SprintRay Dental Sunsetting Some Resin SKUs for Bego Crown Resin

 

Amazing progress has been made over the last 3 years or so in the 3D printing of permanent restorations.  While I, as a practitioner, I am waiting to see where all this shakes out, some doctors have been doing some limited printing of crowns.  

Currently printing of permanent restorations is a pretty leading edge process and one of the drawbacks with leading edge treatment can be rapid changes.  In the case of 3D printing, the hardware and its accuracy have been clinically acceptable for years, but the resins used to create the restorations are where the rapid change and advancements are happening.  To that end, what was cutting edge a year or two ago can suddenly be replaced by a newer material.  That's a fairly common event in dentistry where material science and research is constantly evolving.  At some point, this evolution of printing resins might slow, but discoveries and evolution is going to be at a pretty rapid pace for the foreseeable future.

To that end, SprintRay is announcing the sunsetting of some of their permanent restoration resins in the not too distant future.  Read on for the details...

SprintRay Dental, a leading provider of 3D printing solutions for the dental industry, has announced that it will be sunsetting some of its resin SKUs for Bego Crown Resin. This decision is being made to streamline SprintRay's product offerings and focus on the most popular and innovative resins.

Bego Crown Resin is a high-quality, durable resin that is ideal for printing permanent crowns, inlays, and onlays. It is also radiopaque, making it easy to see on X-rays. SprintRay will continue to offer Bego Crown Resin in a variety of shades, so dentists can find the perfect match for their patients.

The following resin SKUs will be sunset on October 31, 2023:

• SprintRay Crown

• SprintRay Crown Plus

• SprintRay Crown HD

Dentists who are currently using any of these resins should order enough stock to last them until the sunset date. After October 31, 2023, these resins will no longer be available for purchase.

SprintRay recommends that dentists who are currently using SprintRay Crown, SprintRay Crown Plus, or SprintRay Crown HD switch to Bego Crown Resin. Bego Crown Resin is a high-quality resin that offers similar or better performance than these resins.

Here are some of the benefits of using Bego Crown Resin:

• High strength and durability

• Radiopaque for easy visibility on X-rays

• Excellent color match to natural teeth

• Easy to print and post-process

Dentists who have any questions about the sunset of these resin SKUs or who would like to learn more about Bego Crown Resin can contact SprintRay Dental customer support.

What does this mean for dentists?

If you are currently using any of the resin SKUs that are being sunset, you will need to order enough stock to last you until October 31, 2023. After this date, these resins will no longer be available for purchase.

SprintRay recommends that dentists switch to Bego Crown Resin. Bego Crown Resin is a high-quality resin that offers similar or better performance than the resins that are being sunset.

If you have any questions about the sunset of these resin SKUs or who would like to learn more about Bego Crown Resin, please contact SprintRay Dental customer support.

A Comparison of the Effects of Scaling and Root Planing, Plus Twice-Daily Toothbrushing, in a Stage I/II Periodontitis Population

 

I love my Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige powered toothbrush.  I have been using a Sonicare toothbrush for the entire 21st century.  I know a lot of us are using powered toothbrushes these days.  Honestly, as a dentist I *know* that my Sonicare makes my teeth cleaner... plus I just flat out love the way my teeth feel when I'm done using it.  However, I'm also a man who loves science.  So how do I know that recommending a Sonicare toothbrush to my patients is a smart decision?  Read below for a pretty interesting study...

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of use of home oral hygiene with either a manual toothbrush or a Philips Sonicare powered toothbrush, on plaque and periodontal inflammation, in stage I/II periodontitis patients, following scaling and root planing, up to six months.

Methodology

This was an IRB-approved, randomized, parallel, single-blind clinical trial conducted in the United States. All subjects provided informed consent. Eligible subjects were non-smokers (>10 years), aged 18-75 years, with stage I/II periodontitis, confirmed by X-ray. Subjects with uncontrolled diabetes, or stage III or greater periodontal disease, were not eligible. Those enrolled on study received in-office scaling and root planing (SRP) within 4 weeks of the intake visit.

Thereafter, subjects were randomized to a home oral-hygiene regimen of either: twice-daily manual toothbrush (MTB) use (Colgate Classic Adult), or a Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart (DCS), used in Gum Health mode at high intensity, with Premium Gum Care brush head. Randomization was balanced for gender and periodontitis stage. The use of additional oral hygiene aids was prohibited over the study period. Subjects returned to clinic every four weeks for safety and efficacy evaluation, up to Month 6. A new brush head was provided for all participants every eight weeks.

The following efficacy parameters were assessed: Bleeding on Probing (BOP), Modified Plaque Index (MPI), Probing Pocket Depth (PPD) and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL). Safety was evaluated via subject diary report and intraoral exam. In the event of accelerated or worsening oral health status that was felt to put the subject at undue risk, the principal investigator was able to exit subjects from study, as needed. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04254770.) 

Note, as a result of stay-at-home orders due to the COVID outbreak in the United States, in-clinic visits were suspended for all subjects at Weeks 8 and 12. Therefore, no efficacy outcomes are available for these timepoints. At these intervals, safety was conducted by interview and review of each subject’s diary card. 

 Results  

There were 336 enrolled subjects. Of these, 163 were randomized to DCS, and 165 to MTB, with 149 DCS, and 150 MTB subjects who completed the study. The mean(SD) age of all randomized subjects was 44.1(13.2) years, with 229 females (105 with stage I periodontitis, 124 with stage II), and 99 males (42 with stage I, 57 with stage II). 

Over the six-month study period, 33 subjects experienced at least one adverse event. None of the reported events were serious, or possibly related or related to study products. There were no reported unanticipated adverse device effects. 

 Conclusions

Following scaling and root planing, twice-daily home use of the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart with Premium Gum Care brush head was statistically significantly more effective in reducing plaque, and symptoms of periodontal inflammation including bleeding and pocket depth, compared to use of a manual toothbrush. Both toothbrushes were safe on teeth and oral tissues. 

To see the study complete with graphics *and*to download the abstract, head over the Philips website for all the comprehensive info.  

Buffalo Dental Manufacturing Bundles Two Best Selling Dental Lab Products to Create the Dynamic Duo

 

Combining the High-Powered V35 Electric Handpiece with the Time-Saving ThermaKnife™ Keeps Lab Benches Organized and Boosts Productivity

Buffalo Dental Manufacturing (BDM), a leading dental company with the industry’s widest range of handpieces, lab products, lab equipment and vacuum forming materials and accessories, recently launched “The Dynamic Duo” a lab bench innovation that combines two of BDM’s best-selling products.

Specifically, The Dynamic Duo combines BDM’s V35 Electric Handpiece; a high-powered, reliable value-priced 35,000 RPM electric handpiece system for dental laboratories and the ThermaKnife; an effective and time-saving tool for fast and easy trimming of bleaching trays, night guards, mouthguards, and 3D printed prostheses.

According to Buffalo Dental Manufacturing CEO Don Nevin, “The Dynamic Duo not only saves dental labs time, money and bench space, it also makes workflows more efficient – especially when detailing aligners.”

The Dynamic Duo includes the following features and benefits:

• Four Multi-Speed options (14k, 22k, 27k, 35k rpm) enable ideal speed selection for most cutting needs.

• High-Torque motor provides smooth operation and powerful performance with less operator fatigue.

• Fully adjustable temperature control for precise cutting action. The cutting tip heats ultra-fast to save time and eliminate waiting.

• A & B selection switch enables the use of two different Thermal Pens to reduce time and increase trimming productivity.

• Lightweight pen features an ergonomic design and sharp, permanent tip for improved comfort and control.

• An optional Heated Aligner Dimple Plier is also available, which is used for creating dimples in the aligner where the doctor wants to apply additional pressure to accelerate and/or guide tooth movement.

For more information, or to order the Dynamic Duo, visit www.BuffaloDental.com, call 800-828-0203, or send an email to sales@mailBDM.com. Distributor inquiries welcome.

 About Buffalo Dental Manufacturing:  

Headquartered in Syosset, NY, Buffalo Dental Manufacturing (BDC) supplies the dental profession with the  widest range of handpieces, lab products, lab equipment and vacuum forming materials and accessories. Dental offices and lab facilities worldwide choose BDC to protect their staff and patients alike. While Buffalo is proud to serve the global healthcare community, a majority of its products are manufactured in the United States, bringing you quality and value that are close to home.

TBS Dental Teams Up with Wounded Warrior Project to Support America's Bravest

In addition to my profession, my patients, and tech... I am also very passionate about the Armed Services of the United States.  I never served, unfortunately, and that is one of my regrets about my life.  In fact, just last week I was telling that to a patient who served in Desert Storm.  He told me, "Doc, we all get our callings and our gifts.  I think you did ok."  It was a compliment I am tremendously grateful for!

However, today's post isn't about me.  No, it's about those who served and need our help.  Since I never served, I feel it is tremendously important to support those who have.  That's why I was really excited to learn about TBS Dental announcing their support of the Wounded Warrior Project.

I truly believe "no one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends."  So if you have the opportunity, let's help TBS help our wounded warriors!

GUZ8Y9

TBS Dental, a leading dental equipment manufacturer, is proud to announce a new partnership with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). Through this partnership, TBS Dental will donate funds, volunteer time, and host events to support WWP's mission to honor and empower wounded warriors.

"We are passionate about giving back to the communities we serve," said Haseeb Sajid, CEO of TBS Dental. "Teaming up with Wounded Warrior Project is a natural fit for us, as we share a commitment to supporting those who have served our country. We are honored to have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of wounded veterans and their families."

WWP is a non-profit organization that provides a variety of programs and services to wounded veterans, including mental health support, career counseling, long-term rehabilitative care, and policy advocacy. The organization has served over 3.7 million veterans and their families since its inception in 2003.

"We are grateful for the support of TBS Dental," said Brea Kratzert Todd, WWP vice president of business development. "Their partnership will help us continue to provide our life-changing programs and services to wounded warriors and their families."

As part of the partnership, TBS Dental will donate a minimum of $250,000 to WWP over the next two years. The company will also host events and volunteer time to raise awareness of WWP's mission.

"We are committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of wounded veterans," said Sajid. "We believe that this partnership is a step in the right direction."

To learn more about TBS Dental's partnership with Wounded Warrior Project, please visit the company's website.

How You Can Help

There are many ways you can help support TBS Dental's partnership with Wounded Warrior Project. You can:

• Donate to WWP.

• Volunteer your time to WWP.

• Spread the word about the partnership.

Every little bit helps. Thank you for your support!

Aziyo Biologics Announces Voluntary Recall of Viable Bone Matrix Products

 

Not too long ago, I made a post to let readers know about a recall and product warning regarding a VBM (Viable Bone Matrix) material.  The material, "AlloOss Plus" is made by Aziyo Biologics, Inc.  The company recently annouonced a recall on the product.

Here is the information (via a press release) that Aziyo Biologics has posted regarding the situation.  Please note this information is dated and was posted on July 13, 2023

SILVER SPRING, Md., July 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aziyo Biologics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AZYO), a company that develops and commercializes biologic products to improve compatibility between medical devices and the patients who need them, today announced a voluntary recall of its viable bone matrix products, which are bone repair products made from human tissue that are used primarily in orthopedic and spinal procedures.

Notice of the voluntary recall was issued to centers after the Company learned of post-surgical Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infections in two patients treated with viable bone matrix product from a single donor lot. Prior to release, samples from this specific lot had tested negative for MTB by an independent laboratory using a nucleic acid test that is designed to specifically detect the MTB organism. Aziyo is fully cooperating and investigating the events in coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Out of an abundance of caution, the Company has suspended shipments of all viable bone matrix products from all donor lots. The Company is also working closely with CDC staff to notify physicians of the patients who received the particular donor lot at issue to initiate post-exposure prophylaxis.

“We are taking immediate action to safeguard patients by implementing a full product recall as we work with the CDC to investigate this event,” said Dr.

Randy Mills, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aziyo Biologics. “The people of Aziyo care deeply about the patients we serve and will continue to work with the medical community, patients, and regulatory authorities as we gather additional information.”

About Aziyo Biologics

Aziyo develops and commercializes biologic products to improve compatibility between medical devices and the patients who need them. With a

growing population in need of implantable technologies, Aziyo’s mission is to humanize medical devices to improve patient outcomes. For more

information, visit www.Aziyo.com.

Understanding and Manipulating Color by Fay Goldstep, George Freedman

 

I have known Dr. George Freedman and his wife Dr. Fay Goldstep for around 20 years know.  They are a great c couple, but more to the point of today's post... they are smart.

Recently the duo created an article of how to understand color.  It's sponsored by the very smart folks at AdDent.  I've been using AdDent products for probably longer than I have know George & Fay.  They make some really cool products that can make practicing dentistry easier.  For sure you should check them out.

Here is what AdDent has to say about Fay and George's article and the link to the article will follow...

The study of color can be extremely complex and involved. In fact, the understanding of color and its manipulation is fundamental to the ability to create esthetically pleasing restorations in the mouth.

 

In today’s dentistry, both composites and porcelains are expected to mimic not only the shade of natural dentition, but also the translucence, opacity, and shade distribution of a real tooth.

 

Overall the indications for color and shade matching can encompass both the direct and the indirect procedures that are undertaken by the dentist on an everyday basis. Much of today’s dentistry is esthetically related or expected to be esthetic by patients. Whether the restoration is a direct composite filling or an indirect ceramic or ceramic porcelain-fused-to-metal procedure, it is expected to match the coloration of all the existing teeth.

 

If the procedure is done incorrectly, then the resulting restoration will not match the teeth; and, of course, in that case the procedure will have failed even before the restoration is placed in the patient’s mouth.

To read the full article, follow this link:  https://pocketdentistry.com/7-color-and-shade/ 

Patients File Lawsuit Against Meta for Potential of Collecting Protected Health Information

 

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is facing a lawsuit for their use of a tracking tool called Pixel.

Meta Platforms Inc. is facing a number of lawsuits from patients who allege that the company's Pixel tracking tool has been improperly used to collect their protected health information (PHI). The lawsuits allege that Meta and its healthcare clients have violated HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and state privacy laws by sharing PHI without the patients' knowledge or consent.

The lawsuits stem from allegations that Meta Pixel code has been embedded in the websites and patient portals of healthcare providers. This code allows Meta to collect information about patients' visits to the websites, such as the pages they view and the information they enter into forms. This information can be used to target patients with personalized advertising on Facebook and Instagram.

The plaintiffs in the lawsuits allege that Meta and its healthcare clients have violated HIPAA by failing to protect PHI. HIPAA requires healthcare providers to take steps to safeguard PHI from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. This includes implementing technical safeguards to prevent unauthorized access to electronic health information (EHI). The plaintiffs allege that the use of Meta Pixel code on healthcare websites violates these safeguards by allowing Meta to access PHI without the patients' authorization.

It will be interesting to see how this lawsuit progresses and what comes out of it.  Private practitioners normally trust a third party to create their website(s) and normally this is a good idea simply because the office lacks the knowledge to create the site themselves.  Holding them responsible for code put in by the web designer or programmer is a difficult call.  While I'm a huge fan of protecting privacy it's also a hard call to make as this is an issue which most doctors would not have had the knowledge to be aware of.  I plan on making every effort to follow these lawsuits to see what decisions are made...