DENTSPLY Friadent News

IDS news for implantologists: latest technology for the implant practice

03-24-2009 | DENTSPLY Friadent is presenting new options at the IDS with virtual planning for implantology and CAD/CAM-milled prosthetics

DENTSPLY Friadent is expanding options for implantology with the introduction of new ExpertEase instruments for placement of XiVE implants as part of guided surgery and with the option of CAD/CAM-controlled fabrication of dentures with the utmost accuracy for ANKYLOS, XiVE and FRIALIT. The application of these computer-guided technologies provide even greater predictability with the results of implant placements for practitioners and patients. 

Extremely accurate planning and fabrication of superstructures for implant-supported dentures 
DENTSPLY Friadent is presenting CAD/CAM-milled prosthetics for the partially edentulous and edentulous jaw for the first time at the IDS 2009. The new DENTSPLY CAD/CAM technology (Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Manufacturing) enables computer-controlled design and computer-controlled fabrication of bridge frameworks and bars by milling technology. Even complex bridges and bar constructions on six and more implants are fabricated totally without tension with the new computer-controlled milling process. It is no longer necessary to segment extended spans. The DENTSPLY CAD/CAM center accurately scans all coordinates of the cast and tooth position. The data are used to create a patient-specific design for the superstructure on the computer. The laboratory is integrated online in the design phase: individual requirements or corrections can be integrated, because the CAD/CAM center prepares a customized milling strategy and starts the milling process only after the laboratory has approved the design. The advantage: the computer-controlled fabrication yields a maximum accuracy and eliminates the complex rework steps required with casting processes.  Particularly smooth and homogenous metal structures are fabricated at gingival level with the prefabricated implant-abutment connection. The metal structure of removable solutions is always perfectly integrated with the computer-guided planning. With the optimum design of the bridge frameworks the practitioner can achieve a brilliant esthetic result and satisfied patients.  The high degree of planning security, the outstanding esthetic results, the reduction of the treatment time and a ten-year guarantee for the bars and bridge constructions offer a decisive advantage for the patient compared to manually fabricated superstructures. 

Minimally invasive implant placement with XiVE ExpertEase sleeve-on-drill instruments 
The new XiVE guided surgery drills, sleeves and implant drivers have been specially designed for computer-guided implantology with ExpertEase. ExpertEase makes placement of the implants more accurate and easier with the guide compared to previously available surgical guides. After the virtual implant planning with the ExpertEase software, the patient-specific ExpertEase surgical guide is ordered. The guide transfers the 3D-planned implant position accurately to the patient's mouth. The special drill system with guide sleeve fixed to the drill bit and integrated drill-stop system (sleeve-on-drill) guarantees perfect accuracy in the guide and an accurate drilling depth for the implant length. This greatly simplifies preparation of the implant site and placement of the XiVE implants. The minimally invasive protocol also reduces #pain and stress for patients, even with flap procedures. XiVE ExpertEase instruments greatly reduce the time required for treatment with improved patient compliance. 

Convenient and cost-efficient 
With the new ExpertEase instruments for XiVE a "third hand" is no longer required for implant placement. The adjustable guide sleeves are premounted on the drills to ensure an accurate fit and are inserted into the template with the drill. The dentist can comfortably operate the drills with two hands, in contrast to other systems.  The XiVE ExpertEase surgical kit contains all required GS (Guided Surgery) instruments and is designed for simplicity and ease of use. Except for the sleeves, all instruments can be sterilized and re-used up to 20 times.  Unlike other similar types of software, ExpertEase is independent of implant systems, which means that it can be used to plan placement of implants from all other manufacturers that are included in the SimPlant implant library. 

Advantages of virtual implant planning 
Virtual implant planning based on the world-leading SimPlant software by Materialise provides a safe and accurate plan of the implant positions in the jaw. The dentist starts with a scan; the ExpertEase program is compatible with conventional CT and cone beam scanners. It provides a complete, accurate image of the patient's anatomy in an interactive environment for planning the treatment. Then the dentist checks the Hounsfield units to obtain information on the bone quality around the planned implant site and to draw conclusions on the expected primary stability of the implant. ExpertEase shows an image of various categories of bone density in color. The system offers additional security with automatic collision control, which provides optical and acoustical warning of insufficient clearance between implants or nerves.  The implants are placed, aligned and checked in 3D. Virtual teeth – particularly in partially dentition – can be replaced in a scanning template, which allows crown-down planning for optimum implant positioning with reference to esthetic and functional factors.  ExpertEase subsequently provides a realistic display of the implants and abutments. This procedure selects the optimum components and positions them accurately in relation to the anatomy and the prosthetics before surgery.  The preselection in the "Favorites" gives users of DENTSPLY Friadent systems direct and therefore more convenient access to their own system. 

DENTSPLY Friadent is continuing to develop its products and services 
DENTSPLY Friadent with the clinically proven ANKYLOS, XiVE and FRIALIT implant brands and with FRIOS for autologous bone regeneration is presenting comprehensive solutions for implantological restoration of all surgical and prosthetic indications at the IDS. A major factor is the  development and implementation of innovative and unique  technology in the DENTSPLY Group, the world leader in the dental market.