News & Notes

Perfect protection

Manufacturer Meyer-Haake says patients will feel considerably better after a periodontal treatment having the secure protection provided by a foil matrix cover.

With the Perfect-plast-kit, Meyer-Hakke claims every dental assistant can mould a complete jaw within one minute. By using an inexpensive foil, the need for a vacuum device or laboratory work is eliminated.

Perfect-splint nets, also available from Meyer-Haake, can be cut to any length and be used to splint loosened teeth, stabilize transplanted or replanted teeth and strengthen dentures or thin-walled temporaries. Perfect-splint nets are quickly affixed to the etched enamel and can be worn over a long period of time.

Reader response number: 056

Survey supports Dentomycin

Blackwell Supplies Ltd claims a recent practice-based survey suggests Dentomycin is an extremely useful adjunctive treatment for adult periodontal disease.

The survey was carried out in 34 centres across the UK, with Dentomycin used as an adjunct to conventional scaling and root planing.

Dentomycin has a broad spectrum antibacterial action which, it is claimed, is particularly effective against key periodontal pathogens.

Full survey results are available to dentists and may be obtained by calling 01634 877 620.

Reader response number: 057

Dentyl pH puts fresh breath first

Dentyl pH has been designed to physically remove the oral bacteria and debris that cause bad breath.

The formula consists of a natural essential oil and a water-based solution. When shaken, the two components combine to form a powerful solution keeping breath fresh for up to 18 hours. Its gentle formulation does not contain alcohol and has the same pH level as saliva. Active ingredients include triclosan, sodium fluoride and cetylpyridinium chloride.

Reader response number: 058

Easy access with Dentsply

Dentsply's FSI-100 Cavitron insert has been designed for light to moderate gross debridement, incorporating a contra-angle bend at the base of the tip for better posterior access.

The patented water delivery system on this insert provides water to the tip, reducing spray, and requires no external water tube.

Dentsply claims that with less water required, the FSI-100 makes scaling easier by increasing clinician versatility and patient comfort.

The FSI-100 is available in both 25k and 30k frequencies. To ensure Cavitron inserts work it is essential they are replaced both efficiently and effectively.

For more information on the FSI-100 Cavitron insert, replacement tips and further details of the Dentsply preventative range call 01932 837 275.

Reader response number: 059

The Septodont shine

Septodont produces several scaling and polishing pastes to promote preventive care.

Detartrine from Septodont is an abrasive paste for finishing off after scaling. It has a purely mechanical action, enabling the dentist or hygienist to perfect the scaling and polishing without eroding the dental enamel.

Detartrine Fluoride paste is pleasant tasting and used after scaling for polishing and fluoridation. The paste produces a smooth surface which Septodont claims makes it highly effective in reducing the adherence of plaque. Also available is Detartrine Z scaling paste to aid final polishing . Call 0800 435 155 for details.

Reader response number: 060

Protect soft tissue with General Medical

EsthetiCap abutments are designed to create anatomical peri-implant ginigival contours with ease. The abutments, available from General Medical Equipment Co Ltd, use the biological regenerative potential following initial surgery to achieve optimal results.

Aurobase customisable abutments and Cerabase customisable abutments are also available from General Medical.

AuroBase abutments have a base of only 0.6mm, allowing the technician to build the optimum soft tissue shape. Cerabase ceramic abutments are compatible with soft tissues and being metal free eliminates the risk of shine.

Available from Haley Ltd is PerioGlas, a synthetic bioactive glass for the treatment of periodontal, periapical and intrabony defects and defects associated with implant placement.

Call 01380 871 100 for details on General Medical products and 01380 870 820 for information on Haley Ltd products.

Reader response number: 061

Optident flies to success

Optident are pleased to announce an agreement with American Eagle Instruments Inc for sole distribution rights of their range of quality instruments including the unique EagleLite Select range of Perio instruments.

Optident claims its lighter, larger (three by eight inch) instruments promote comfort and control and have a tactile sensitivity that feels like an extension of the practitioner's hand. This results in less hand fatigue and lower risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.

EagleLite working tips are hand-sharpened and Optident claims they stay sharp two to four times longer than competitive products. Tips can be replaced in the convenience of the office. Instead of sending instruments away for traditional re-tipping work, it is possible to replace the entire instrument end with a quick twist.

Quality is guaranteed with EagleLite instruments. Unhappy customers can return the tips for a full refund with no questions asked. For more information call 01943 605050.

Reader response number: 062

Statement on Opalescence from Optident

• 1 On 28 June 2001, the House of Lords gave judgment on the appeal by Ultradent Products Inc and Optident Limited against a decision in July 1999 of the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal had decided that Opalescence was an unlawful cosmetic product for the purposes of the EC Cosmetics Directive (as implemented in the United Kingdom by the Cosmetics Products (Safety) Regulations 1996, and, therefore, was prohibited from being supplied in the UK. In consequence, Optident the exclusive distributor of Opalescence in the UK, removed Opalescence from the market pending the decision of the House of Lords.

• 2 The House of Lords has upheld the decision of the Court of Appeal. Therefore, the supply of Opalescence, which is a tooth bleaching product sold in kit form manufactured by Ultradent remains prohibited in the UK. There have been several other similar products manufactured by other companies on the UK market and the practical effect of the House of Lords decision is that they are also prohibited from supply in the UK.

• 3 The decision of the House of Lords only applies to the UK. Therefore, Opalescence remains available elsewhere in Europe and indeed throughout the world. Furthermore, the decision of the House of Lords does not prohibit the dental technique of tooth bleaching – it concerns only the use of Opalescence and similar products which are labelled and supplied for the specific purpose of being used for the bleaching of teeth.