction. Entirely remove the infected periodontal ligament, twice flush out, and partially remove the lamina dura to alveolar process lower half of cost. Deliver the plug dry to the socket, and let it seal up blood. Condense the plug to make a membrane slightly below soft tissue thickness and passively crisscross suture, not through the plug. The OsteoGen Bone Grafting Plug will show radiolucent at day of placement and…

23. Page 44

    Top Innovative Products Dental Herb Company Tonic Offers Naturally Strong, Versatile Rinse Tooth & Gums Tonic is a professional strength, all-natural alternative to traditional rinse therapies, such as chlorhexidine. The tonic is alcohol-free and non-staining, providing dental practitioners with a naturally strong, versatile rinse, ideal for both initial treatment and long-term periodontal maintenance. It is indicated for periodontal care, controlling gum inflammation and bleeding, laser gum surgery, post-implant care, restorative and cosmetic procedures, dry mouth and mouth sores, and chronic halitosis. Ingredients include a proprietary blend of essential oils and herbal extracts. For more information, call (800) 747-4372 or visit…

24. Page 46

    Top Innovative Products Shofu Dental Diode Laser Produces Highly Effective Soft-Tissue Procedures DentaLaze is a wireless diode laser that offers superior performance and a compact, ergonomic design at a cost-effective price. It provides a constant 3 W and pulsed 5 W of infrared power at 808 nm and can run continuously for 45 minutes on a single charge. This laser is highly effective for various intraoral soft-tissue procedures, including gingivectomies, frenectomies, and impression troughing. It features a distinctive green aiming beam that enhances visual acuity during procedures. It is the perfect choice for dental practices seeking improved patient comfort during…

25. Page 48

    Top Innovative Products Ceramir–A Division of DirectaDentalGroup Bioceramic Cement's Low Viscosity Facilitates Easy Restoration Seating Ceramir Crown & Bridge Quickcap Bioceramic Cement, devoid of resin, aims to minimize secondary decay risks. A portion of Ceramir and glass ionomer technologies tailor material properties for crown and bridge applications. The low viscosity facilitates easy restoration seating, and the gel-phase, emerging after 2 to 3 minutes, enables straightforward cement removal by peel-off. During and post-seating, the cement releases calcium ions, fostering an alkaline environment optimal for hydroxyapatite formation, uniquely addressing marginal gap closure. Requiring no pre-cure curing, and reducing chair time, it lessens…

26. Page 50

    Top Innovative Products Great Lakes Dental Technologies Full-Coverage Splint Provides Ideal Retention and Fit The Nylon Flat Plane Splint is a full-coverage splint with an even, flat occlusal surface providing smooth contacts for the opposing arch. It is also known as a hard nightguard. Great Lakes combined in-depth technical expertise with 3D software, the latest printing technology, and biocompatible nylon material to deliver an advanced appliance. Leveraging the details and accuracy of digital 3D models and fabricated in-house on their nylon, this low-profile appliance precisely engages the antitorsion to provide ideal retention and fit. It is lightweight, flexible, and strong.…

27. Page 51

    Top Innovative Products Glidewell Surgical Guides Aid in Full-Arch Restorations Whether you are seeking maximum precision for a single-unit implant or safe, predictable full-arch reconstruction, Glidewell's Digital Treatment Planning (DTP) is here to help. Backed by the expertise of more than 2 million restorations, it allows you efficiently—and predictably—place implants while saving chair time and expenses along the way. The new multi-level surgical guides are fabricated to aid in complex full-arch restorations. With these stackable guides, you can reduce bone; place full-arch implants; and deliver an immediate, fixed, screw-retained provisional in one efficient visit, allowing you to provide an aesthetic…

28. Page 52

    Top Innovative Products Aseptico Mobile Dental Cart Suited for Institutional Settings Designed for easy and affordable mobility, the AMC-15 Mobile Dental Cart is equipped for general dentistry with 2 automatic, high-speed air connections, one low-speed handpiece connection, internal vacuum and air, water supply, large waste tank with automatic overflow protection, and amalgam separator. This is an excellent dental delivery system for use in nursing homes and institutional settings or for the dental practice that needs a new, fully equipped operatory at low cost. The AMC-15 is easily moved; sets up quickly to make an efficient, instant operatory; and is engineered…

29. Page 54

    Top Innovative Products Pulpdent Bioactive Composite Mimics Properties of Natural Teeth ACTIVA BioCACTIVE-RESTORATIVE is a highly aesthetic, bioactive composite that delivers all the advantages of glass ionomers in a strong, resilient resin matrix that will not chip or crumble. It chemically bonds to teeth and seals against microleakage. It releases more calcium, phosphate, and fluoride and is more bioactive than glass ionomers. It is also more durable and fracture-resistant than composites. ACTIVA is the first bioactive composite with an ion resin matrix, a shock-absorbing resin component, and bioactive fillers that mimic the physical and chemical properties of natural teeth. It…

30. Page 56

    Top Innovative Products Video Dental Concepts Intraoral Camera's Lens Delivers Excellent Close-Up Images The iCam is a low-cost, high-quality USB intraoral camera that integrates with DEXIS, Eaglesoft, Dentrix, etc. It provides the ability to capture images with a click of a button. It also has a fixed-focus lens that delivers excellent close-up images. This is a great tool for taking individual tooth photos with 1 to 2 adjacent teeth. In addition, the iCam has a small footprint and is light-weight (31 g). It is an easy-to-install, plug-and-play, instant-on device that is user-friendly to staff and doctors alike. With iCam, expect…

31. Page 57

    ArtCraft Dental Atraumatic Elevators Reduce Deep Broken Root Tip Mishaps Upgrade extractions with this revolutionary invention. Tired of the many mediocre elevators already on the market, David Fyffe, DDS, sought to invent and make something that was faster yet still atraumatic. With Xanders in one's arsenal, the practitioner no longer has to dread deep broken root tip mishaps. The power is in the unique double-action tips. Just a small amount of penetration into the PDL space is all that is needed for maximum lateral tooth movement. The double-pronged, diamond grip action allows for a stable, 2-point contact between the crest…

32. Page 58

    Top Innovative Products Steri-Shield Easy-To-Use Holders Fit All Popular Sensors Wingers digital sensor holders were introduced in 1998 as the first dedicated sensor holders in dentistry. Since then, Steri-Shield has continued to expand the product line with versatile and innovative designs. The disposable sensor holders are made of a soft material for ultimate patient comfort and dependable image capture. Wingers fits all popular Nos. 1 and 2 sensors and are easy to use. Steri-Shield is dedicated to producing products like the Wingers line to help dental clinics offer a high standard of care at an affordable price. For more information,…

33. Page 59

    Top Innovative Products BrandMax Enzymatic Solution Produces Cleaner Instruments BrandMax Tri-Clean Triple Enzymatic Cleaning solution provides superior cleaning power to effectively help remove bio-burden and produce cleaner instruments. The company's proprietary blend of protease, amylase, and lipase enzymes joins forces with a pleasant lavender fragrance to leave instruments cleaner and the work area refreshed. Combine the BrandMax Tri-Clean Ultrasonic Cleaners with the BrandMax Tri-Clean Enzymatic Cleaners for the ultimate cleaning solution. For more information, call (844) 874-2532 or visit brandmax.us. l Refining Company Uses State-of-the-Art Incineration Systems Scientific Metals provides a wide variety of precious metal services primarily for the…

34. Page 60

    Top Innovative Products Procter & Gamble Toothbrush Delivers Superior Cleaning Unique features of the Oral-B iO include the round brush head, which oscillates and micro-vibrates to deliver superior cleaning and an invisible brushing experience. Concentrated energy helps brush heads glide both by tooth for a smooth, effective clean and a quiet brushing experience. The smart pressure sensor indicates when brushing at optimal pressure for superior gum protection. Transform patients' gum health at home by recommending Oral-B iO. For more information, call (800) 543-2577 or visit crestoralbproshop.com. Integrated System Provides Full Range of Treatment Options Whether you are planning to upgrade…

35. Page 61

    Top Innovative Products Filhol Dental Posts Offer Easy Insertion Into Converging Canals FILPOST is the only prefabricated post system that can be customized to suit restorations for root post and core buildup. The posts can be bent and shortened to suit canals without risk of fracture, enabling easy insertion of multiple posts into converging canals. The posts are engineered to be easier to place, even in difficult cases, in a faster, safer manner. They are more preserving of healthy tooth structure and stronger in use via the unique, passive interlocking system. The posts comprise 99.8% pure titanium and are biocompatible…

36. Page 62

    Top Innovative Products exocad America CAD Software Supports Various Indications ChairsideCAD is the first open-architecture CAD software platform for single-visit dentistry. It is based on exocad's leading DentalCAD lab software, renowned for its reliability and robustness. ChairsideCAD supports various indications, dental restorations, and appliances, and can be upgraded with numerous add-on modules. A wide range of intraoral scanners, production systems, and materials is supported. For cases not produced in the practice, users can take advantage of the integrated communication platform mouthpiece to easily collaborate with labs of their choice. For more information, call toll-free at (855) EXOCAD (396-4223) or visit…

37. Page 63

    Top Innovative Products Dentis USA Software Offers Simple Process for Making Implant Surgical Guides The Digital Guide Center was created to help doctors overcome obstacles by designing and printing the guide for you. The process is simple: Submit an oral scan and CBCT data, and Dentis USA's technicians design the guide. After the clinician reviews and approves the design, Dentis USA prints it and ships it directly to him or her. For more information, visit dentisusa.com/web-guide/ or send email to digital@dentisusa.com. amera Provides Stunning Image Detail The MouthWatch Plus+ HD Intraoral Camera captures true 1080p HD images at 60 frames…

38. Page 64

    Industry News Glidewell Presents 2024 Guiding Leaders Program Applications have opened early for Glidewell's 2024 Guiding Leaders program. Returning for its fourth year, Guiding Leaders is an in-person business and leadership development initiative designed to empower women dentists to expand and improve their practices by discovering their unique strengths. Guiding Leaders is more than just a continuing education program. Glidewell helps women dentists become key influencers through peer networking and instruction from top subject matter experts. Selected applicants will explore the nonclinical side of dentistry during the 6-month curriculum, which runs from May through October at the Glidewell campus in…

39. Page 66

    ICE50 Would Like to be Your Dedicated Dental Education App ICE50 is the first AI video dental education app that has scored certifications from ADA, ACP, and CBP in less than a year—all available through live chat during any of the video courses taught by renowned attorneys and financial advisors from prestigious institutions, such as Haylor, Bank of America, Boston University, Tufts, Harvard, Tokyo, and UCLA Schools of Dentistry. You'll also find elite lectures presented by members of the American and International dental research community. ICE50's various areas of expertise include: chart documentations, timing of informed consents, risk management, and…

40. Page 67

    Course Accelerates Productivity for Dentists Dentistry.One... continued from page 64 that help prevent more serious and costly health issues. Care Advisors make the patient journey seamless with personalized care coordination for in-office appointments, assistance with benefits, and oral health coaching. "With the proven oral-systemic connection and compelling data underscoring the positive impact of preventive oral health care, DentistryOne is the ideal solution for digitally bridging dental and medical care and providing patients with an opportunity to achieve better health outcomes with proper oral care," continued Herman. DentistryOne increases patient engagement in oral health through data-driven educational campaigns tailored to address…

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