Competitors merge to create new dental lab

Recognizing the need for faster service, higher quality, and greater patient satisfaction, competing companies Breton Dental Studio and C&C Dental Ceramics have merged to form Studio 2 Digital Dental Design in Kentwood, MI. “Through our combined resources, we have added industry-leading technology to complement our skilled artisans in creating vibrant, natural restorations,” said Randy Richter, co-founder of Studio 2, in a press release. “With both the computer design and creative

‘Botax’ could apply to cosmetic dentistry

The ADA isn’t sure whether a proposed new 5% tax on cosmetic procedures would apply to dentistry, but it isn’t waiting to find out. The organization has joined cosmetic surgeons, dermatologists, and antitax groups in opposing the so-called “botax,” which is tucked inside the healthcare reform legislation being debated by the U.S. Senate. Last week the ADA wrote to the Senate asking that the tax be removed from the bill.

Columnist’s implant claim stirs criticism

Prominent health columnist Jane Brody’s assertion that implants are always superior to bridges has stirred some controversy. “In an overwhelming majority of cases, implants to replace lost teeth are by far the best long-term solution for maintaining a healthy mouth,” wrote Brody in a Nov 17 column. “Also, because they rarely need to be replaced, in the long run they are more economical than bridges.” But some dentists are expressing

With implants, a little ‘zap’ will do you

Lasers can reduce bacterial contamination and speed healing after implant surgery, according to a presentation at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Edward Kusek, D.D.S., is convinced of the benefits of erbium chromium lasers for endodontic and implant surgery. So much so that he doesn’t charge his patients when he uses one. “It’s a win situation for the dentist because we can get things done faster,”

Zirconia prostheses found as durable as metal

Fixed dental prostheses with zirconia frameworks survived as long as those with metal frameworks in a randomized controlled clinical trial published in the current International Journal of Prosthodontics (November/December 2009, Vol. 22: 6, pp. 553-560.) Researchers from the University of Berne recruited 59 patients in need of 76 fixed dental prostheses replacing one to three molars or premolars each. They randomly assigned each case to either a zirconia or a

Renishaw introduces laboratory mill

Renishaw introduced its new Incise laboratory mill at the Dental Showcase exhibition held recently in Birmingham, UK. The system allows labs to produce high quality zirconia frameworks at prices well below current market norms, according to Renishaw. “Renishaw is the world’s largest supplier of in-lab dental CAD/CAM scanning machines, and because we also manufacture our new compact milling machine we can offer incredibly competitive pricing to laboratories who are either looking

WHO tackles pollution from amalgams

Concerned about mercury pollution, the World Health Organization (WHO) last week convened a meeting of experts to discuss possible new guidelines for the global use of dental amalgams. Antiamalgam activists seized on comments made at the November 16-17 meeting as evidence that the organization, sponsored by the United Nations, will push for an eventual ban on dental amalgam. “An agreement in concept was reached yesterday by a World Health Organization-convened

Komet offers new tungsten cutter

Komet’s tungsten carbide cutter. Image courtesy of Komet USA. Komet USA now offers a new tungsten carbide cutter designed especially to be used on acrylic material. Komet’s H251ACR.104.060 is a cutter designed for the rough trimming of acrylic denture bases with its specially-staggered toothing. The instrument’s toothing is an intermediate version between super coarse and coarse-staggered, making it ideally suited for prosthetic acrylics, according to the company. The H251ACR.104.060 is

Anesthesia market projected to rebound

The U.S. market for anesthesia, respiratory and sleep management devices will reach $4.1 billion by 2015, according to a new report series by iData Research. “U.S. Market for Anesthesia, Respiratory and Sleep Management Devices” provides a comprehensive analysis of anesthesia delivery units and monitors, level of consciousness monitors, AIMS (anesthesia information management systems), anesthesia disposables, ventilators, nebulizers, laryngoscopes, respiratory disposables, oxygen therapy, sleep therapy, and diagnostic devices. The market for

0.5% chlorhexidine found effective in orthodontics

Dentifrices with 0.50% concentration of chlorhexidine can help control gingivitis and bleeding in orthodontic patients as well as 0.75% concentrations, according to a study in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (November 2009, Vol. 136: 5, pp. 651-656). Researchers from the University of São Paolo and private practice in São Paolo divided volunteers with fixed orthodontic appliances into three groups of 27 each. The control group used a

Childhood cancer survivors at risk for dental problems

A new report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study confirms another late toxicity that dentists have long suspected: Radiation exposure to the face during treatment as a child increases the risk of bad teeth and a wide range of dental abnormalities as an adult. Childhood cancer survivors are between one and five times more likely to develop a dental health issue, according to a study published online in Cancer (October

How platelet-rich plasma can enhance your implant cases

An implantologist is harnessing the growth-enhancing power of platelets to accelerate healing after dental implants are placed. James Rutkowski,D.M.D., Ph.D., has been travelling across the country for five years proselytizing about the benefits of using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in dentistry. In his most recent lecture, which he gave yesterday at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry in New Orleans, Dr. Rutkowski offers detailed information that will