Subtraction method tracks implant bone loss

When applied to panoramic images, an extended subtraction method is helpful in monitoring changes around dental implants, according to a new study in Clinical Oral Implants Research (June 2, 2011). Researchers from the University of Amsterdam and VU University developed a measuring method consisting of a subtraction module that corrected for gray values and geometry, and defined the region of interest mesially and distally of dental implants. When they applied

Whip Mix releases CrossRef bite record

Whip Mix has released the Esthetic CrossRef centered bite record, designed to enhance communication between the dentist and the dental lab. The CrossRef allows the vertical and horizontal bars to be aligned after the bite registration material sets and accurately records the patient’s midline and horizontal plane, according to the company. This bite record can then be used to mount the casts on any articulator. The CrossRef also enables the

Cbite DDS develops disposable impression tray

Cbite DDS has introduced the Impress tray, a disposable impression tray with removable panels that save the time and hassle required to drill out holes on impression trays for dental implants. The Impress tray is also effective for general impression tray usage in a dental office, the company said. It is designed specifically for dental implants and features an ergonomic handle for better support and leverage. Using the Impress tray

Proteomics aid in defining salivary biomarkers

Recent advances in mass spectrometric proteomics provide a promising result in utilizing saliva to explore biomarkers for diagnostic purposes, according to researchers from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry (OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology, June 2011, Vol. 15:6, pp. 353-361). They conducted systematic review of peer-reviewed articles published through July 2009 to define and summarize disease-related salivary biomarkers identified by mass spectrometry proteomics. Of the 243 articles

Straumann, Nobel Biocare drop out of AstraTech bidding

Straumann and Nobel Biocare are reportedly no longer interested in purchasing Astra Tech, the dental implant division of AstraZeneca, according to a story by Reuters. AstraZeneca is hoping to sell Astra Tech for around $2 billion. The deal has attracted a plethora of bidders in recent months, including Straumann, Nobel Biocare, Zimmer, Dentsply, Danaher, and several private equity firms. Astra Tech had revenues of $535 million in 2010 and is

Delta Dental launches oral health awareness program

A group of Delta Dental companies has launched the SmileWay Wellness Program that aims to help people improve and manage their oral health through a three-pronged approach called the SmileWay Challenge. The program was created by Delta Dental companies in California, New York, Florida, and 11 other states. Participants are asked to complete online quizzes to self-assess their risk for dental disease, educate themselves on various aspects of dental health

SybronEndo offers single-patient root canal kits

SybronEndo has introduced the ProPack SC single-patient kits, which contain virtually all the consumables required for a root canal. Designed to provide general practitioners with convenience and ease of use, ProPack eliminates much of the guess work and hassle of ordering, stocking, and finding the right materials for root canal procedures, according to the company. The kits include presponged hand files and rotary NiTi files, lubricant, paper points, and obturation

Tom’s of Maine launches whitening toothpaste

Tom’s of Maine has launched a natural fluoride toothpaste that is clinically proven to whiten teeth with a formula that contains no bleaching agents or artificial flavors, according to the company. The Simply White toothpaste formula combines three naturally sourced silicas that combine to gently remove surface stains, the company said. The toothpaste contains no artificial preservatives or animal ingredients, and has not been tested on animals. The toothpaste has

Crest Oral-B names 5th hygienist award winner

Sharon Stull, BSDH, from Chesapeake, VA, has been selected as the fifth and final recipient of the Crest Oral-B Pros in the Profession award program. With a passion for education, Stull spends a great deal of her time at Old Dominion University (ODU) School of Dental Hygiene in Norfolk as a lecturer, community health coordinator and program director for the Bachelor of Science Online Degree Completion Program and has directed

Doxa launches crown & bridge luting cement

Swedish company Doxa is launching a new class of dental luting cements in the U.S. through an exclusive worldwide distribution agreement with Henry Schein. According to Doxa, the Ceramir crown and bridge luting cement is based on a patented new technology, nanostructurally integrating bioceramics. It integrates with natural tooth structure, is stable in the mouth, and exhibits tooth-like physical and mechanical properties. It requires no bonding agents or extra steps,

Komet debuts polishers for high-strength ceramics

Komet USA has introduced ZR polishers, specially developed to meet the preliminary and final polishing requirements of zirconium oxide and other high-strength ceramic materials. Launched this spring at the International Dental Show in Cologne, Germany, Komet ZR polishers impart a high shine when employed for the final polishing of restorations fabricated of zirconium oxide and other hard, high-strength materials, including aluminum oxide and pressed ceramics, according to the company. Incorporating

New process may remineralize teeth in minutes, not days

A method of using calcium phosphate solutions to remineralize carious lesions in dentin has had promising results in a recent study, dramatically decreasing the time needed for remineralization. In the study performed at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and presented at the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) conference in March, researchers performed a pretreatment with fluoride solutions on dehydrated and demineralized dentin and found that the process