University of Colo. licenses dental polymer to 3M

An advanced dental polymer technology developed at the University of Colorado Boulder has been licensed to 3M. The licensed technology enables formation of very low-shrinkage composites, improving the performance of many materials currently used in dental fillings and sealants, dentures, and dental implants, according to the university. The process, pioneered by Christopher Bowman, PhD, uses a unique light-cured material that reduces the physical stress within dental composites, avoiding shrinkage and

Marty @ IDS 2013: Wrapping things up

COLOGNE, Germany – Friday, Day Four of the 2013 International Dental Show (IDS): The sun was shining as I rode the train to the convention site, also known as Messe, German for “fair.” My schedule was a little less hectic with fewer meetings, allowing me more time to explore the convention halls. I came across some interesting products in the Planmeca booth, including a cone-beam CT scanner that is a

Colo. to keep kids’ dental in healthcare exchange?

Colorado’s health insurance exchange may move forward without children’s dental care after language from the federal government termed such benefits as “essential” yet “optional,” the Denver Post reported. With the lack of a federal mandate, state officials say they are working to create a more robust system of oral health coverage for underserved children when the state’s healthcare exchange opens in October. Colorado’s poor performance in oral health measurements is

Marty @ IDS 2013: A parade of new products

COLOGNE, Germany – Up early again Thursday to get ready for another busy day. The snow was coming down as I boarded the train to the convention center. Taking the train in Cologne to the convention center. Taking the train in Cologne to the convention center. The convention floor is getting more crowded each day as more European dentists arrive. Let’s start with some news from Philips, which announced updates

Decoding the oral leukoplakia/oral cancer link

Is there a direct relationship between oral leukoplakia and tobacco and alcohol consumption? Do all oral leukoplakias lead to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)? Is it possible to detect premalignant oral leukoplakia? These are some of the questions a recent literature review in Oral Diseases attempted to answer (January 11, 2013). A team of researchers from Italy, Spain, the U.K., and the U.S. did a literary search of Medline/PubMed, Embase,

CDA journal explores sinus floor augmentation

The March 2013 Journal of the California Dental Association focuses on exploring sinus floor augmentation, a double tooth case study, and the treatment of a skeletal class III relationship, the California Dental Association (CDA) announced. Researchers found the lateral wall sinus floor elevation technique to be a predictable surgical procedure that allows dental practitioners to obtain sufficient bone height and width for the placement of implants. Their findings are described

Komet offers composite finishing & polishing kit

Komet USA has launched the Duet FP One-plus-One kit for the finishing and polishing of composite restorations. The kit combines two of the company’s instrument systems in a single kit: Q-Finisher carbides are matched with the new one-step, light-yellow polishers. The procedure begins with the Q-Finisher carbide instruments, which have cross-cut toothing engineered to provide optimal surface quality on composite restorations, the company explained in a press release. The noncutting

Marty @ IDS 2013: Intraoral scanners abound

COLOGNE, Germany – Day Two of the International Dental Show (IDS) 2013 was filled with a lot of meetings and seeing new products. Besides more implant companies than you can ever imagine, the big thing here this year is intraoral scanners. The scanners are getting smaller and faster. Speaking with impression material companies, they are fully aware that they need to figure out how to assist in the digital process

Acteon releases EndoSuccess Canal Access Prep

Acteon North America has introduced a new set of ultrasonic tips for the Newtron line of piezoelectric ultrasonics. The new EndoSuccess Canal Access Prep ultrasonic tip kit includes three microblade tips for locating and opening hidden or calcified canals, as well as shaping and finishing the access cavity, according to the company. The strength of these tips decreases the risk of fractures and the rate at which they wear, and

FDA issues azithromycin warning

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning that the antibiotic azithromycin (Zithromax or Zmax) can cause abnormal changes in the electrical activity of the heart that may lead to a potentially fatal irregular heart rhythm. Patients at particular risk include those with known risk factors such as existing QT interval prolongation, low blood levels of potassium or magnesium, a slower than normal heart rate, or use

Carestream Dental debuts digital impressioning package

Carestream Dental has unveiled its new product line for CAD/CAM restorations, CS Solutions, at the International Dental Show (IDS) in Cologne, Germany. The CS Solutions product portfolio gives practitioners the ability to scan, design, mill, and place a crown within their practice in about an hour, according to the company. CS Solutions comprises an intraoral scanner, cone-beam (CBCT) impression scanning, restoration design software, a milling machine, and a hosted, Web-based

Hanover offers new insurance options for oral surgeons

The Hanover Insurance Group has partnered with OMS National Insurance Company (OMSNIC) to offer property and casualty insurance products and service solutions to OMSNIC’s insured oral and maxillofacial surgeons. The Hanover products will be distributed through OMSNIC and Hanover’s independent agents. Hanover is offering OMSNIC a group dividend for workers compensation, business owner’s policy coverage enhancements, and risk management solutions. Specific enhancements include the following: Workers’ compensation group dividend program