Dentistry Today — July/August 2022

Inside this issue

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

1. Page 6

   Summer in the City Well, the summer is here and things are back to normal. Or are they? The specter of COVID just won't go away. After a few dental meetings in June, people returned with symptoms—mild, but none the less there. Unfortunately, the latest strain spreads fast and easy and can be intense. According to the CDC, as of June 11, "the BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants of Omicron are estimated to make up about 8.3% and 13.3% of the coronavirus variants in the United States." A noted authority told me that, in general, we are dealing with these BA.4/BA.5…

2. Page 8

   Digital Technology Aids Dentists in Many Ways Nia Kiwon, DDS The adoption of digital technology in the dental field is changing many clinical protocols, making cumbersome pro cesses easy and the impossible possible. I believe these are positive changes for easier and more convenient dental visits. Digital dentistry begins with the digitization of information needed for treatment, and it is important to convert such data into a digital form as accurately as possible. An intraoral scanner can be deemed the most suitable input device for the digital workflow, as it directly and immediately digitizes a patient's intraoral information, including teeth,…

3. Page 12

   Insurance-Free Dentistry 101 Ask for it all! Why not? We learned it, we yearned it, we earned it. We built it, and now we want it all. We're alone playing games and done cutting the pie into pieces for others to take away from us. We did the hard work; we should unapologetically slick keep it all. Dentistry is an artistic magnificence that integrates seamlessly with our body's biology; but here comes the psychologic warfare, the emotional baggage of our patients, and the treatment limitations by insurance plans. No other profession can restore, replace, and rehabilitate structures within the mouth;…

4. Page 14

   VIEWPOINT continued from page 12 limited by insurance, and we should be rightfully compensated for our treatment. We should rebuild our happy practice and live the great lives that we deserve. As the saying goes, "Work smarter, not harder." But how do we get there? Out-of-Network Going out-of-network with insurance companies is the first step to a different life. Welcome to new "freedoms" that you have never known: the freedom of not being tied to insurances, the freedom of not explaining coverage to patients, the freedom of reducing our workload, the freedom of time to process our thoughts, the freedom…

5. Page 16

   DirectaDentalGroup DIRECTA topdental ORSING parkell physics forceps RØNVIG TrollDental Sendoline CONTACTEZ CONTACTEZ FOCUS ContactEZ - founded in 2006 by Dr. Daniel Kim, Vancouver Washington was acquired by Directa Dental Group in 2020. A leading manufacturer of innovative products, ContactEZ steadily expands its product line with innovative products that work, providing solutions to common problems faced by dental practitioners to ensure excellent patient care. IPR Strip System Flagship products IPR Strip System is a safe innovative interproximal reduction system making interproximal enamel stripping efficient and accurate without creating sharp corners or subgingival ledges. Designed for use with clear aligners and other…

6. Page 18

   Financial Survival Guide for Dentists Sam Shamardi, DMD, shares a few highlights from his book to help early career dental professionals establish a solid business foundation for their careers. Q: What is the current dental grad facing in terms of student debt upon graduation? A: The average student today graduates with $300,000 in student debt, an average that has tripled since 2000 and increases at a rate of approximately $7,000 per year. About 40% of grads have debt that exceeds $300,000, and of course, those who specialize are in an even higher debt category. Q: What is the most important…

7. Page 20

   Ultraviolet Activator Produces Faster, Stronger Osseointegration LA PALMA, Calif.–SQUVA (SQ UV Activator) from Dentis USA solves the problem of biologic aging of the implant interfering with osseointegration as hydrocarbon adheres to the surface thanks to UV irradiation. This two-second process increases hydrophilicity, which increases biologic absorption rate, resulting in faster and stronger osseointegration. Several studies have revealed that UV irradiation promotes adhesion, spreading, proliferation, and differentiation of osteoblasts while improving the adsorption of proteins, such as albumin or fibronectin. It also removes various organic impurities like hydrocarbons on the implant surface, which are considered to be the primary cause of…

8. Page 22

   Diode Laser Provides Enough Power for Most Soft-Tissue Procedures ENCINO, Calif.-Polaroid Health-Care will distribute the New HuLaser K2 Mobile Cordless Diode Laser in the United States. The lightweight and balanced K2 weighs just 135 g, which includes the battery. It is full of features and provides more user options than many of the more expensive coded units thanks to its 22 preset programs plus a additional memory settings that are user-definable for added convenience. The powerful laser provides enough power for most soft tissue procedures, with 3.5 W of continuous power and up to a 6-W pulse. Designed in South…

9. Page 23

   Dental Inventory Management Platform Ensures Efficiency and Profitability SAN FRANCISCO—Sowingo's Inventory Management platform offers a streamlined, user-friendly solution for dental practices to ensure efficiency and profitability. With the ability to manage inventory levels, monitor overall spending and usage, and track implant supplies, offices can eliminate unwanted operational obstacles and find more time on providing optimal patient care. For more information, call Sowingo toll-free at (888) 997-3133 or visit the website sowingo.com. FREEinfo, Device Offers Detection and Management of Peri-Implantitis BOHEMIA, NY—The paradigm-shifting REVEAL system from Designs for Vision allows one to visualize mature biofilm in real time without the use…

10. Page 24

    Flow Proves Drawbacks of the Flowable Category are a Thing of the Past The usage of flowable, resin-based composite has grown significantly in recent years. Many dentists have incorporated flowables as their primary restorative material, while others have a hard time accepting improvements to the categorical drawbacks. Traditionally, flowable composites were known for weaker strength, lower wear resistance, and higher polymerization shrinkage compared to conventional, putty-like resins. Those drawbacks have led clinicians to overlook the improvements many manufacturers have made to their flowable composites in the past several years. Q: How is Tokuyama Dental responding to the flowable drawbacks? A:…

11. Page 25

    Every shade. One choice. omniCHROMA Flow One-Shade Flowable Composite OMNICHROMA Flow is the world's first one-shade flowable composite to esthetically match every color of tooth from A1 to D4 with a single shade of composite. Tokuyama Dental's Smart Chromatic Technology, first implemented through the universal composite OMNICHROMA, has changed the way thousands of dentists practice restorative dentistry forever. Now, the same one-shade benefits are made available in a flowable consistency capable of addressing a wider range of restorative needs, saving clinicians even more time and money. Outstanding Features • Unprecedented shade matching • High polishability • High stain resistance •…

12. Page 26

    Imaging System Provides Elegant Design, Ideal Ergonomics SAN JOSE, Calif.-The iTero Element 5D Plus imaging system from Align Technology in cart configuration is a powerhouse of capabilities designed to improve the practice and patient experience with state-of-the-art computing power, elegant design, and ideal ergonomics. Enhanced, more detailed visualizations with wider viewing angles provide an unmatched patient experience. Powerful computing advancements enable a smoother and more intuitive scanning experience. The system is ergonomically designed to conform to how practices scan. The integrated intraoral camera eliminates the need for a second device while enhancing the patient experience and communication. Near-infrared technology aids…

13. Page 28

    Fiber Posts Brasseler USA EndoSequence Fiber Posts are fully synchronized with .04 and .06 constant taper file preparations. These factory sillanated, zirconia glass fiber posts are constant tapered for the first 12 mm and then become parallel, allowing for a perfect fit without the need for a post drill. EndoSequence Fiber Posts are ideal for esthetically pleasing restorations, are highly radiopaque, and feature a modulus of elasticity similar to that of dentin. As part of Brasseler's drill-free EndoSequence BC Obturation System, EndoSequence Fiber Posts are laser verified to precisely match shapes created by EndoSequence files. For more information, call (800)…

14. Page 30

    Optimized Nightguards With Your Patient's CR Bite Made Easy Dr. Austin Vetter discusses how he scans his patients in their natural CR positions and then utilizes AI technology to design the optimal nightguards for them. Q: Why is scanning your patient in the CR position for a nightguard so important? A: The CR (centric relation) position and the importance of having that present when you scan is that you can scan your patient in an open bite. This leads to a much better fit for an appliance and a more correct bite. Because with it, you do not, for example,…

15. Page 32

    Lightweight Intraoral Scanner Delivers Speed and Accuracy NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.—Glidewell's fastscan.io Intraoral Scanner combines the scanning technology of the Medit i700 with a seamless connection to the glidewell.io In-Office Solution and the Glidewell lab. The fastscan.io is optimized for dentists to submit cases to Glidewell and save money on restorations or to send cases to another lab of choice. The scanner is also fully integrated with glidewell.io for effortless fabrication of same-day BruxZir restorations right in the office. The fastscan.io delivers the speed, accuracy, and light weight of the i700 for an optimal user and patient experience. It features reversible…

16. Page 33

    INNOVATIONS 33 Zirconia Restorative Offers Alternative to Other Aesthetic Options MILWAUKEE, Ore.—Z-Brux from Assured Dental Laboratory is a 100% full-milled, high-translucency zirconia restorative with no porcelain overlay, resulting in no porcelain fractures. Its benefits include (1) being less than half the price of gold crowns, (2) offering an aesthetic alternative to gold restorations and PFM, (3) 1,250 MPa flexural strength, (4) conventional chamfer prep and cementation, (5) working well with limited occlusal clearance, and (6) excellent marginal fit. Its indications include single units to full roundhouses for frames and full contour. For more information, call (877) 283-5351 or visit assureddentallab.com.…

17. Page 34

    Company Offers Repairs on All Kinds of Handpieces HUNTINGTOWN, Md–A 1 Handpiece Specialist started as a handpiece repair business in 1975. The company has grown into one of the largest manufacturers of handpieces and turbines because it continually uses principles of quality improvement to develop products that constantly exceed industry standards. [IMAGE: Dental handpiece repair tools] expertise to offer excellent customer service, some of the lowest group practice wholesale costs, and a warranty program that exceeds industry standards. It repairs all handpieces, including high-speeds, low-speeds, electrics, surgical, and endodontic. Since the company's focus is handpiece repair and manufacturing, it can…

18. Page 36

    Dental Replacement System Provides Practitioners With Optimal Experience LANCASTER, PA–Septodont's new version of Biodentine, called Biodentine XP, includes all the science of Biodentine embedded in an upgraded system, designed to provide practitioners an optimal daily experience from crown to root with 9 indications. Biodentine XP will ensure a consistent and perfect mix thanks to its proprietary mixer and easy delivery directly into the tooth with the Biodentine applicator gun. The all-in-one cartridges are available in 2 formats (XP 200 and XP 500), depending on the procedure and volume of material needed. The Biodentine XP starter pack contains the mixer, applicator…

19. Page 37

    Temporary Crown-Removing Instrument Offers Efficiency DALLAS-ArtCraft Dental's revolutionary TempOff is a unique instrument that allows for higher incisal positioning, which makes it less invasive and less painful to the patient. There is no need for anesthesia. Making this instrument unique is a stable, 4-point contact tip. It provides a firm, non-slip grip onto temporaries of all types. The 4 sharp points of contact on TempOff allow the practitioner to lock on solidly to the pro visual in the proper position, which is the upper one third. It is actually above the level of the underlying prep. Much less force is…

20. Page 39

    Registration Open for Greater New York Dental Meeting The 98th annual Greater New York Dental Meeting (GNYDM) will take place from Friday, November 25 through Wednesday, November 30 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. The Scientific Sessions are divided into seminars, hands-on workshops, essays, and scientific poster sessions. The Educational Scientific Program starts on Friday and ends on the following Wednesday afternoon. During that time, more than 350 programs, featuring hundreds of world renowned dental educators, are presented as fulland half-day courses. With more than 6 hours of free CE daily, the education program at…

21. Page 40

    Industry News VOCO America Partners with TeamSmile VOCO is proud to announce a new partnership with TeamSmile dedicated to the oral health of underserved youth in America. VOCO has established an ongoing material sponsorship that includes restorative and preventive materials, as well as a presence at the local TeamSmile events in support of the dental professionals who volunteer their services. The VOCO America team is excited to support TeamSmile in the execution of their mission to "provide children in need with a life-changing dental experience through the power of sports." TeamSmile is the nation's premier advocacy group that partners with…

22. Page 42

    Researchers Study Survival of Teeth After Root Canal New research from a study conducted at Registered Institute and Indiana University School of Dentistry found teeth survive about 11 years after a root canal. The study is the first in the United States to analyze records from a community dental practices, where most Americans receive dental care. Root canals are obviously an important treatment to maintain natural teeth but over time, the treated tooth eventually becomes brittle and dies. Understanding the outcomes of the procedure is essential to improving dental treatments. The research team gathered deidentified electronic dental records for this…

23. Page 43

    Make Broken Files Your Ex-Files Tips and Tricks to Avoid Instrumentation Errors INTRODUCTION It has been well documented that the "triad" for success in endodontics includes instrumentation, irrigation, and obturation. Without proper instrumentation, effective irrigation and obturation become nearly impossible, as it is the instrumentation that facilitates adequate disinfection and then obturation. A delicate balance must be struck when instrumenting a canal. On the one hand, we must create sufficient space in the canal to accommodate irrigants and medicaments for proper disinfection. Joseph C. Stern, DDS [IMAGE: Photograph of a man wearing glasses] [IMAGE: Cross-sectional diagram showing canal anatomy] [IMAGE:…

24. Page 44

    ENDODONTICS anatomy, or the canal will accommodate you by straightening itself out to accommodation your aggressive instrumentation. The process of instrumenting a canal will only be a successful endeavor when one learns to accommodate the canal and not vice versa. During root canal preparation, our goal is to maintain the original canal anatomy and to avoid iatrogenic canal transportation. What follows are some tips to help navigate calcified and curved canals while avoiding the unfortunate file separation and/or iatrogenic damage to root structure. Avoiding these errors and "respecting" apical anatomy will lead to greater outcomes in our endodontic treatment. TIP…

25. Page 46

    Make Broken Files Your Ex-Files continued from page 44 step in creating this glide path is by hand filing the canal to at least a size 15 hand (K-) file. Although it is possible to skip the size 15 in loose canals, a tight canal will not accept a rotary file well before it has been opened to at least a size 15 K-file. Before one ever places a rotary file to length in a canal, he or she should first instrument the canal comfortably with an 8, a 10, and a 15 hand file to help remove the restrictive…

26. Page 50

    36th Annual Top 100 Products Owandy Radiology Panoramic System Boasts Many Features When it comes to owning a 3D panoramic unit, cost and physical space are the most common obstacles. The i-Max 3D effectively addresses both issues. It is sleek and lightweight (145 lbs). It offers multiple fields of view from 12 x 10 cm, 9 x 9 cm, 9 x 5 cm, and 5 x 5 cm. It includes an intuitive, user-friendly human-machine interface. It is CAD/CAM ready, equipped with QuickVi-sion 3D software, and can share .STL files from a dental laboratory or a digital scanner. For more information,…

27. Page 52

    52 36th Annual Top 100 Products MouthWatch Intraoral Camera's High Scan Rate Delivers Clear Video The MouthWatch Plus+ Intraoral Camera captures true 1080p HD images at 60 frames per second (fps) in accurate anatomical color. A high scan rate (60 fps) delivers clear video and 2-megapixel images. MouthWatch Plus+ includes 4-level adjustable LED lighting for specific clinical needs. Dual buttons on the top and bottom are designed for lighting and capture control while offering multiple ergonomic grasp options. The camera automatically switches to a power-saving standby mode when untouched for 30 seconds. For more information, call (877) 544-4342 or visit…

28. Page 54

    36th Annual Top 100 Products DirectaDentalGroup Interproximal Reduction Strips Maximize Patient Safety ContactEZ IPR Strips offer a safe and innovative interproximal reduction system that makes interproximal enamel stripping efficient and accurate without creating sharp corners or subgingival ledges. Unlike straight strips or discs, ContactEZ IPR strips are flexible diamond strips that conform to the natural contours and curve to create rounded natural contours on the proximal surfaces of the teeth. The patient-safe handed design maximizes patient safety and will not cut lips or gums, eliminating stress for doctors and their patients. For more information, call (800) 537-8765 or visit contactacez.com.…

29. Page 56

    36th Annual Top 100 Products Oxford Scientific Composite Absorbs Color Spectrum of Dentition SpheriChrome is a color-free, light-cured, shade-adaptive composite that is based on the natural universal structural coloration principle that occurs in nature. This new product has been adapted for all classes of dental restorations and dental uses. This innovative, high-tech composite continuously absorbs the color spectrum of a patient's dentition, matching it exactly. This is accomplished through the composition shape and distribution of the spherical fillers inside the material. Ambient light is reflected from the patient's dentition, providing a virtual match. For more information, visit oxfordscientificana.com. FREEinfo, Medidenta…

30. Page 58

    36th Annual Top 100 Products Meisinger USA Burs Showcase Efficiency and Convenience SINGLES are pre-sterilized diamonds and carbides that are ready to use right out of the box. These burs showcase stunning cutting efficiency and convenience due to the premium-quality manufacturing and easy-dispensing packaging. With more than 200 burs available, you are sure to find the burs that are right for you and your procedure. For more information, call (303) 268-5400 or visit meisingerusa.com. FREEinfo, Dentis USA Digital Guide Center Improves Procedures for Placing Implants The dental implant landscape is changing rapidly as guided surgery makes placing implants safer, faster,…

31. Page 60

    60 36th Annual Top 100 Products Shatkin F.I.R.S.T. Abutment Revolutionizes Cementation Process Shatkin F.I.R.S.T.'s Tru-Lok Abutments will revolutionize the way one cements crowns, bridges, and roundhouses on Shatkin F.I.R.S.T.'s O-ball Mini Dental Implants. The Tru-Lok Abutment allows the dentist the ability to retrieve these restorations without any damage to the O-Ball Implant and without having to cut off the restoration. For more information, call (888) 4 SHATKIN (474-2854) or visit shatkinfirot.com. FREEinfo, Millennium Dental Technologies Laser Regenerates Bone Around Failing Implants The PerioLase MVP-7 has the first and only scientifically proven FDA clearance for True Bone Regeneration with the LANAP…

32. Page 62

    62 36th Annual Top 100 Products MEDIT Device Uses Technology to Make Scanning Easier Than Ever The new i700 wireless scanner upgrades the already popular i700 with wireless technology to make scanning easier than ever before. It uses powerful 5G Wave wireless technology that's used in the latest smartphones to securely transmit uncompressed 4K images on a 60-GHz frequency band. This means one can enjoy the convenience of one of the most lightweight wireless devices without worrying about retakes due to interruption. The Intelligent Power Management technology uses AI to extend use time. For more information, visit medit.com. FREEinfo, K6R…

33. Page 63

    CHAIRSIDE WITH DR.K THE SECRET TO MORE EFFECTIVE WHITENING No two patients are exactly the same. So why use just one whitening protocol to treat them all? At KöR Whitening, we recognize that each patient presents a different whitening challenge and that's why we developed a full line of whitening systems to meet your patient's individual need. And KöR Whitening is the first whitening system in the world to maintain potency of its entire line of whitening gels by constant refrigeration from the instant of manufacture until being received cold-packed at your office. Dr. Rod Kurthy #1 Proper Product and…

34. Page 64

    64 36th Annual Top 100 Products Ortek Therapeutics Device Immediately Detects Occlusal Cavitated Lesions The Ortek ECD is a revolutionary caries detection device that immediately detects early occlusal cavitated lesions often before x-rays and other methods. The novel ECD measures the electrical conductance of enamel and demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 93% specificity in a clinical study. Fast and easy to use, it detects if an occlusal lesion has initially breached the DEJ, progressed further into the dentin, is stained, or is confined to the enamel. For more information, call (888) ECD-0023 or visit ortekecd.com. FREEinfo, A-dec Sanitizing Station Provides Easy…

35. Page 66

    36th Annual Top 100 Products Zest Dental Solutions Overdenture Treatment Solution Reduces Patients' Visits ENCOMPASS is an all-inclusive, digitally powered overdenture treatment solution that can reduce patients' visits by 50% while providing them with customized, high-quality overdentures. Each ENCOMPASS bundle box includes: (1) an Absolute NavaGation Pilot Guide and treatment plan; (2) two, four, or six all-in-one Zest LOCATOR Implants and Abutments with processing pack; (3) a premium absolute forever denture; (4) CHAIRSIDE Attachment Processing Material; (5) a denture removal tool; (6) CHAIRSIDE Rubber Finishing and Tapered Carbide Burs; (7) fixation; and (8) a denture ID microchip. For more information,…

36. Page 68

    36th Annual Top 100 Products Glidewell Family of Restorative Materials Boasts Extraordinary Strength The BruxZir Solid Zirconia family of restorative materials offers clinicians high-performance solutions that exceed patient aesthetic expectations. It benefits from proven processing methods, which result in restorations with best-in-class translucency, enhanced shade matching, and extraordinary strength. Available in 2 distinct formulations, BruxZir Solid Zirconia provides solutions for virtually any indication. Choose BruxZir Full-Strength for the most functionally demanding cases, or choose BruxZir Esthetic for situations that require a premiere appearance. For more information, call (800) 471-9757 or visit bruxzir.com. FREEinfo, Dental Herb Company Patient Care Goodie Bag…

37. Page 70

    36th Annual Top 100 Products CJM Engineering Burs Efficiently Refine Troughs Once the isthmus is identified under magnification and troughed with the smallest of Munce Discovery Burs, the Tru-Grit Trough Refiner can do precisely what its name implies—refine the trough. And it does this while providing the perfect wear corridor to the target area, without an additional device on your bur, and without the heat, pesky dust, and expensive tip breakage that come with ultrasonic troughing. For more information, call (888) 256-0999 or visit cjmengineering.com. FREEinfo, Procter & Gamble Toothbrush Improves Gums of Gingivitis Patients With Oral-B iO, 83% of…

38. Page 72

    72 36th Annual Top 100 Products TruAbutment Abutment Ensures Optimized Prosthesis Many clinicians know the benefits of the SCRB but it is difficult to attain it whenever the access channel is placed too lingually or too buccally. With the help of an intricate fabrication, TruAbutment's customized Angulated Screw Channel (ASC) can resolve most of these issues and ensure a safe and most optimized prosthesis for a patient. For more information, call (714) 956-1488 or visit truabutment.com. FREEinfo, 3M Restorative Allows for One-Step Placement Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative is a simple, one-step placement restorative material. Designed for the posterior, its…

39. Page 74

    74 36th Annual Top 100 Products Porter Instrument Nasal Mask and Breathing Circuit's Design Provides Unobstructed Access The Silhouette low-profile nasal mask and breathing circuit is a game changer for nitrous users. The patented design provides unobstructed access and full range of patient head movement, as well as efficient nitrous delivery and scavenging. The mask and 3 ft of tubing are designed for single-patient use, simplifying the infection control process and saving time. It easily retrofits to a flowmeter and is available in 4 size options. For more information, call (888) 723-4001 or visit porterinstrument.com/silhouette. FREEinfo, Zimmer Dental System Provides…

40. Page 76

    76 36th Annual Top 100 Products Handpiece Solutions Company Offers Handpiece Repair Service Handpiece Solutions provides a user-friendly, in-house repair service specializing in all manufacturers' highand low-speed handpieces. All types of repairs performed are in compliance with OEM specifications. Handpiece Solutions offers free repair estimates. Obtaining consent before making any repairs is the company's standard operating policy, along with a fast turnaround time. For more information, call (888) 488-3885, visit the website handpiecesolutions.com, or email info@handpiecesolutions.com. FREEinfo, Microcopy Diamond Burs Boast Reliability Thirty years ago, Microcopy changed the industry when it introduced the single-patient-use NeoDiamond. It quickly became the industry…

And 30 more pages — read the whole issue.