Pain free care courtesy of KaVo

Durr Vector, from KaVo, is a development of ultrasonic technology. The instrument itself does not oscillate and is driven passively by a device in the handpiece head. The instrument tip does not generate heat and does not therefore require water-cooling. The result is a much slimmer handpiece head allowing easy access to all areas of the pocket. KaVo claims this is less painful for the patient.

Vector destroys bacterial biofilm and endotoxins and removes plaque and calculus, leaving a smooth root surface. There is no possibility of damaging subgingival tissue as the instrument oscillates vertically and retracts if pressed too hard. Cleaning power comes from the precise action of water which is continuously swirled around the instrument. A polishing fluid can be added. The pocket is intensively rinsed without forming aerosol. For more information call 0800 281 020.

Reader response number 55

Panadent security

Panadent sutures are made from PTFE and are non-absorbable, slipping through the tissues during placement and removal, yet possessing knot-tying security.

White in colour, the sutures are aesthetically acceptable. They do not absorb plaque, reducing malodour and possible chances of infection. Traditional catgut sutures, made from bovine intestinal material, have now ceased to be supplied in the UK.

Panadent claims that no anaesthesia is required for suture removal. Sutures are available in size 3/0 with a 22mm inside cutting needle in half or eighth circle.

For more information visit www.panadent.net

Reader response number 56

Healthy gingivae from Techceram

Techceram claims that their natural bicompatibility and extremely accurate fit, their Techceram based restorations reduce the risk of gingival recession traditionally associated with some metal backed restorations. The patented Flame Spray Technology creates thin, high strength alumina base-layers that do not shrink during processing, resulting in an extremely precise fit. This allows accurate porcelain margins to be established which promote long-term biocompatibility with gingival tissue. Visit www.techceram.com for more information

Reader response number: 57

Software to help the sensitive patient

With more and more patients becoming aware of gum disease and turning to their dentist for help, one of the key areas for periodontal software is patient education. There are evident advantages to using a periodontal software programme. Team Management's Systems 'Arthur' boasts the following features:

  • Flexibility to create your own indices, allowing you to determine what values are recorded and which colours are assigned to each index.

  • No limitation on profiles or which indices are used within each profile, and the ability to determine how many readings should be taken and where and when those readings should appear on the screen.

  • Good graphics support showing items such as pocket depth and gum recession in an anatomical view

  • Comparisons of past readings with charts to show the improvement over the last few appointments.

  • Software support.

For further information contact Team Management Systems on 01296 614255.

Reader response number: 58

Dentsply's optimum performance

Dentsply is committed to ensuring that all Cavitron users get the very best from their ultrasonic scaling machines for many years. To help Cavitron users get the optimum performance, Dentsply has designed an exclusive range of Cavitron inserts.

The Dentsply scaling range includes 16 styles of insert for 25Khz machines and 14 for 30Khz machines. These include Thru-Flow inserts (TFI), as well as Focused Spray inserts (FSI) and a set of 3 slimline FSI inserts (that are 40% thinner than conventional tips to permit sub-gingival scaling)

Dentsply also has new patient information literature to accompany its Cavitron SPS/SPS Jet ultrasonic scaling units. The literature has been developed to communicate benefits of ultrasonic scaling and polishing to patients.

A literature set and holder are available free of charge for any Cavitron users. For more information visit www.dentsply.co.uk

Reader response number 59

Competition winner announced

Eight-year-old Helen Jenkins has been announced as the overall winner of the Braun Oral B and Henry Schein 'Keeping My Teeth Clean' drawing competition.

Helen's drawing, which encourages a daily routine of brushing your teeth with toothpaste and using mouthwash and floss to keep them clean and healthy, was chosen from the 12 finalists' drawings by visitors to the 2001 Dental Showcase.

Helen, a patient of Mr KLS Pasquill's dental practice in Woking, received a first prize of Disney Store gift vouchers to the value of £150, and won an invitation to the 2002 Dental Awards in April for Mr Pasquill.

Reader response number 60

Sensodyne Gentle Ultra from GSK

Many patients suffer from sensitive teeth. The sensitivity can be chronic or temporary, but inevitably impacts on the patient's quality of life and may even affect their eating habits. From the patient's point of view, any product which helps alleviate this pain or discomfort is welcome.

All cases of dental sensitivity have one common feature: some of the tooth dentine is exposed or eroded due to loss of enamel or cementum. When the dentine at the neck of the tooth becomes exposed sensitivity occurs inhibiting the patient from proper brushing. In all cases of sensitivity it is important to recommend a suitable toothbrush which will not aggravate the condition.

Sensodyne already offers a wide range of products to assist with the problem of sensitive teeth, and now extends this range with the new Sensodyne Gentle Ultra toothbrush.

The new Sensodyne Gentle Ultra has been designed to be effective, reaching gently into the gum line to help remove plaque. The brush is available in one size and has a dome shaped head. Its features include a compact head with ultra soft, end-rounded filaments sympathetic to sensitive teeth and tender gums, a slim neck to enable access to all areas of the mouth and a broad handle to offer a safe, comfortable grip.

Sensodyne claims that used in conjunction with Sensodyne Total Care F toothpaste, the brush offers all day protection from the discomfort of sensitive teeth.

Contact your local representative for a free sample, or phone 0208 975 5693.

Reader response number 61