Quality products for the practice

Warm Air Tooth Dryer from A-dec

When I graduated from dental school, I never imagined that I would be able to stick fillings onto teeth and have them stay in place. Every tooth preparation had some retentive undercuts to keep the fillings (mostly amalgams) in the teeth. Those undercuts undermined the enamel cusps and caused most of the tooth fractures that we saw. Along came adhesives and we needed a way to dry the enamel and dentin before we applied them. With today’s fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth generation adhesives, there are many different directions for preparation of the tooth prior to applying them. My technique for cementing veneers requires etching, rinsing, and drying the tooth. Thanks to A-dec’s patented Warm Air Tooth Dryer, I can quickly and easily prepare the tooth surface for bonding. This innovative instrument produces a gentle flow of warm air (about 130°F at the tip), so it not only reduces moisture, but also provides much more comfort for the patient than cold air from an ordinary syringe. Some of my other cementation techniques require a moist surface for the adhesive. This is easily achieved with the gentle flow of air that is produced. The tooth dryer takes advantage of a simple law of physics. Compressed air passes through a vortex tube to produce a gentle flow of warm air. Since there are no electrical or moving parts, you can expect long-term, reliable operation. Since the A-dec tooth dryer is based upon simple technology, it can be easily installed to any source of clean, dry compressed air (60 psi). The instrument is fully autoclavable and foot control activated for added convenience. It also comes with a holder, supply tubing, and control valve. Order from your dealer or visit www.a-dec.com for more information.

Scotchbond™ Universal Adhesive from 3M ESPE

Are you and your assistants tired of juggling adhesive systems to get the results you want, then having to sort through multiple bottles to select the right product for the indication and then ensuring the directions are followed for a consistent technique to prevent problems like postoperative sensitivity? With new Scotchbond Universal Adhesive, you and your assistants now have an easy-to-use, single-bottle solution that provides uncompromising results for all surfaces in total- or self-etch mode. Surveys show that ease of use, postoperative sensitivity concerns, and versatility across surfaces are some of the top reasons for using multiple adhesive brands. Scotchbond Universal Adhesive was developed so that you can streamline your adhesive systems with one simple product that addresses your most important adhesive needs. This adhesive offers a unique combination of total- and self-etch properties, with consistent and reliable performance in all adhesive techniques. Whether used for a direct or indirect procedure, or on dentin or enamel, Scotchbond Universal Adhesive provides the performance and bond strength that you are seeking. This adhesive will bond to all surfaces without primer. The incorporation of Vitrebond™ Copolymer into the product enhances the technique-tolerance and ease of use. To use the product, dentists simply apply the adhesive to the tooth with agitation for 20 seconds, air dry the area for five seconds, and light cure for 10 seconds. Alternately, an optional etch with phosphoric acid can be performed for 15 seconds prior to application of the adhesive. This simple application process helps Scotchbond Universal perform reliably, regardless of user technique. The product is moisture-tolerant and exhibits high bond performance on moist and dry dentin and enamel. You and your assistant will love the new flip-top vial delivery option that allows for one-hand operation. No more running to the refrigerator because the product can be stored at room temperature for up to two years. The adhesive is also available in my favorite unit dose delivery system. Scotchbond Universal Adhesive’s formulation will give you excellent bond strength and assures you of virtually no postoperative sensitivity — in both the total-etch and self-etch techniques. For more information, visit www.3MESPE.com or call 3M ESPE customer care at (800)-634-2249.

Honigum Pro with GPS Technology from DMG America

This is the only impression material with Directional Intelligence™. This sounds kind of spooky, doesn’t it? An impression material that knows where to go? Leave it to German technology and ingenuity to come up with something like this. This product was introduced at the ADA meeting in Las Vegas, but I have been using it since the middle of August and have found it to be an incredibly accurate impression material. My lab has even called to ask what I am using because the margins are so sharp and easy to read. (However, my margins have always been sharp and easy-to-read since I know how to prep teeth.) This new proprietary formulation is actually engineered to find its way into the tiny crevices and hard-to-reach areas in the mouth, providing for impressions that are highly accurate. Honigum Pro goes where you put it, flows where you need it, and comes off intact when you remove it. The result is an incredibly crisp and detailed impression. Flexible working time provides you greater control prior to insertion in the mouth. Once in the mouth, the extreme hydrophilicity and rapid snap-set helps to reduce voids, impression errors, and micro-movement distortions caused by movement of the tray before it is set. The subtle honey aroma makes for a more patient-friendly procedure without increasing saliva flow like some flavors. New Honigum Pro has the ability to change its flow characteristics when placed under pressure. Here is some more great news! In order to give you a chance to experience the new impression material in your office, DMG America is offering a trial package for you at the low price of $49.95. For more information, visit www.dmg-america.com or call (800) 662-6383.

The Science of Buffering from Onpharma®

For as long as I can remember, I have been trying to distract patients from the pain of an anesthetic injection. In dental school, we were taught to pinch the tissue (not sure that ever worked). I tried using smaller bore 30-gauge needles. But now there is research that patients cannot tell the difference between a 27-gauge or a 30-gauge injection. I used a very sharp BD needle thinking that maybe the pain was from the needle piercing the tissue. I have used all kinds of dental gadgets to distract the patient but with limited success. We know that patient satisfaction is the building block of any successful dental practice. Our patients tell us in many different ways that comfort is their No. 1 criterion for rating the quality of our dental care. That is why we all try to give them a WOW experience while they are at the office. The challenge for the practice is that our primary tool for pain management, the local anesthetic injection, is usually the most painful experience the patient will have during the dental visit. A key component of injection pain is the acidity of the local anesthetic, which is a pH of 3.5. Until now, our only option has been to deliver an injection at the pH of lemon juice. I have finally found the answer to painless injections. It is Onpharma’s chairside anesthetic buffering system. Patients no longer tighten up when I begin to inject. The onset of anesthesia is faster and the anesthesia seems more profound.The Onpharma system includes its Sodium Bicarbonate Inj., 8.4% USP Neutralizing Additive Solution, used with the Onset® Mixing Pen and Onset® Cartridge Connectors. This represents the first and only automated, reliable, and convenient way to adjust the pH of lidocaine with epinephrine cartridges at chairside immediately prior to injection — a process that takes about five seconds. Onpharma’s indications for use are for reducing anesthetic pain. The full prescribing information is contained in the Onpharma® Sodium Bicarbonate Inj., 8.4% UPS Neutralizing Additive Solution Package insert, which may be downloaded at www.onpharma.com. Order by phone at (877) 336-6738 or visit www.onpharma.com for more information.

Dentistry’s Business Secrets: Proven Growth Strategies for Your New or Existing Practice by Dr. Edward Logan

I am pleased to introduce a fellow St. Louis dentist who has written a highly informative book based on his very successful experiences. I know you will find this book filled with many practical ideas for your practice. If you are looking for the way to the next level, Dr. Logan’s book will provide the roadmap. Whether you are a new dentist opening your first practice, or an experienced dentist looking to take your current practice to the next level, Dr. Logan’s new book on dental practice growth will help you achieve your goals. Written by a dentist, for dentists, Dentistry’s Business Secrets: Proven Growth Strategies for Your New or Existing Practice reveals the vital business truths Dr. Logan perfected while growing three successful dental practices from scratch. Discover how to field an employee team that provides five-star customer service. Create a powerful internal and external marketing plan that guarantees the rapid expansion of your practice. Learn to maximize website design, search engine optimization, online advertising, and social media to immediately increase your new patient volume. Examine how to keep more of your hard-earned money through accurate treatment estimates, insurance payment management, proper collection techniques, cost controlling strategies, and retirement planning. Enjoy your work more by learning techniques for clinical efficiency, productive scheduling, treatment planning, fee setting, and managing difficult patients. If you desire to maximize your practice value in the most efficient manner possible, then Dentistry’s Business Secrets is your A to Z guide to success. Uncover the essential truths not taught in dental school, and watch your practice life become less stressful, more predictable, more enjoyable, and more profitable. Paste the following link in your computer’s web browser for a video book trailer at www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJRmkfs1gd4. To order Dr. Logan’s book, go to www.DentistrysBusinessSecrets.com. I know it will change your dental practice.

To have Dr. Joe Blaes present his lecture, “Pearls For Your Practice®,” for your study group or dental society, please call (866) 274-4500.

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