UK dentistry that doesn’t cost the earth

July 2008

The clinic introduces Natix 80% porous titanium osseointegration granules produced by Tigran Technologies AB of Malmo, Sweden.

Natix granules are 80% porous and provide enhanced primary stability and increased long term secondary stability for dental implants due to the non-resorbable properties. Bone restoration and sinus augmentation can be done at the time of implant placement shortening the overall implant placement procedure times by several months in almost every case.

Using Natix increases the possibility of placing an implant immediately after an extraction, saving treatment times again.

June 2008

OSSTELL MENTOR

Our Implantology Clinic purchases an Osstell Mentor, which is an ingenious device made in Sweden, which takes the guesswork out of assessing whether or not a Dental Implant has integrated well with the bone. A reading of below 60 means that further integration time is required. A reading over 70 means that the Osseo-integration process is complete, and the crown can safely be placed on the implant, and the implant ‘loaded’ (used as a normal tooth).

It uses the principle of a tuning fork, but with the sophisticated electronic sensing device it can detect the slightest vibration, thereby measuring the bond between an implant and bone tissue. The principle is simple, but the invention is ingenious.

May 2008  

‘BIO-CERAMICS’ - A NEW CONCEPT IN DENTAL IMPLANTOLOGY

Bio-Compatible Zirconia Ceramic Implants are Manufactured in Germany by ZITERION GmbH.

‘Bio-Ceramic’ implants are the latest innovation in dental implantology. They are made using a revolutionary new process, and are the perfect aesthetic solution that also solves the bio-compatibility problem at the same time.

Ziterion is launching a two-piece zirconia implant in March 2009, which the company believes is a pioneering development in implantology.

Aesthetics: Immediately after the insertion of an implant the crown fits closely to the gums, however after a period of time progressive gum recession will result in the implanted base becoming exposed, and if the implant is metallic in colour (as titanium is) it will be visible. Using a Zirconia Ceramic Implant, (which is white in colour) means that the implant won’t be noticeable above or below the gum line, (as is often the case with Titanium Implants) as it will be the same colour as the root of a natural tooth.

Bio-Compatibility: In studies conducted throughout the world the estimated rejection rate of titanium implants has been acknowledged to average 4%, irrespective of ethnic background. This rejection is due to patients’ immune response system’s reaction to heavy metals, and has been recognised by dental implantologists throughout the world for many years, Although on average only 4% of patients are affected, it is nevertheless a rate that cannot be ignored.

The Ziterion 'Snap-On' denture fixing system allows dentures to be removed easily for cleaning by the patient. Screwed fixings for dentures meant that the patient had to visit their dentist to have them removed, and the bar system meant that special metal framed dentures were required at high cost.

March 2008

THE ONLY CLINIC IN SOUTH WEST ENGLAND WITH AN i-CAT CT SCANNER

The Tamar Valley Dental Clinic takes delivery of an i-CAT Cone Beam 3-D Dental CT Scanner. The clinic is the first in the South West of England to have this technology. Most clinics have to rely on a Panoramic X-Ray (OPG) for the diagnosis of a patient’s oral condition prior to placing implants. The accuracy of a CT scan and the information it provides is invaluable, ensuring that the risk to the patient is greatly reduced.
See CT Scans

December 2007  

CEREC 3D CROWN MILLING CENTRE

Our acquisition of a CEREC 3D Crown Milling Centre means that we can now make Ceramic Crowns and Veneers at the same time that we are preparing a patient’s teeth. Patients are now able to have permanent Crowns and Veneers instead of temporaries. This saves patients on travelling time by reducing the number of visits required. See CEREC Crowns