Equipment & Supplies

BIOLASE Technology Inc. introduced a new line of all-tissue lasers, the Waterlase MDX, at the annual Chicago Dental Society Winter Meeting.

Minimally invasive dentistry has become a hot topic over the last few years. New technology and techniques have focused on earlier diagnosis and detection as well as early intervention of disease.

The Picasso dental laser is purported to be an affordable laser featuring a touch screen with 8 programmable presets and modes, a multiple language menu and low annual operating costs to make it easy to integrate throughout the practice. KEEPS COSTS LOW: Disposable tips and low cost strippable fiber along with a low operating cost make it well suited for first-time or expert laser practitioners.

For those of us who have entered lightly into the dental technological digital era, we may only have one or two components in our offices. In our office, aside from practice management software, caries and oral cancer detectors, we have Air Techniques’ indispensable Polaris intraoral camera. Why indispensable?

Feel like your office has the basics down? There are likely many areas in your operatory that you are not considering. Remember to flush your vacuum lines on a daily basis to prevent buildup of debris inside the lines and pump. Buildup will reduce suction or damage the pump. Cleaning the vacuum valve and trap should also be done weekly. Cleaning and maintaining your dental waterlines is crucial to your overall operatory maintenance to prevent biofilm, but it also plays a role in handpiece maintenance to prevent blocked waterlines.

Over the last decade many new technologies have been incorporated into dental practices including digital impression systems, diode lasers, digital radiography, LED curing lights, and caries detection devices, yet many individuals are using the exact same handpiece they have always used. Most likely this is an air-driven handpiece with a high pitched whistle and a moderate amount of torque.

The low-profile Floor Activator is an alternative to infrared faucets or peddle valves. It is adaptable to any style of sink arrangement including porcelain, drop-in counter, pedestal, wall-hung or traditional cabinets. It offers hands-free temperature selection and the ability to mount directly in the floor or optional surface mount.

Fifteen new dental products debuted on www.dentalproductsreport.com for the week of July 16, 2012. The products categories represented by these newcomers range from digital radiography and technology to equipment and infection control.

Purchasing an intraoral camera is one of the fastest, easiest and highest returning investments a dentist can make. A quality intraoral camera system can generate a full return on investment in as little as 1 to 3 months.

What is the average time for a porcelain buildup? With all the studies and articles I have read throughout the years, I can honestly say “who knows.” I developed my No Cut Back Technique more than 20 years ago and have taught this technique throughout the United States at various dental conventions. This technique is designed to increase production and at the same time allow the ceramist to produce a much more esthetic restoration.

When the ship sailed, Daniel Serrago, president of Garland Dental Services and IBEX Dental Technologies was on it, but he was already planning a new future. The year was 1996, and Daniel, who had worked for 15 years as a radio electronics officer on commercial ships, was in search of a different career. His two children were entering adolescence and he wanted to be at home with them and his wife, rather than working at sea for months at a time.

The question arises, though, why implants? Why has Dental Products Report added a team on dental implants?

Small-headed handpieces are nothing new. I’m guessing most of us have owned one at some point in our careers. We’ve been enamored by their compact size but underwhelmed by their ability to cut tooth structure.

  Photo: ProDrive

For the past 25 years, I’ve had a good working relationship with Pittman Dental Lab. Shane Treadaway and the rest of the group at Pittman are great people who strive for perfection in every piece of work they produce, just like I do. Of course, longevity is only one measurement of a successful relationship.

You’ve got a practice and staff you’re proud of and patients coming through the door. You have all the tools you need to deliver great care. but are you in total control?

Florida-based Sun Dental Labs released its 2012 webinar schedule with a free informational offering each month. The online courses require pre-registration and have limited space, and feature a mix of topics with some months promoting and highlighting the services Sun Dental Labs offer and other focusing on tips for managing dental practices and labs. See the complete schedule below: