Joe Blaes, DDS
SL3™: Soft-Tissue Laser from Discus Dental — This is the only desktop diode laser that offers multiple high-end features at a low-end price. It is engineered by the same innovators of the award-winning NV Microlaser. The SL3 will deliver advanced portability, convenience, and ease-of-use at a value the industry has been seeking. For years, I have hated the process of stripping, scoring, and cleaving the glass fiber laser tips. It was always a chore! The new SL3 eliminates that process with a disposable fiber tip that is ready to use. I really like that. This new laser was designed from the bottom up with the company listening to dentists just like you and me. Discus spent the time to find out what we wanted in a new laser, and then delivered in the SL3. This is a battery-operated, desktop laser with long-lasting battery life so you can easily move it between treatment rooms without worrying about recharging. I have had a problem with finger fatigue and loss of visibility with the finger-activated lasers. I was happy to find a wireless foot pedal that conveniently activates the laser just like my other handpieces. Now I can see exactly what I am doing. The SL3 has a full-color LCD touchscreen interface with 18 general dentistry and orthodontic preset procedures with voice confirmation, and three watts of power in continuous and pulsed modes. These dentist and patient friendly features are combined with an entry-level price point, and an eight-credit continuing education laser certification course that make the SL3 a great value. Call Discus today to order. Learn more at (800) 217-8822, or visit the company at www.discusdental.com/lasers.
The PaX-Duo3D from Vatech America — This product features auto-switching technology to allow switching between a panoramic sensor and a CT sensor without doing it manually. PaX-Duo3D allows the advanced 3-D scan for patients but can quickly rotate for a 2-D scan. A dedicated sensor for each system provides superior image quality for an effective patient treatment plan and diagnosis through 3-D cross-sectional, canal, and implant simulation. PaX-Duo3D also features a special scanning mode for scanning incisors, the mandibular canal, and maxillary molars. The scanner features an LCD window for patient guidance, as well as an imbedded camera for patient positioning. PaX-Duo3D provides four multi-FOV sizes: 5 x 5, 8.5 x 5, 8.5 x 8.5, and 12 x 8.5. Diagnosis and treatment are completed more efficiently by having the option to choose an FOV size for a specific region of interest. With the 12 x 8.5 FOV size, a simultaneous review of the full arch and the maxillary sinus is possible. Each capture mode of PaX-Duo3D obtains an optimized image of the region of interest with minimum radiographic exposure. The capture modes include maxillary, mandible, occlusion, and TMJ. Furthermore, each mode specifically supports the right, left, and center areas for a precise radiographic diagnosis. The system acquisition screen allows for easy selection of the best view of the teeth and the landmarks necessary for a diagnosis and a treatment plan. You can even narrow the field of view down to a single tooth in either arch. It is simple to train your team on the PaX-Duo3D because the acquisition screen is simple and intuitive. Vatech’s goal is to make a product that will be used to its fullest in the dental office daily. With the two dedicated sensors, you have one unit with two operations and two capabilities. This gives you everything in a singular tool for your office. I want to emphasize that I have given you only the basic information on this exceptional piece of diagnostic equipment. I encourage you to contact Vatech America at (888) 396-6872 or visit www.vatechamerica.com for more information.
Septoject Evolution from Septodont — This is an innovative needle with a patented scalpel designed bevel. I have finally found a replacement for what I thought was the sharpest dental needle before it was taken off the market a few years ago. Now here comes a new needle to take its place just in time; I am about to run out of the ones I bought when I heard they would not be available anymore. Septoject Evolution is engineered for a smoother penetration with less tissue displacement. This means less discomfort for patients, even when used for multiple injections. For the dentist, the need for less force — combined with significantly reduced deflection — brings better control and accuracy. You will not feel the tug of the tissue as the needle penetrates. This has to be more comfortable for patients. Septoject Evolution has a bevel mark and the hub of the needle, as well as an orientation mark on the opposite side of the bevel to have a visible reference point during insertion. The needles come in sizes for certain procedures. For infiltration (periapical), PSA — Posterior Superior Alveolar — nerve block, MSA — Middle Superior Alveolar — nerve block, and palatal anesthesia, use the short needle in a 27- or 30-gauge in 25-mm length. For intraligamentary, intraseptal, and intraosseous injections, use the extra- short needle in a 30-gauge, 9-mm length. If you think a needle is just a needle, think again! Order Septoject Evolution from your dealer or visit www.septodontusa.com for more information.
GC Fuji TEMP LT from GC America — This cement is indicated for the temporary (provisional) cementation of all types of all-ceramic, resin, and metal-based crowns and bridges, as well as implant abutments. This is an innovative cement that is the first of its kind in conventional glass ionomer temporary cement. The new chemistry from GC America allows for stable and reliable performance of the provisional cementation of restorations. GC Fuji TEMP LT has excellent handling without a runny consistency, and has a low film thickness for an accurate fit. This is a biocompatible material that is nonirritating to the tooth structure or soft tissue. This makes it an ideal choice to help prevent peri-implantitis. The product has great thermal insulation that helps to prevent sensitivity. This new material is easy to clean up with no adverse residual effect on final cementation, which is common with eugenol cements. A change in the chemistry of the glass ionomer makes the bond to dentin slightly less so that the subsequent removal of the restoration is made easier. But rest assured, there is high bond strength and appropriate physical properties for cases in which high retention is needed. This cement represents the missing piece in temporary cementation procedures. It can be used for cementing provisionals that you have made or for the temporary cementation of permanent restorations and implants. In addition to these benefits, the product has the ability to release fluoride and to continually recharge fluoride. This is great protection for the tooth. For more information on GC America’s products, please call customer service at (800) 323-7063 or visit www.gcamerica.com.
Small Deep Vestibule Mouthpiece from Isolite Systems — With the addition of the new Small DV (Deep Vestibule) mouthpiece to its product lineup, Isolite Systems now makes available six distinct super-soft mouthpieces that are designed to fit patients varying in size — from small children to adults. The super-soft Isolite mouthpiece used with the Isolite and Isodry systems makes the patient experience more comfortable. It allows the patient to rest his or her jaw on a soft bite-block versus having to hold it open for the entire dental procedure. With the tongue comfortably retracted by the Isolite mouthpiece, it is kept safely away from the dental procedure and the dental drill to avoid unintentional injury to the tongue. Additionally, the mouthpiece shields the patient’s airway as an added measure of safety to prevent inadvertent aspiration of a foreign body, such as a broken or extracted tooth, crown, or implant. The new size was developed for patients who need a small bite-block but have a relatively deeper vestibule compared to other small-mouthed people. For these patient types, the new shape and design of the Small DV mouthpiece allows for an even more complete tongue retraction and better fit in a patient’s mouth. Its expanded cheek shield shape provides improved suction that goes deeper into the vestibule. The new design features a more stable bite-block, and provides additional suction capacity behind the bite-block, assuring that saliva does not pool behind the mouthpiece. Visit www.isolitesystems.com for more information and to order.
This month’s continuing education opportunity: An Overview of Mini-Implants and Their Role in Complete Denture Treatment from IneedCE.com — Implants and mini-implants have been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration for a considerable period of time. They are indicated for several treatment modalities. They have been found to improve treatment outcomes with complete dentures, particularly where anatomical challenges are present that otherwise result in reduced stability and denture retention. A step-by-step process is essential for success, and the goals of denture fabrication can be met through careful treatment planning by following the standard steps required for denture fabrication and, where indicated, for using mini-implants. This CE course is included with this issue of DE, or it may be accessed by going to www.IneedCE.com, where you can also review the many other fine CE courses available.
To have Dr. Joe Blaes present his lecture, “Pearls For Your Practice®,” for your study group or dental society, please call(866) 274-4500.
