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OsseoNews July 2006 Review

In case you missed an issue, here are the links to our most popular dental implant blogs from last month. Just click on any title to read the blog.

Topping the list is: Dental Implant Malpractice Worries.

Next up is: Materialise Sues Nobel Biocare.

Then we have: Implants Impact on Endodontics.

Finally, we have: Piezosurgery Technique and Dental Implant Perforation

For a full listing of all our July 2006 dental implant blogs, please click here.

July 31, 2006 in Dental Implant News | Permalink | Comments (1)

Do Mini Implants Prevent Bone Loss?

Deana, a patient, asks us:
I have seen 4 different dentists and oral surgeons about repairing my teeth. It has been determined that I do need to get implant-supported dentures, but I would was given two different treatment plans.   

One plan contemplates the insertion of regular dental implants, while the other plan proposes to use a mini dental system.  Since I am relatively young for full dentures, I am 48, I am concerned about bone loss in my face as time goes on. Do the mini dental implants help to prevent bone loss, or are they just to keep the dentures secure? Is there really any benefit of mini implants over regular implants in this case? I would appreciate your feedback as I have researched the topic, but could not find enough information available in order to make a good decision.

July 24, 2006 in Mini Dental Implants | Permalink | Comments (3)

Piezo Surgery Technique

Dr. Dollalmo, asks us,
Has anybody had any experience with the recently introduced piezosurgery surgical unit?

Can you please share with me the pros and cons of  this new surgical technique? Is this truly a revolutionary technique for cutting bone?

July 24, 2006 in Piezosurgery, Surgical Placement of Dental Implants | Permalink | Comments (20)

A New Dental Implant Coating?

Researchers at the Medical College of Georgia found in experimental studies that dental implants coated with a new class of morpheonetic proteins demonstrated significant osteogenic properties.

This may represent a new technology for stimulating bone regeneration to replace lost bone.  A formal study of this new technology will begin shortly.  Interestingly, hydroxyapatite which has not worked as well as originally expected may have an underlying disadvantage of slow resorption and replacement with new bone.

"For the past 20 years, there has been a quest to regenerate tissues around teeth that are lost due to periodontal disease," Dr. Wikesjo, the lead researcher says. "I've looked at multiple approaches to achieve regeneration, including bone grafts, root conditioning and membrane devices for directed tissue growth, all resulting in some regeneration. Where we had to look was at the commonalities among these treatments." By experimenting with treatments and discerning their effect on healing bone defects, they found some - including some in use today - that actually hinder tissue regeneration. "Some biomaterials like hydroxyapatite particles, which are chemically similar to the mineral component of bone, may actually interfere with regeneration," Dr. Wikesjo says. "They may not resorb quickly enough and may block the space for new tissue to grow into."

With regards to the new protein technique  Dr. Wikesjo comments, "There are still things we need to learn. In some cases, the protein may rapidly release from the implant, and other times, there appears to be a more gradual release,". "We need to find out what factors cause that. In the end, we may not need to use much protein to make the implant effective. Those are things we're looking at now."

What are your thoughts on this new research? Any comments on the hydroxyapatite findings?

Source:  Medical University of Georgia

July 24, 2006 in Dental Implant News, Surface Treatments | Permalink | Comments (2)

Alloy Implants

Dr. Charlton asks:
I am concerned about placing pure titanium dental implants.  The alloy implants appear to be stronger. 

In fact, I have seen dental implant fixtures fracture.  I have discussed this question with one major implant company and they assure me that there is no significant difference in dental implant fixture strength and resistance to fracture when considering alloy or pure titanium.  Incidentally, they have to use pure titanium because their proprietary surface coating will not bond to the alloy.  What is the track record out there with those of you who have used both pure titanium and alloy dental implants? Is there really no difference? Thanks.

July 24, 2006 in Dental Implant Materials, Dental Implant Systems | Permalink | Comments (9)

Materialise Sues Nobel Biocare

Any thoughts on the recently filed lawsuit by Materialise against Nobel? Materialise claims that the NobelGuide system infringes on a patent granted to Materialise back in the 90´s, a patent which formed the basis of Materialise´s dental drill guide system, SurgiGuide, introduced back in 1999.

According to Materialise, the principal allegation against Nobel refers to a method for making medical models, including guides for dental surgery, that involves the use of grey value images and rapid prototyping. "We would prefer not to resort to litigation, but we must protect our intellectual property and patented technology, wherever it is infringed," stated Materialise CEO Wilfried Vancraen. "Our solution was the result of years of development work and a basis for further developments, continuously providing cutting-edge technology that contributes to the success of implant dentistry."

Materialise asserts that Nobel Biocare as well as diverse dental experts and opinion leaders in the industry were very well aware of the development of the SurgiGuide drill guides, which were presented at open conferences for clinicians. "Customers," says Vancraen, "have been shocked about the launch of the NobelGuide system and the Procera software from Nobel Biocare without the involvement or the acknowledgement of the rights of Materialise." He adds that "our customers need to know they can rely on Materialise. Our products are based on extensive research and supported by a large R&D team."

How do you think this lawsuit will play out? Quick out of court settlement, perhaps? Will there be any long-term effects on Nobel or others?

July 18, 2006 in Dental Implant News, Dental Implant Software | Permalink | Comments (13)

Implants Impacting Endodontics?

Steven asks us:
I am going into my fourth year of dental school and am trying to figure out what direction to go after I graduate.  My family dentist encouraged me to go into a specialty and he recommended endodontics. 

I have completed one research project in endo which I hope to publish.  But I wonder if endo is going to draw down because of the number of dental implants that are being placed.  In fact, I have heard that that many patients are opting for dental implants instead of endo.  Interestingly, I even recently saw an advertisement for a dental implant placement course Nobel Biocare is giving specifically for endodontists.  So, my question is: should I apply for endo?  With the growth in the dental implant market, will there even be enough endo for me to make a living? Is the future of endo in dental implants?

July 17, 2006 in Implant Practice Management | Permalink | Comments (15)

Flipper Hitting the Dental Implant

Rod, a dental implant patient, asks us:
I recently went to my dental implant dentist to check to see if my implant had fused enough to add the tooth. He was quite upset because the flipper that I had been using was hitting the dental implant and the dental implant hadn't fused well yet (4months since implant).

Is this just matter of fixing the flipper and waiting more time or is this a real problem with the dental implant?

July 17, 2006 in Flipper, Patient Questions | Permalink | Comments (7)

Benefits of Dental Implants

Gail ask us:
The benefits of dental implants as it pertains to oral health is well documented.

However, I am interested in getting more information regarding the overall health impact of dental implants beyond just the oral aspect. Have there been any studies regarding this aspect of dental implants? Can it be said that dental implants improve your overall well-being? If so, how? Thanks.

July 17, 2006 in Benefits of Dental Implants | Permalink | Comments (2)

Cost of Dental Implants

Jannete, a patient from Texas, asks us:

I'm 33 year old female with a top denture and teeth on the bottom that need to be removed. I would like to get dental implants but I am worried about the cost, as my insurance company will not pay for them.

I would love to be able to smile again!!! I´ve been depressed for years because of my smile. Are there any types of payment plans for dental implants? Is there any non-profit that will help someone like me get dental implants? What about manufacturers? Do they accept patients like myself into trials or tests for dental implants? How else could I do to lower my expenses for dental implants? Thanks very much for any help.

July 11, 2006 in Treatment Planning & Complications | Permalink | Comments (15)