Surgical motor magic

Piezomed from W&H is a surgical motor that can detect the inserted instrument and adjust its power class automatically. It facilitates the dental professional’s work thanks to innovative ultrasound technology, only bone substance is resected with high precision. The surrounding soft tissue remains uninjured offering a real patient benefit of less pain and quicker healing.

The Piezomed module combines with W&H’s Implantmed to produce an implantology motor and piezosurgery unit in one device. This means the Implantmed combined with the Piezomed module can be used to facilitate many surgical applications, including guided implant treatments, and produces an ideal solution for extractions.

For more information, contact the team at W&H today. 

To find out more visit www.wh.com/en_uk, call 01727 874990 or email

office.uk@wh.com

A helpful test for peace of mind

As an innovator in early oral cancer detection solutions, the BeVigilant™ OraFusion™ system from Vigilant Biosciences® helps clinicians to diagnose oral cancer in Stages I and II to accelerate treatment and improve patient outcomes.

The early signs of oral cancer can be easily mistaken for other conditions, like mouth ulcers. As such, it’s important that clinicians regularly conduct examinations to monitor the health of the mouth, and become more confident identifying early symptoms of mouth cancer. If a clinician spots a suspicious lesion, the BeVigilant™ OraFusion™ system can be used to identify the presence of biomarkers associated with oral cancer, producing a result in 15 minutes or less. The results of the test can then be used to inform referral for specialist care.

Find out more about the helpful pre-diagnostic test, please contact the team.

For more information, please visit https://totaltmj.co.uk/products/bevigilant-orafusion/

Call: 01202 313702 or Email: Info@totaltmj.co.uk

Reach out with Sensei

Make communication a breeze with Patient Bridge, a Sensei product, the cloud-based patient engagement platform from Sensei, the practice and patient management brand from Carestream Dental.

Patient Bridge Premium offers several brilliant new changes that can help your practice’s communication excel.

24/7 online bookings are supported by reminders and recall messages that invite patients to book their next visit. Plus, you can optimise the use of SMS messaging and HTML email, including links and images, as well as direct mail letters, to reach your patients in the way that suits them.

Appointment reminders can help to minimise no-shows, with patients able to reply to messages for direct communication with the practice.

To learn more about Patient Bridge Premium and how it can help your patient-practice relationships flourish, contact the team today.

For more information on Sensei Cloud visit https://gosensei.co.uk/  

For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @carestreamdental.uk

Guided implant surgery simplified with Smile in a Box™

In order to produce the best results for patients, prosthetically guided implant planning is essential. In order to produce an outcome which is aesthetic, functional, and easy for patients to maintain, clinicians must consider the final prosthesis, and the way in which this will inform dental implant placement.

Guided dental implant surgery provides clinicians with the tools they need for accurate surgeries and highly predictable results. While both freehand and guided methods can result in success, guided placement can help to lower the risk of complications,[i] and ensure that the implant is placed in an ideal location.

As such, it’s important that clinicians who wish to offer this method have access to the facilities they need to produce surgical guides, in order to provide predictable treatment to each and every patient.

The facilities needed for guided placement

In dental implantology, there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach. Different patients have different requirements, with some needing a single implant, others multi-unit solutions, and some full-arch treatments. Practices which do not have the resources in-house to accommodate each of these scenarios may find that they must refer patients elsewhere. However, when you provide guided implant treatment with Smile in a Box™, you gain access to all of the facilities you need to offer a wide range of implant treatment options. Smile in a Box™ allows clinicians and their patients to benefit from the Straumann® digital workflow – without the need for practices to invest in additional hardware or software.

Guided implant surgery workflows are made simple with Smile in a Box™. It’s easy to submit your case, so the team can plan the implant treatment ready for you to review and approve during a live online session. You’ll also have the option to plan the treatment yourself, if you prefer. Smile in a Box™ can then get started creating surgical guides and/or temporary restorations for you to approve, as well as offer high-quality, centralised CAD/CAM production. Once everything is ready, Smile in a Box™ delivers all of the components you’ll need to your practice in time for treatment – conveniently packaged in a box.

Access the Straumann® digital ecosystem

When practices outsource to Smile in a Box™ for their guided dental implant planning and guide manufacture, they gain access to the benefits of Straumann® digital solutions. The process is seamless, making each treatment a breeze, perfect for busy practices who would like to provide high-quality guided dental implant treatment to their patients. Smile in a Box™ allows clinicians to cater to everything from single tooth to edentulous cases. This makes it simple to meet the needs of patients, without investing in additional software or equipment. Plus, clinicians gain easy access to the Straumann Group implant portfolio, including Straumann®, Neodent®, and Anthogyr® systems – simply select the best option for each patient.

Predictable care in every case

In order to provide predictable care in your practice, guided workflows offer security for you and your patients. With high-accuracy, taking into account the resulting prosthesis to achieve ideal placement, clinicians can ensure the best options for every patient. Plus, the flexibility afforded to clinicians who utilise Smile in a Box™ allows practices to meet the needs of a broader range of patients.

This is the perfect option for those who are looking to provide an increased volume of dental implants, and for growing practices with limited resources and high demand. With access to innovative Straumann® technology, what better way to give your treatments the best chance of success?

To find out more about guided dental implant treatment planning with Smile in a Box™, please visit the website and get in touch with the team.

For more information on the StraumannÒ Smile in a Box™, visit https://www.straumann.com/digital/en/discover/smile-in-a-box.html

[i] Edison Prosthodontics.  https://www.edisonprosthodontics.com/blog/2021/09/21/freehand-vs-guided-dental-implant-surgery/

Efficiency with ease

Effective oral hygiene routines are best when they’re simple for patients to follow. The Waterpik® Cordless Slide Water Flosser is the epitome of ease, with the comfortable removal of up to 99.9% of plaque at the treated areas.[i]

Built with a design that collapses to 50% of its original size, the Cordless Slide can fit into any bathroom and washbag, for patients that are looking for an at home interdental solution, or an answer to on-the-go oral care.

With the power of a quiet, delicate stream of water, the Cordless Slide is up to 50% more effective for improving gum health than string floss;[ii] twice as much for implants;[iii] and three times as effective for removing plaque around braces![iv]

To learn more about the simplicity of Waterpik® solutions, contact the team today.

For more information on Waterpik® Water Flosser products visit www.waterpik.co.uk. Waterpik® products are available from Amazon, Costco UK, Argos, Boots, Superdrug and Tesco online and in stores across the UK and Ireland.

 Join the 3,000+ dental teams who have already benefitted from a professional Waterpik® Lunch & Learn. Book your free session for 1 hour of verifiable CPD and a free Waterpik® Water Flosser – available either face to face or as a webinar – at www.waterpik.co.uk/professional/lunch-learn/.

[i] Gorur, A., Lyle, D. M., Schaudinn, C., & Costerton, J. W. (2009). Biofilm removal with a dental water jet. Compendium30(1), 1.

[ii] Rosema, N. A., Hennequin-Hoenderdos, N. L., Berchier, C. E., Slot, D. E., Lyle, D. M., & van der Weijden, G. A. (2011). The effect of different interdental cleaning devices on gingival bleeding. J Int Acad Periodontol, 13(1), 2-10

[iii] Magnuson, B., Harsono, M., Stark, P. C., Lyle, D., Kugel, G., & Perry, R. (2013). Comparison of the effect of two interdental cleaning devices around implants on the reduction of bleeding: a 30-day randomized clinical trial. Compend Contin Educ Dent34(8), 2-7.

[iv] Sharma, N. C., Lyle, D. M., Qaqish, J. G., Galustians, J., & Schuller, R. (2008). Effect of a dental water jet with orthodontic tip on plaque and bleeding in adolescent patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics133(4), 565-571.

The foundations of a fulfilling and prosperous dental career

The transition from university student to foundation dentist (FD) to dental associate in a busy practice involves a steep learning curve for professionals. At a time when you are consolidating and expanding your clinical knowledge and skills, you must also become familiar with a wide range of administrative, practical and regulatory elements.

To avoid becoming overwhelmed and to grow as a clinician in the most efficient and enjoyable way possible, it is essential that you find a supportive environment in which to progress. The people around you, the mentorship you receive and the growth opportunities available to you, are all crucial. Only with all of these elements can you lay strong foundations for a long, prosperous and fulfilling career in dentistry.

At Rodericks Dental Partners we offer more than a career. We understand the pressures you face and the support you need to successfully complete the transition to dental associate. That’s why we offer a unique FD+1 programme – a year-long initiative that provides an array of benefits specifically tailored for newly qualified dentists as they navigate their first year in practice.

What can you expect from the Rodericks Dental Partners FD+1 programme?

 Continued education

 High-quality educational opportunities are provided as part of the FD+1 programme, designed to help you enhance your skills and remain updated on industry trends and regulations. A comprehensive calendar of in-house CPD events is available, covering an extensive range of topics, from composite bonding and other restorative techniques, to endodontics, orthodontics and oral surgery. This is an excellent opportunity to further your knowledge and skills in wide ranging areas of dentistry.

Mentorship

Having a mentor is essential, particularly when learning new skills and taking on more complex cases. The FD+1 programme provides direct access to an allocated mentor who has extensive experience of teaching and supporting foundation dentists in their early careers. The structured mentoring programme means that you can engage with your mentor regularly throughout the year, via email or virtual platforms, face-to-face sessions and during hands-on training. While learning new skills and applying them to practice, or approaching more difficult cases, your mentor will offer bespoke advice and provide a safety net that ensures the highest clinical standards for all of your patients. Your mentor can also help you adapt your personal development plan for a well-rounded education in your early career.

Networking

Of course, your mentor is not the only individual supporting you through this journey. With Rodericks Dental Partners, you have access to an extensive network of clinicians, support team members and experts in their relevant fields. This means there will be plenty of like-minded clinicians to turn to for advice, to share experiences and bounce ideas off of. Our clinical teams also include some of the most talented and highly respected specialists in the UK, who you may wish to collaborate with as you learn the necessary skills for advanced cases.

Career Development

The whole of the FD+1 programme is designed to accelerate your career development, providing a platform for exposure to numerous dental specialties and career paths. As you expand your skills, you can see which areas you enjoy most and what you may like to focus on in the future. There are also several co-funding initiatives available in addition to the aforementioned internal CPD programme. For example, you can take advantage of discounted courses with external training providers – including Invisalign and the Smile Academy – for further career progression in your chosen field. All of our FD+1s can also access support in building private dental services, boosting your earning potential while further diversifying your skills.

Professional Support

Complementing the clinical support and mentorship offered to all our FD+1s, Rodericks Dental Partners affords the benefit of help in non-clinical areas. Professional services are available to include everything from administrative assistance to, complaint handling and business development resources. You are never on your own and there is always an expert to turn to if you need advice or help in a certain situation.

Here for you

Ultimately, we want all of our FD+1 clinicians to get the very best start to their career at Rodericks Dental Partners. We make support, motivation and development opportunities a priority through our dedicated FD+1 programme – to find out more contact our team today!

To find out more about Rodericks Dental Partners and our FD+1 scheme, please get in touch

via our website https://rodericksdentalpartners.co.uk/careers/contact

or email recruitment@rodericksdental.co.uk

A comprehensive, high-quality training programme for skill development

Professor Cemal Ucer and his team of experts from ICE Postgraduate Dental Institute and University of Salford are proud to offer experienced implant dentists the Advanced Certificate in Bone and Tissue Regeneration and Sinus Grafting: a comprehensive, structured programme with cadaveric training.

Set over five months, this intensive course is delivered in 5 parts; a webinar series, 2 days of hands-on workshops and 2 intensive days of cadaveric surgical training. Part 5 includes sinus grafting under supervision at ICE Hospital. All topics relating to advanced bone and tissue reconstructive surgery are covered – you will also learn how to use Implant-Pro, an online patient assessment and treatment planning tool.

Upon completion, you will receive 60 hours of CPD, and a wealth of knowledge that will allow you to broaden your clinical capabilities and improve the care you deliver to patients. You will come away with skills you can implement immediately into practice, boosting professional and personal confidence.

To book your place, visit the website or get in touch with the team today. 

To find out more, contact Ucer Education today. Contact Professor Ucer at

ucer@icedental.institute or Mel Hay at mel@mdic.co;

call 01612 371842 or visit www.ucer-clinic.dental.

Let’s get clinical

With keynote lectures from the BDA and CDO, the Clinical Theatre at this year’s BDIA Dental Showcase in March brings together key opinion leaders delivering sessions on the latest techniques that can be used in practice, to a high clinical standard with key learnings, bridging the gap between theory and daily use in practice.  

Speakers include Doug Watt a partner in a private practice and board member of the International Digital Dental Academy who will be addressing, on behalf of Henry Schein, the impact of digital dentistry on patient consent and treatment uptake; and consultant oral & maxillofacial surgeon, Mahesh Kumar, who will be talking about the causes and presentations of mouth cancer.

To find out more about the dental profession’s foremost annual event, visit https://dentalshowcase.com/whatsontoday!

 BDIA Dental Showcase 2024

22nd-23rd March

ExCeL London

dentalshowcase.com

The exposure factor

Maxillary sinus exposure after tooth extraction is a common occurrence that requires prompt identification

Maxillary sinus exposure after tooth extraction refers to the accidental perforation or opening of the maxillary sinus during the process of removing a tooth from the upper jaw. This can occur due to various reasons, such as a thin bone wall separating the sinus from the tooth socket or excessive force applied during the extraction.[i]

As you know, the maxillary sinus is a cavity located in the cheeks, above the upper teeth.[ii] It is lined with mucous membranes and serves to filter, humidify, and warm the air we breathe. When a tooth is extracted from the upper jaw, there is the risk of creating a communication inadvertently between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus.

To manage maxillary sinus exposure, prompt identification and appropriate treatment are crucial.[iii] If suspected during the extraction, the dentist may stop the procedure and assess the extent of the exposure. A visual inspection and radiographic imaging, such as a periapical or panoramic x-ray, can help determine the size, location, and severity of the sinus opening.[iv]

The classification of maxillary sinus exposure can vary, but it generally includes three categories: small, moderate, and large. A small exposure refers to a perforation measuring less than 2-3mm in diameter, a moderate exposure ranges between 3-5mm, and a large exposure exceeds 5mm.i

Simple procedure

Immediate management of small exposures usually involves the simple procedure of primary closure, suturing the perforation site with resorbable or non-resorbable sutures. It is essential to inform the patient about potential complications, such as sinus infection, during the follow-up period.[v]

In cases of moderate or large exposures, primary closure may not be feasible due to the size of the perforation or compromised soft tissue. In these situations, a secondary closure technique would be employed. The secondary closure involves creating a surgical or buccal advancement flap to access and close the sinus communication. This technique allows direct visualisation and proper manipulation of the exposed sinus membrane.[vi]

In some instances, the dentist may decide not to close the maxillary sinus exposure immediately. This may be due to factors such as inflammation, infection, or inadequate visualisation of the perforation site. In such cases, the clinician may choose to place a resorbable or non-resorbable membrane over the perforation site to act as a barrier and promote healing. This guided tissue regeneration technique allows the soft tissue to regenerate, closing the communication between the sinus and the oral cavity over time.iii

Complications

Post-operative care is crucial for patients who have experienced maxillary sinus exposure during tooth extraction. Dentists may prescribe antibiotics, nasal decongestants, or saline rinses to minimise the risk of infection and promote healing. Following the dental professional’s instructions regarding diet, oral hygiene, and activity restrictions is essential to prevent complications.[vii]

Complications that can arise from maxillary sinus exposure include sinusitis, oroantral fistula, sinus infection, implant failure, and delayed healing.iii Patients should be informed about these potential risks and encouraged to report any persistent symptoms, such as pain, swelling, discharge, or difficulty in breathing through the nose.

Given that a tooth extraction is one of the treatments most feared by many patients, using the correct – and best – instruments is vital for both the treatment and the patient experience.[viii]

With Piezomed from W&H, dentists and oral surgeons have all the advantages of cutting-edge ultrasound technology at their fingertips. Ideal for extractions, its high frequency microvibrations allow for incredibly precise surgical procedures – only bone substance is resected – and its cavitation effect ensures an almost blood-free surgical site. The surrounding soft tissue remains largely intact, which means less pain for the patient and a quicker healing time. As soon as an instrument is inserted, Piezomed automatically detects the instrument being used and assigns it to the correct power class. This not only facilitates operation but also increases safety in oral surgery, including maxillary sinus exposure corrections.

Maxillary sinus exposure after tooth extraction is a relatively common occurrence that requires prompt identification and appropriate management. The classification of the exposure determines the treatment approach, which may range from primary closure to guided tissue regeneration or surgical flap techniques. Close monitoring and post-operative care are essential to minimise the risk of complications and ensure optimal healing.

To find out more visit www.wh.com/en_uk, call 01727 874990 or email

office.uk@wh.com

[i] Somayaji, K., Muliya, V.S., KG, M.R. et al. A literature review of the maxillary sinus with special emphasis on its anatomy and odontogenic diseases associated with it. Egypt J Otolaryngol 39, 173 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s43163-023-00536-7 [Accessed January 2024]

[ii] Whyte A, Boeddinghaus R. Correction to The maxillary sinus: physiology, development and imaging anatomy. Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 2019 Dec;48(8):20190205c. doi: 10.1259/dmfr.20190205.c. Epub 2019 Sep 10. Erratum for: Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 2019 Dec;48(8):20190205. PMID: 31502867; PMCID: PMC6951093. [Accessed January 2024]

[iii] Khandelwal P, Hajira N. Management of Oro-antral Communication and Fistula: Various Surgical Options. World J Plast Surg. 2017 Jan;6(1):3-8. PMID: 28289607; PMCID: PMC5339603. [Accessed January 2024]

[iv] Vestin Fredriksson, M., Kuoljok, J., Flygare, L., Berggren, D., Tano, K. (2019) Clinical Manifestations and Symptoms of Maxillary Sinusitis of Odontogenic Origin Demonstrated by Cone Beam Computed Tomography Journal of General Practice, 7(1): 371 https://doi.org/10.4172/2329-9126.1000371 [Accessed January 2024]

[v] Parvini P, Obreja K, Begic A, Schwarz F, Becker J, Sader R, Salti L. Decision-making in closure of oroantral communication and fistula. Int J Implant Dent. 2019 Apr 1;5(1):13. doi: 10.1186/s40729-019-0165-7. PMID: 30931487; PMCID: PMC6441669. [Accessed January 2024]

[vi] Belmehdi A, El Harti K. Management of oroantral communication using buccal advanced flap. Pan Afr Med J. 2019 Oct 3;34:69. doi: 10.11604/pamj.2019.34.69.19959. PMID: 31819785; PMCID: PMC6884724. [Accessed January 2024]

[vii] Testori T, Drago L, Wallace SS, Capelli M, Galli F, Zuffetti F, Parenti A, Deflorian M, Fumagalli L, Weinstein RL, Maiorana C, Di Stefano D, Valentini P, Giannì AB, Chiapasco M, Vinci R, Pignataro L, Mantovani M, Torretta S, Pipolo C, Felisati G, Padoan G, Castelnuovo P, Mattina R, Del Fabbro M. Prevention and treatment of postoperative infections after sinus elevation surgery: clinical consensus and recommendations. Int J Dent. 2012;2012:365809. doi: 10.1155/2012/365809. Epub 2012 Aug 9. PMID: 22927851; PMCID: PMC3423929. [Accessed January 2024]

[viii] Dhanraj Ganapathy, Sivesh Sangar, Hemavathy Muralidoss. Fear Of Dental Extraction. Int J Dentistr y Oral Sci. 2021;08(05):2470-2473 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352253205_Fear_Of_Dental_Extraction

Powerful oral protection in a rinse

Perio Plus+ from Curaprox is an alcohol-free range of oral rinses which offers patients powerful protection against a wide range of microorganisms, defending teeth and gingiva from oral diseases such as dental caries, gingivitis and periodontitis.

The rinses contain chlorhexidine (CHX), well known for reducing bacterial plaque,[i] together with Citrox®, an ingredient naturally-derived from bitter oranges that is combined with polylysine amino acids. This combination means that the rinses adheres well to the teeth, gums and oral mucosa for a long-lasting effect.

Three variants are available: Perio Plus+ Forte, an extra intensive rinse, boasting CHX at 0.2%, for use before and after invasive dental procedures; Perio Plus+ Regenerate, a rinse for supporting tissue regeneration and treatment-related dry mouth; and Perio Plus+ Balance, an everyday rinse with a CHX concentration of 0.05%. Learn more about how Perio Plus+ can help your patients by visiting www.perioplus.com/uk.

For more details, please visit www.perioplus.com/uk

[i] Brookes ZLS, Bescos R, Belfield LA, Ali K, Roberts A. Current uses of chlorhexidine for management of oral disease: a narrative review. J Dent. 2020 Dec;103:103497. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2020.103497. Epub 2020 Oct 17. PMID: 33075450; PMCID: PMC7567658.