October 2011 · 172 pages

Dentistry Today — November 2011

Clinical articles, techniques, product news and continuing education for dentists. Read the full issue free in the digital edition.

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Endo Direct SMARTER, BETTER, & QUICKER ENDODONTICS Revo-S a customized treatment using only 3 instruments Get down to your working length in... 1 2 3 APEX! An Endo REVOLUTION A Unique and Innovative Sequence Intended for initial endodontic treatments, the Revo-S innovates with only 3 instruments. It's asymmetrical section initiates a snake-like movement if the instrument inside the canal. High performance and simple to use, this sequence is adopted for most root canal anatomies Advantages •Excellent cleaning •Adapted active length •The extended cutting part in the coronal region increases instrument flexibility •Optimal upward movement of the debris Check out our…
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Revolution in Periodontal Care? It is a rewarding experience, as the editor-in-chief of a major professional magazine and lecturer, to make acquaintances often fellow professionals around the world. With many opportunities to discuss current events in dentistry, a question that repeatedly pops up is, "So, what have you seen that's new and exciting in dentistry?" There seems to be an unspoken expectation that an editor and/or lecturer must be among the first to know about anything new and exciting. Well, I would have to say it is in fact one of the perks of the job to be among the…
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The Pragmatic Occlusion Due to our natural freeway space, or postural positioning of the mandible, no one usually notices how one's own teeth come together. However, unknowingly, at most times of the day, we are in premolar occlusion. If individuals were to close slowly and comfortably, most people will confirm that they are in premolar occlusion. That is, certain premolar and anterior teeth will have first contact. The molars will be out of occlusion. In fact, mostly due to this premolar occlusion, many feel that their bite is "off." Notwithstanding the above, at other times during the day, the same…
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continued from page 16 parafunctional behavior the condyle/TMJ may be broadly categorized to be in a state of working postural, or a passive postural, rest. DOCTOR, MY BITE IS "ON" The swing of occlusal contacts between loaded and relaxed TMJ states does not decisively vary from full-anterior to full-posterior occlusion (and it would be if the maxillary curve was the same value as the mandibular curve of Spee). Since the maxillary curve is of a shorter radius of curvature, there are many variations of contacts or occlusions as the mandible rolls from one extreme condylar TMJ state to another. So,…
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Company Focus 2011 KOMET USA: Innovation and Quality Backed by Tradition KOMET USA became the official North American arm of its German parent company in 2007, building on a storied tradition that began with the "KOMET family" and continuing today with that same family. Following in the footsteps of her celebrated father, who founded the company in Germany nearly 9 decades ago, Mrs. Clair Niebus leads the KOMET company by remaining true to his vision of a global company operating with a familial approach. KOMET has established a reputation as a worldwide leader in innovation, priding itself on its ability…
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NEW PRODUCTS DIAMOND DISC KOMET USA The 9877 diamond disc's large-diameter design enables users to steepen model arches in a single step. Effectively eliminating the need for multiple cuts as is often required with smaller-diameter discs, it also minimizes follow-up abrasive work between segments, a step that is often required to create straight surfaces on interproximal segments. For more information, call (888) 566-3887 or visit komet-usa.com. FREEinfo, HIGH-SPEED HANDPIECE NSK Dental The S-Max pico is a high-speed air-driven handpiece with an ultrasmall head and superlarge stainless steel body that is excellent for pediatric cases and cases where major access is…
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From the August 2011 Issue WHITENING SYSTEM Ultradent Products Opalescence Ohi! offers a powerful take-home tooth whitening system with the added bonuses of preventing caries, increasing tooth strength, and reducing sensitivity. Featuring the same award-winning whitening gel as the rest of the customized Opalescence line, Opalescence Ohi! comes in unit dose bulks with precisely the right amount of gel per one whitening tray. For more information, call (800) 552-5212. FREEinfo, CERAMIC CUTTERS KOMET USA These ceramic lab cutters feature heads fabricated of a durable, high-performance ceramic that conducts heat poorly, thus preventing the cutters' working surface from heating up quickly,…
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Top 50 Technology Products Dentistry Today's second annual Readers' Choice Top 50 Technology Products, selected on the basis of lead generation, represent some of the profession's most innovative technology products. The products appear in no particular order. ALL-TISSUE LASER BIOLASE Technology The Waterlase MD Turbo all-tissue laser increases treatment acceptance, attracts new patients, and prevents cross-contamination. It offers a minimally invasive alternative to drills with pinpoint accuracy for many restorative procedures—welcome news for anxious or fearful patients. With the proprietary "5250 wavelength (2,780 nm), up to 8W of power, and turbo handpiece, there is no noticeable difference in speed when…
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Top 50 Technology Products TORQUE CONTROL MOTOR DENTSPLY Tulsa Dental Specialties Designed for rotary and reciprocation instruments, the new e3 torque control motor offers quiet operation, and its large, clear, easy-to-read display is preprogrammed for the WaveOne reciprocating file as well as all other DENTSPLY Tulsa Dental Specialties' file settings, including (but not limited to) ProFile Vortex, ProTaper Universal, and PathFile plus 15 other programmable settings. It operates on battery or AC power and in rotary mode offers speed settings from 250 to 1,000 rpm, torque settings from 20 to 410 gcm, and auto-stop, reverse, and forward. A 6:1 contra-angle…
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Top 50 Technology Products LED CURING LIGHT Ultradent Products The VALO broad spectrum LED curing light features a custom LED pack that produces high-intensity light capable of polymerizing all light-cured dental materials (395 to 480 nm). It can penetrate porcelain and is capable of curing underlying resin cements, similar to a high-quality halogen light. The optimally collimated beam ensures that maximum energy is delivered to the curing site with a slim 5° head and sleek design. This also allows it to provide direct and easy access to all parts of the oral cavity. Machined from aerospace aluminum and the latest…
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Top 50 Technology Products INTRAORAL CAMERA Panasonic The new EJ-CA01UP intraoral camera achieves outstanding color reproduction of teeth and gums using Panasonic Digital Signal Processing technology, and its auto-focus feature excels at close-up image capture from zero mm to infinity with a newly developed multiple-lens design. Equipped with an image stabilization feature, the camera also compensates for hand movement and reduces the need to recapture images. The camera has several viewing and playback options, including simultaneous viewing of multiple still images on a monitor as well as connecting to a PC or printer. Panasonic's range of full high-definition monitors completes…
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Top 50 Technology Products ORAL DISEASE DETECTION DEVICE LED Dental The VELscope Vx Enhanced Oral Assessment System features updated optics technology, a unique cordless design, and affordable pricing that now make it easier than ever for dental practices to detect oral cancer and other forms of oral disease, and the system received 510(k) clearance from the FDA, making it available for sale in the United States. It shines a blue light into the oral cavity and excites natural tissue fluorescence. When viewed by the clinician through the Vx's patented filters, abnormal tissue typically appears as an irregular, dark area that…
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Top 50 Technology Products DISPOSABLE HANDPIECE Azenic Field tested and expert endorsed, the Azenic DHP disposable high-speed handpiece is the new standard of care in dentistry. Offering amazing power, torque, and cutting efficiency, you can use the low-cost DHP to tackle harsh reduction cases, crown preparations, and surgical procedures, protecting your expensive handpieces from costly wear and tear. Individually wrapped, single-patient-use, sterile, and disposable, with the powerful DHP on hand, busy days, equipment breakdowns, and emergency cases are never a worry, assuring your practice and your bottom line stay on track. Better yet, the DHP is 100% recyclable and easy…
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Top 50 Technology Products SOFT-TISSUE LASER AMD LASERS Affordably priced and offering 2.5W of power and 3 customizable presets, the Picasso Lite soft-tissue dental laser is one of the most easy-to-use dental lasers in the world. Designed specifically to replace the use of scalpels and electrosurgery in the treatment of soft tissue, it cuts and coagulates tissue with reduced trauma, bleeding, and necrosis of tissue. It can be used for soft-tissue surgery, including troughing, gingivectomies, frenectomies, exposing implants/teeth/ortho brackets, and treating aphthous ulcers and herpetic lesions. Featuring an ultracompact, lightweight, and sleek design, Picasso Lite comes complete with an easy-to-learn…
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Top 50 Technology Products LED CURING LIGHT Kerr Demi Plus LED Light Curing System represents the next generation in premium curing light technology and features a number of design enhancements. Powered by Demetron Technology, it holds the profession's first self-cleaning "cap and syringe" battery design, which simplifies charging, and its exterior is composed of Valox resin, a high-performance plastic that is lightweight yet highly durable. Additional enhancements include an extended turbo light guide that improves access for posterior procedures and a 3-year warranty. In addition to these enhancements, the Demi Plus maintains the same features as previous curing light models.…
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Top 50 Technology Products . 1 MICROSCOPE Magnified Video Dentistry The new MagnaVu Dental Procedure Scope 3 produces precise, clear, highly magnified images and eliminates the need for magnified loupes or microscopes, thereby reducing back, neck, and eyestrain. By incorporating the scope into a proper ergonomic posture position during procedures, dentists can reduce aches and pains and may actually prolong their careers by eliminating the need to constantly bend or twist over the patient. In fact, musculoskeletal disorders are the No. 1 reason for dentists retiring early. Imagine being able to perform lengthy procedures with your head up, looking straight…
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Top 50 Technology Products . 1 CARIES DETECTION DEVICE Air Techniques Spectra is a handheld, noninvasive imaging instrument that visually aids in the detection of caries. Fluorescence technology indicates extent of decay with color and numerical readings to provide unsurpassed caries detection—and higher cost acceptance for more revenue per patient. Early detection also means more restoration and less excavation. It can also be used during caries removal process to ensure all carious dentin is removed. It lets you store and compare images over time to track the effect of your treatment and can be used to detect fractured tooth syndrome,…
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Top 50 Technology Products . 1 COSMETIC SIMULATOR SNAP Imaging Systems The SNAP cosmetic simulator now provides marketing materials on how to easily reach out to patients and potential patients via the reception area, trial shows, health clubs, the web, and much more. You can produce realistic "before and after" cosmetic simulation photos in less than a minute and patients can take home the images to show the spouse, family, and friends. For more information, call (866) 987-7627 or visit the Web site snapdental.com. FREEinfo, DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY SYSTEM MyRay/Cefla Dental With MyRay's innovative Hyperion X7, users not only benefit from…
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Top 50 Technology Products . 1 FILM DIGITIZER VIDAR Systems Corporation The Dental Film Digitizer creates digital images from analog dental film for primary diagnostic use. It is the only scanner on the market available that meets US and European guidelines for dental applications, and the digital image can legally replace the original x-ray film. Providing an efficient and affordable solution, the digitizer is ideal for dental offices that are already using digital intraoral imaging but have not yet made the conversion to a version with their panoramic and cephalometric imaging equipment. For more information, call (800) 471-7226 or visit…
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Top 50 READERS' CHOICE Technology Products . 1 OPERATORY SYSTEM A-dec The A-dec 300 system allows unprecedented integration of technology for its class and is well-positioned to fit small spaces and conservative budgets. It offers customers a midlevel platform choice that's lower in cost than the A-dec 500 yet maintains the high performance, service, and support that distinguish A-dec products. A-dec 300 offers a complete solution, including patient chair, delivery system, light, monitor and assistants instrumentation, and it incorporates a compact control head that supports 2 electric micromotors, integrated floor box, small base plate, and dedicated left/right support center in…
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Top 50 Technology Products DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY SENSOR DentiMax The Dream Sensor is a boxless sensor that represents the latest in CMOS digital radiography. Having received an "excellent--good" rating in image quality from the Gordon J. Christensen CLINICIANS REPORT, the quality of the x-ray images are among the best in the profession. And at just 5.5-mm thick, this sensor is thinner than any other major sensor brand and comes with extreme rounded corners to guarantee patient comfort. In addition, the DentiMax sensor is compatible with the latest 64-bit version of Windows 7 and bridges to virtually every practice management system—making the…
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Top 50 Technology Products OPERATORY LIGHT DentalEZ Group An alternative to halogen-based operatory lights, the everlight LED operatory light provides color-corrected lighting, precise light pattern, and energy-efficient features that are simply not possible using traditional halogen lighting. It encompasses a long life of 30,000-plus hours, 10 times longer than halogen, reducing the need for regular replacement of light bulbs. Users will enjoy substantial savings on monthly energy expenses since it uses less than 35W of energy, 70% less halogen-based systems. For more information, call (866) DTE-INFO or visit dentalez.com. FREEinfo, OBTURATION SYSTEM B&L Biotech USA The Beta Obturation device is…
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Top 50 Technology Products DIGITAL CLINICAL WORKSTATION Denterprize International DOT is the ultimate handheld clinical workstation you have been waiting for. This attractive, rugged, wireless medical grade tablet PC is the best fit for your operatories, requiring minimum maintenance. Unlike laptops and consumer grade tablets, DOT is spill-, shock, and drop-proof from a height of 3 ft. It is alcohol and disinfectant resistant, which means there's no cross contamination. It offers direct connectivity to the QuickRay Direct USB sensor and the QuickCam Direct USB intraoral camera, thereby fulfilling all of your imaging needs. For more information, call (800) 323-2690. FREEinfo,…
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A promotion that equals great savings! E-STATIS® ADVANTAGE & PREP Buy one E-STATIS® Advantage OR E-STATIS® Prep electric system and two fiberoptic attachments and get one attachment of equal or lesser value FREE. Buy one E-STATIS® Advantage electric system plus five attachments and get one E-STATIS® electric system FREE. STATIM® FALL REBATE OFFERS $250.00 $500.00 CASH REBATE CASH REBATE STATIM 2000 STATIM 5000 To receive your rebate, simply register at scican.com Valid on orders purchased between Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, 2011. All rebate documentation must be received by Feb. 1, 2012. No rebates will be processed after Feb. 1,…
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Spotlight Versatile 3-D/Panoramic Extraoral System Now Offers One-Shot Cephalometric Imaging ATLANTA-Carestream Dental, exclusive manufacturer of KODAK Dental Systems, now offers a digital cephalometric module for its versatile CS 9300 3-D/panoramic extraoral imaging system, released earlier this year. Utilizing the module will enable orthodontists and other oral health professionals to perform a wider range of diagnoses and treatments from their own office, without the need to refer patients to other imaging centers. Offering the broadest range of image formats, from 30 cm x 30 cm to 18 cm x 18 cm, the module addresses any orthodontic diagnostic and tracing needs and…
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TECHNOLOGY X-Ray Machine Add-On's Ability to Lower Radiation Exposure Cited ATLANTA—Offered by Interactive Diagnostic Imaging (IDI), the TruAlign dental x-ray machine add-on lowers dental x-ray radiation exposure by approximately 60% to 70%, allaying patient fears and ensuring the safest, most beneficial dental office visit. Technically, Tru-Align is a rectangular collimator. A typical round cone collimator emits a large beam of radiation that makes it easy to aim at the desired area but also emits a lot of scatter radiation that is absorbed by the patient instead of the x-ray sensor. Tru-Align, being a rectangular collimator, creates a smaller rectangular beam…
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TECHNOLOGY X-Ray Unit Yields Accurate Images at Low Radiation Doses CHARLOTTE, NC--Offered by MyRay, the ROXY®Intraoral X-Ray Unit combines proven direct-current technology with intelligent design to provide dentists with precision equipment for accurate imaging at low radiation doses. Thanks to high-frequency direct current and improved parallelism, the unit produces clearer images with lower radiation than traditional intraoral x-ray units. It features a surprisingly compact toe head with-out compromising on features, and its recessed focal spot creates a 1.2 inch-to-skin distance with round or rectangular collimation for sharper and more detail-rich radiographs. Intuitive controls make intraoral radiography a breeze. Keeping various…
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The Physics Forceps Atraumatically Extracting Teeth in Less Than 4 Minutes The Physics Forceps are revolutionary extraction forceps that generally allow exodontists of any tooth, in any condition, to be a simple, predictable, and extremely efficient procedure. The beak and bumper design (Figure 1) allows for extractions to be performed using only wrist movement based on Class I lever principles. Conventional exodontias require 2 equal forces applied on the tooth (grasping) combined with a third force, which is the movement of your arm, to release the tooth from its socket. The need to firmly grasp, twist, rock, push, and pull…
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Spotlight New Class of CAD/CAM Material Introduced Aesthetics, Performance, and 10-Year Warranty Cited ST. PAUL, Minn—3M ESPE introduces Lava Ultimate CAD/CAM Restorative, a unique CAD/CAM material with long-lasting aesthetics and performance. Based on 3M ESPE's renowned nanotechnology, it offers lasting polishability and is backed by a 10-year warranty, something no other chairside block can match. A new class of CAD/CAM material, it provides a fast, no-firing process that is easy to mill, helping dentists maximize the productivity of their in-office restorative systems, and it offers a functionality that other chairside materials cannot match. It is resilient, nonbrittle, and incredibly durable…
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Award-Winning Composite System's Time-Saving Capabilities Cited ORANGE, Calif.-Named a recipient of the Pride Institute's Best of Class Technology Award ("Emerging Technology" category) for 2011, Kerr's SonicFill is a first-of-its-kind, time-saving composite system that enables clinicians to perform posterior restorations with a fast, easy, and reliable bulk-fill technology using a sonic activated handpiece. SonicFill technology has been quickly embraced by clinicians, who can now go from placement to a polished restoration in less than 3 minutes on cavities up to 5 mm. For more information, call Kerr at (800) KERR-123 or visit kerrental.com. FREEinfo, Peroxide Technology Yields Deep Bleaching Results in…
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New Bleached Shades Help Clinicians Achieve Optimal Shade Match BREA, Calif.—Tooth whitening has become a popular way for many patients to improve their smile, but finding just the right shade match can be very difficult. VITA Bleached Shades, now available for VITA Classical Shade Guide, offer dentists a practical tool for the reliable determination and maintenance of a whitening regimen that achieves an optimal shade match. With the aid of the bleached shade samples, the dentist and patient are able to discuss the desired result in advance and precisely monitor the results of the patient's tooth whitening during the treatment.…
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Combination Wedge/Guard Removes Risk of Damaging Adjacent Teeth and Papilla Device Provides an Easier Way to Clean Interproximally LOS ALAMITOS, Calif.-It takes concentration to cut an interproximal cavity, which can slow clinicians down. But with Trident's WedgeGuard, there's no need to slow down, even when breaking the contact. This is because WedgeGuard removes all risk of damaging the adjacent tooth and the papilla. Prep can be done better and faster at the same time. After cavity prep, the guard stays in place, ready for the insertion of a matrix beside it. Leaving the wedge in place prevents reactive hyperemia, ensuring…
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Impression Material's Unmatched Accuracy Cited ENGLEWOOD, NJ—Powered by GIS Technology, DMG's Honigum Pro is the only impression material with Directional Intelligence. This proprietary formula is engineered to find its way into tiny crevices and hard-to-reach areas in the mouth, providing for impressions of unmatched accuracy. Honigum Pro also features a flexible working time formulation that provides the clinician with greater control prior to insertion in the mouth. Its rapid snap set drastically reduces impression errors and distortions due to micromovement during setting, and its exceptional tear strength helps the material stay intact upon removal to prevent the need for retakes.…
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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. OraVerse ++++1/2 Septodont | (800) 872-8305 | septodontusa.com Consultants' Comments • "It really works! I found that patients responded very well and loved that the numbness wore…
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Ready. Set. Reverse. Patients return to normal sensation in half the time.* OraVerse Phentolamine Mesylate The breakthrough is here! OraVerse® reverses unwanted soft-tissue anesthesia after routine dental procedures where a local anesthetic containing a vasoconstrictor is used. In randomized, controlled clinical trials, the median time to recovery of normal sensation in the upper lip was 50 minutes for OraVerse patients vs 133 minutes for the control, and in the lower lip was 70 minutes vs 155 minutes*. it's about time. It's time to see what OraVerse can bring to your practice. OraVerse is now available through your favorite dealer. To…
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INNOVATIONS continued from page 77 Kit Provides All-in-One Solution for Implant Care SIGNAL HILL, Calif.-The TePC Implant Kit contains 3 professionally selected brushes to facilitate the daily care of dental implants. The TePC Implant Care Brush has an angled neck and a slim brush head for easy access to the lingual and palatal surfaces of the implants, whereas the TePC Implant Brush, with an extra-narrow brush head and a long, thin neck, makes it easy to clean the buccal surfaces. The Interdental Brush, which is plastic-coated, efficiently cleans the approximal surfaces of the implants. A new Web site, tepc.com/implantcare, presents…
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High-Performance Polishers Added to Rotary Instrument Family CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio—Recently added to Coltene/Whaledent's Alpen Rotary Instrument family, Alpen Polishers, high-performance silicone and diamond-impregnated polishers, have been designed to handle the unique characteristics of porcelain veneers, inlays, and onlays, both chairside and in the lab. Now a complete family, Alpen Rotary instruments provide a high-quality choice whenever a carbide, diamond, and polisher are needed, ensuring consistency. For more information, call Coltene/Whaledent at (800) 221-3046 or visit alpenrotary.com. FREEinfo, Device Repositions Tongue to Relieve Snoring CHATSWORTH, Calif.—Offered by Success Essentials, the SNOR.X antsnoring device gently holds the tongue forward during sleep, keeping…
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NEWS/TRENDS Industry News BIOLASE Announces Appointment of Richard Whipp to Vice President of Operations Irvine, Calif-based BIOLASE Technology announced recently that Director of Operations Richard Whipp has been promoted to the newly created position of vice president of operations. He will continue to report to chairman and CEO Federico Pignatelli and CFO Fred Furry. Commenting on the promotion, Mr. Pignatelli said, "Since joining the company in July 2011, Rich has made tremendous contributions. He has greatly contributed to manufacturing efficiencies, eliminated supply chain discissions for BIOLASE's laser systems, and established an infrastructure for the company's future manufacturing expansion." Mr. Whipp…
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Small Step Forward A microparticle is a bubblelike vehicle, smaller than a micrometer, that is released by the endothelial cells that line blood vessels and red and white blood cells. Scientists have begun to crack into the various microparticles to better characterize their biochemical cargo and thus biological functions. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) grantees and colleagues report an important new find. They show that microparticles derived from circulating white blood cells called polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes cells taken from inflammatory exudates contain specialized, pro-resolution lipid mediators that help to halt acute inflammation. The implication being, the microparticles…
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Pharmaceutical Solutions Needle-free, anesthetic gel Oraqix® propels your SRP procedures forward Enables your team to work efficiently with hygienist administration and fast onset. Onset of action: within 30 seconds¹ Duration of action: about 20 minutes¹ May lead to increased patient compliance with treatment regimen² Of the SRP patients who required localized anesthesia, almost 70% expressed a preference for gel over injection.² oraqix® Ready. Set. Scale. (lidocaine and prilocaine periodontal gel) 2.5%/2.5% For more information, call 1.800.225.2787 or visit oraqix.com. FDA-approved Oraqix is indicated for adults who require localized anesthesia during scaling and/or root planning. Oraqix is not for injection. Oraqix…

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