Innovator Profile: DENTSPLY Implants

Innovation drives our profession and DLP wants to recognize the companies at the forefront.  In this Innovator Profile, DLP spoke with Craig Rodriguez, VP of Marketing for DENTSPLY Implants North America, about new products and lab education.

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Q: Tell us about DENTSPLY Implants’ edentulous solution options. What are some of the new entries into this product category?  

A: DENTSPLY Implants offers a comprehensive selection of versatile options for the treatment and care of fully edentulous patients, which includes attachment-retained (e.g. Ball or Locator), bar attachments, screw-retained fixed bridges and hybrids, and milled bars. Most recently, we have expanded our solutions offering to include fixed removable options, which are fixed, implant-borne restorations that can be removed by the patient for cleaning. This solution also provides patients with a more economical solution than a screw-retained, fixed bridge, but one that also provides the same long-term stability and function.

Within this category, our ATLANTIS Conus Abutments are conical in shape and fixed utilizing a friction fit design. Designed with the sophisticated ATLANTIS VAD™ (Virtual Abutment Design) technology, the abutments can be designed to be precisely parallel to each other for optimal fit and function. As a part of our continued innovation, we will soon be launching the ATLANTIS ISUS 2in1, a solution that combines screw-retained stability with removable prosthetic convenience through a two-piece bar design made up of a base bar with a second bar that is precisely designed to attach over the first bar. While a bit more costly, the patient benefits from a fixed solution with optimized hygiene capability.

Q: What makes ATLANTIS™ Conus Abutment and ATLANTIS™ ISUS different than other options on the market?

A: A key difference in our ATLANTIS solutions is the computer intelligence behind the designs of the components that help to ensure key bioengineering principles are maintained for the highest level of precision needed for long-term function.

Q: Which implant systems are compatible with ATLANTIS Conus Abutment and ATLANTIS ISUS? How can these products fit into existing workflows?

A: At DENTSPLY Implants, we are committed to an open-minded approach to the products and services that we offer, which means that many of our solutions are compatible for most implant systems, including all the major ones. Our ATLANTIS solutions are a good example of this approach, whereby, neither laboratories or clinicians need to change their process of implant system(s) of preference in order to provide an optimal, patient-specific solution. Incorporating ATLANTIS also does not require additional investment in hardware or software and can be easily included by a dental laboratory or clinician.
 
Q: Why should customers have peace of mind when using ATLANTIS solutions?

A: All our products have gone through extensive regulatory and quality control measures and are backed by more than 15 years of bioengineering development and expertise. We are so confident in the quality of our product, that our competitive warranty also covers the implant should the other implant manufacturer not honor their warranty.

Q: How does DENTSPLY Implants work with labs to make sure they’re educated and prepared to work with  these new systems?

A: With our “dual channel” clinical and laboratory sales organization, we are able to provide separate and specialized support dedicated to our laboratory customers. Our services include in-lab training as well as regional, national and international lectures and hands-on programs. We also provide co-marketing support materials to help laboratories’ efforts to increase their clinician base.  

Q: What else does DENTSPLY Implants offer its customers that is a unique approach in the industry?

A: DENTSPLY Implants offers comprehensive solutions for all phases of implant therapy, including digital treatment planning, regenerative solutions, implant systems, restorations and practice development services. As a “one-stop shop” for implant therapy, we focus on leveraging technology to streamline processes and create efficient workflows to enhance communication and coordination among all members of the treatment team.

Featured Product

DENTSPLY Implants offers comprehensive solutions for all phases of implant therapy, including ATLANTIS patient-specific prosthetic solutions for all major implant systems. Designed from the final tooth shape, ATLANTIS patient-specific abutments are available for cement-retained and single-tooth, screw-retained restorations, and offered in titanium, gold-shaded titanium and up to five shades of zirconia.

In addition, ATLANTIS patient-specific overdenture solutions include ATLANTIS ISUS bar, bridge and hybrid suprastructures, and ATLANTIS Conus Abutment-a conical shaped abutment that incorporates a friction fit, implant-borne prosthesis while being removable like an overdenture. All ATLANTIS solutions are backed by a comprehensive warranty for your peace of mind.

This article originally appeared in the July/August 2014 issue of Dental Lab Products. For articles on other great techniques and upcoming lab products, click here to subscribe to DLP's newsletter bit.ly/dentallabenews.