Friday, June 19, 2009
SomnoDent MAS Helps Open Airway for OSA
SomnoMed out of Crows Nest, Australia has been showing off its SomnoDent MAS device for obstructive sleep apnea at Sleep 2009 in Seattle this week. Worn while sleeping, the MAS is two custom shaped acrylic plates connected to each other, that are fitted over the teeth by a dentist, that force the lower jaw a bit forward. In other words, the device delivers what anesthesiologists call the "Jaw Thrust."
Features:
A streamlined design with minimal bulk, which maximizes the size of the lingual space and reduces gagging. An excellent fit in both upper and lower arches. The unique design provides anterior and posterior contact, which provides a stable occlusion and prevents tooth movement and minimises termpero-mandibular joint discomfort and injury caused by bruxing. The MAS is constructed in two separate pieces that allow patients to open and close their mouths. This allows clear speech, yawning and drinking without requiring the patient to remove the appliance. The ability to communicate clearly while wearing the device is particularly appreciated by patients and their partners. The small form factor of the MAS and absence of anterior retaining mechanism helps patients sleep with their mouths closed. This minimises excessive salivation, dribbling, dry mouth and other common side-effects from wearing oral appliances. The high-quality fit of the SomnoDent® MAS provides excellent levels of retention and ensures that there is limited to no damage to existing teeth, crowns or bridgework. Additionally, patients can titrate the device (if required) and it is easy to clean and disinfect. While it is exceptionally durable, its acrylic construction allows it to be easily repaired. The device is titratable and allows for each individual patient's optimal protrusion position to be found. One that is both effective and comfortable to the patient.
Product page: SomnoDent® MAS
(hat tip: ProactiveInvestors)
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Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Dentistry Meets Grand Theft Auto
Faculty and students at Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry have teamed up with BreakAway, a firm that builds game-like environments for training simulations, to create a 3D recreation of the dentist's experience. From meeting patients to actually practicing on virtual teeth, the tool has been a popular way for students to hone their skills.
From Medical College of Georgia:
The implant simulation game uses multiple patients and clinical scenarios that can be randomly selected, letting students interact with virtual patients by asking about their medical history, examining them and arriving at a diagnosis. Like humans, the virtual patients have different personalities, and students must tailor treatment based on the mental, physical and emotional needs of the individual.If the virtual patient is a candidate for implant therapy, the simulation then ventures into a virtual clinical treatment area, where students decide the type, location and orientation of the implants, type and location of anesthesia and tools for surgery.
The game uses Pulse!! Virtual Learning Lab, developed by BreakAway in partnership with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi through funding from the Office of Naval Research.
As effective as the learning tool is, it is intended to supplement – not replace – actual clinical training.
Student reviews have been overwhelmingly positive and added great value to the final product, says Dr. Cibirka, noting he also worked with a team of faculty subject matter experts to ensure educational accuracy.
Press statement by Medical College of Georgia: Simulation helps students learn dental implant procedures
Link: BreakAway homepage...
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Monday, April 20, 2009
PediSedate Helps With Sedation, May Create New Cultural Phenomenon
As many anesthesiologists and dentists are acutely aware, administering inhalational anesthetics to young uncooperative patients can be a tricky business.
Not seeing any advantage in having someone strap a mask to their face, children will often automatically reject it and proceed to star in an ad hoc theatrical production for the entire clinical staff.
In a stroke of genius, Dr. Geoffrey Hart brought together an immersive video game display, a pulse oxymeter, capnometer, and a nitrous oxide delivery tube to create an entirely new gaming experience. Pulling down the snorkel over the eyes and nose activates the video screen and allows the anesthetic to be introduced by the physician without all the huffing and puffing.
Product page: PediSedate...
(hat tip: Coolest Gadgets)
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Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Styla MicroLaser Wins Product Design Award
The winners of this year's Medical Design Excellence Awards have been announced, and we're going to be profiling the devices that most catch our clinical eye.
In the dental category, Zap Lasers, LLC of Pleasant Hill, California was the winner for the company's Style MicroLaser. 
The device is apparently the first microlaser produced for dentists, and is designed to be used for soft-tissue procedures for little pain, recession, or bleeding. The unit works off of interchangeable lithium batteries, and is activated wirelessly using a foot switch for easy operation by the dentist.
More features from the product page:
Styla MicroLaser: Weight: 1.9 ounces Dimensions of Laser: 6.3”L” x 0.65” diameter Medium: GaAIAs Laser Diode Wavelength: 808 +- 5nm Operation Mode: CW and Pulsed at 10Hz Output Power: 2.0Watts Maximum Delivery System: 400 Micron Fiber. Built-in Disposable Tip. Audible Notification: Yes Visual Notification: Yes Preset Procedures: Yes Dimensions on Cradle: 2.7” “H x 2.9”W” x 8.0”L” Power requirements: 100-240 VAC @ 50 to 60 Hz Amperage: 0.8 amps maximum Rechargeable Lithium IonFoot Pedal:
Wireless Frequency: 2.4 GHz
Power source: AA Batteries (provided)
Product page: STYLA MicroLaser...
Press release: 32 Innovative Products Win Medical Design Excellence Awards...
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Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Diagnostics @ Home: Light Probe for Tooth Decay, Plaque Detection
Scientists at the University of Liverpool, along with colleagues at Inspektor Research Systems BV, Amsterdam, Holland, have developed a dental probe for identifying early plaque build-up and decay of the teeth. It is hoped that the eventual product will be easy enough for anyone to use at home. Moms and dads, for example, will be able to more effectively monitor the dental health of their children.
The toothbrush-sized product has a blue light at its tip, which, when shone around the mouth and viewed through yellow glasses with a red filter, allows plaque to be seen easily as a red glow. The device, produced in collaboration with dental and healthcare developers, Inspektor Research Systems BV, has been designed for everyday use in the home.Dentists currently use disclosing agents in tablet form to uncover tooth decay and plaque but these often stain the mouth and taste unpleasant. The new product, known as Inspektor TC, will be particularly useful for those who are vulnerable to dental diseases such as children and the elderly.
Children in the UK have had an average of 2.5 teeth filled or removed by the age of 15 because of tooth decay. In young people alone £45 million is currently being spent every year on the problem.
Professor Sue Higham, from the University’s School of Dental Sciences, said: “It is extremely difficult to get rid of all plaque in the mouth. Left undisturbed it becomes what we call ‘mature’ plaque and gets thicker. This is what leads to gingivitis, or bleeding gums, and decay.
“Early stage plaque is invisible, and so this device will show people the parts of the mouth that they are neglecting when they brush their teeth, enabling them to remove plaque before it becomes a problem.
“Inspektor TC is designed so that people can easily incorporate it into their daily dental hygiene routine at home. We now hope to work with industry partners to develop this prototype so that people can use it in the home to identify plaque before any serious dental work is needed.”
Press release: Scientists develop new tool to improve oral hygiene
Inspektor Research Systems BV homepage...
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Thursday, January 15, 2009
Faster Dental Digitizer Promises to Speed Up Appointments
Sirona Dental Systems has released its latest dental CAD/CAM system for automatic capture of digital tooth impressions. The system revolves around a blue LED powered camera that automatically takes pictures without intervention by the dentist.
Features from the product page:
Improved visibility The blue light emitted by the CEREC Bluecam illuminates the treatment site perfectly and allows you to capture near inaccessible areas with the utmost precision.
Automatic image capture The camera automatically detects the right moment to trigger the exposure. All you have to do is move the CEREC Bluecam step by step over the relevant area. In this way you can acquire whole quadrants in a single streamlined operation.
Shake-free images The built-in shake detection system, combined with the short capture time, ensures that images are acquired only when the camera is absolutely still. The CEREC 3D software automatically eliminates substandard images.
Compact camera The CEREC Bluecam is based on the design of the highly successful CEREC camera, which has proved itself many thousands of times in practical application. The compact dimensions of CEREC Bluecam give you easy access to posterior teeth. With the help of the CEREC camera support you can place the CEREC Bluecam directly on the teeth and hence maintain the correct clearance for optimum optical impressions.
Outstanding depth of field You can either place the CEREC Bluecam with the camera support directly on the tooth, or capture the images leaving a small clearance from the surface. In both cases the parallel light beam ensures an optimum depth of field as well as a high level of handling flexibility. The versatile CEREC Bluecam allows you to acquire optical impressions in near inaccessible areas of the oral cavity -- quickly and simply.
Enhanced preparation margin precision Resulting from its improved depth of field, the CEREC Bluecam generates high-precision images of the preparation margins -- a crucial factor for the quality of the restoration. This would be unthinkable without the short-wavelength blue light.
Press release: Sirona Introduces CEREC® AC Powered by Bluecam:The Most Advanced Dental CAD/CAM System Available
Product page: CEREC AC
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Thursday, October 16, 2008
Dental Lamp with Solid-state LEDs Delivers "Pure White Light " and Energy Savings
Philips Lumileds, a manufacturer of LEDs and other lighting technologies, is reporting that Brazil-based firm Gnatus Equipamentos Médico-Odontológicos Ltda. has released a LUXEON-based dental lamp, the first such device in the industry to use solid-state lighting technology.
More about the device that uses Philips's LUXEON® K2 LEDs:
The new Gnatus Dental Lamp LED Plus overcomes the inconveniences associated with conventional halogen models, including short bulb life, high power usage and spillover light that has in some cases prompted dentists to supply patients with sunglasses, while also offering significant advantages for dental care.Benefits of Gnatus’ LUXEON-based dental lamp over halogen alternatives include:
40% brighter than halogen products
12-25 year life compared to 3-6 months
60% reduction in power consumption
True white light, improving dental diagnosis and resin matching for crowns, veneers and other restorations
Reduced heat output, eliminating dentist and patient discomfort
No peripheral light shining in patients’ eyes
Smaller, sleeker design enabled by eliminating the need for large reflector required for halogen product
Press release: Gnatus implements LUXEON LEDs for advanced dental lamp, improving patient care and comfort with pure white light ...
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Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Laser Light Helps The Pain During Dental Work
MedX Health out of Mississauga, Ontario just won FDA approval for its laser system for dental intraoperative pain relief. The best part is that the device requires no injections and no medications.
From the product page:
The MedX Oralase portable laser offers dental staff a proven, drug free solution to eliminate pain and accelerate soft and hard tissue repair. There are over 325 dental research studies reporting positive effects of laser therapy in more than 90% of the trials! MedX dental products offer fast, easy setup, 1-2 minute treatment times and excellent results. The unit is lightweight with a built in rechargeable battery. The MedX Oralase uses an infrared GaAlAs laser diode, plus three visible red guide LEDs. Interchangable fibre optic light guides provide ready access to intra-oral treatment sites. The kit includes a convenient carrying case with laser safety goggles.
From the press release:
Oralase is a photobiomodulation device, also known as low level laser therapy (LLLT), exclusively designed for dentists to alleviate pain and accelerate tissue repair following dental procedures."We are very pleased to have received the 510(k) Clearance Letter from the FDA so that we can begin to immediately provide the dental community with our non-invasive and drug free solution to relieve pain due to surgical and other procedures. Oralase will not only relieve the pain by accelerating tissue repair, but it will provide patients the increased comfort of accelerated healing," said Steve Guillen B.Sc., M.B.A., president and chief executive officer, MedX Health. "Through our partnership with Technology4Medicine, we expect to fulfill a great unmet need in the dental community as well as other markets including dermatology and plastic surgery."
"With this FDA clearance, we will offer Oralase to dentists across the U.S. taking dentistry to a new level, increasing production for the dental office, and providing a better experience for patients," stated Jeffrey W. Jones, chief executive officer of Technology4Medicine.
Press release: MedX(R) Receives FDA Clearance for Oralase(TM), an Advanced Laser Treatment for Pain...
Product page: MedX Oralase Dental Portable Low Level Laser
Device brochure: Oralase Specification Brochure (.pdf)...
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Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Everest Breathing Device: From The Mountain to the Bedside
A device which almost helped Tom Bourdillon to reach the peak of the Everest (three days before Sir Edmund Hillary) is being resurrected to help people suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Researchers from University College London's Centre for Altitude, Space and Extreme Environment Medicine, who rediscovered the functionality of the device, are teaming up with Smiths Medical to develop a product for COPD patients and those who are oxygen-depended in critical care units:
Bourdillon’s research was rediscovered by Jeremy Windsor and Roger McMorrow, mountaineering scientists at the UCL Centre for Altitude, Space and Extreme Environment Medicine (CASE), who had the idea to redevelop it into a modern breathing circuit for climbers.“Bourdillon recognized that the problem on Everest was low levels of oxygen and if you solved the problem of delivering oxygen you would effectively reduce the height of the mountain to sea level,” said Dr McMorrow. “No-one knows exactly why his device failed but when I tested my prototype on Cho Oyu in the Himalayas 2005 it also failed. In my case the soda lime CO2 absorber malfunctioned and it is possible Bourdillon had the same problem although another theory is that it was a frozen valve. A recently invented CO2 absorber called ExtendAir solved the problem on my circuit.”
Dr McMorrow, when a Smiths Medical Research Fellow at UCL, showed his mountaineering prototype to Dr Russell at Smiths Medical, which has a long-standing partnership with UCL that includes collaboration on research in the field of respiratory medicine.
The two scientists quickly realized that the prototype for mountaineers had the potential to evolve into a ground-breaking device for COPD patients as well as for other patients weaning from oxygen in hospital and those on home oxygen.
Last year the device was successfully tested on Mount Everest at the Smiths Medical High Altitude Laboratory at Namche Bazaar, Nepal at 3,400m, (11,154 ft) as part of the Caudwell Xtreme Everest Study (CXE), a medical research project conducted by CASE. Smiths Medical is now optimizing and miniaturizing the prototype for patients.
Exercise is important for COPD patients but existing oxygen systems mean it is often not possible. The size of current open circuit systems mean that patients are often confined to their hospital beds or treated at home with large cylinders that severely restrict their mobility. Portable open circuit systems are not able to deliver high enough volumes of oxygen for long enough to permit exercise. In an open circuit system the faster a person breathes the more they dilute the oxygen with ordinary air. This means that if a patient dependent on oxygen starts to exercise their oxygen levels actually drop as their breathing grows faster.
Dr Russell added: “The new system is portable and should deliver a very high concentration of oxygen for a sustained period of time. It should help keep oxygen levels constant no matter how fast or slow a patient is breathing.”
More from Smiths Medical...
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Friday, August 8, 2008
InChairTV for Desperate Housewives at The Dentist's
InChairTV is a company that's trying to popularize the use of display goggles during dental procedures, for the benefit of both the anxious patient and the dentist who's tired of holding one way conversations. Instead the patient can watch TV shows interrupted by advertising for the dentist's "high margin services".
Here's a company pitch submitted to TechCrunch:
More at TechCrunch...
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Thursday, July 31, 2008
Accupal: Your Dentist's New Best Friend?
Michael Zweifler, a dentist out of Little Rock, Arkansas, has developed an injection prep tool that readies the gums before the needle goes in with a bit of ultrasonic vibration and a tad of topical gel. Once the shot is administered, the patient supposedly feels little to no pain.
From a press release sent to Medgadget:
ACCUPAL incorporates four known and proven pain-reducing theories into one economical, user-friendly device:1. ACCUPAL incorporates the "Pain Gate" theory to energize the dental tissue in and around the site to be punctured by the needle.
2. ACCUPAL's ultrasonic tissue stimulation disrupts the tissue injection site to allow standard topical gel to pre-condition the injection site, thus further reducing the needle's pain-producing effects.
3. ACCUPAL vibrates the needle at the injection site. The pain-reducing effects of direct needle vibration are well documented as having a positive effect on injection comfort.
4. ACCUPAL ensures that the clinician inserts the needle bevel at its narrowest point, which provides the most minimally invasive path possible and reduced tissue damage to deliver a comfortable palatal injection every time.
Product page with a video demonstration of the device: Accupal
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Friday, July 18, 2008
3M ESPE Lava Oral Scanner Gets IDEA Bronze
Gadget aficionados should find a trip to the dentist a bit more exciting if one of these is installed next to the chair. The 3M oral scanner is essentially a digital impression system, and besides being more amusing to patients, the digital images can be used immediately to manufacture implants.
The Lava C.O.S. wand contains a highly complex optical system comprised of multiple lenses and blue LED cells. The system captures massive amounts of visual images in just seconds. Despite housing all of this technology, the wand weighs just 14 ounces and the wand tip is only 13.2 millimeters wide, maximizing maneuverability inside the mouth.The Lava C.O.S. is introducing an entirely new method of capturing 3D data. This 3D-in-Motion technology captures 3D data in a video sequence and models the data in real time.Thus, the Lava C.O.S. is able to capture approximately 20 3D data sets per second, or close to 2,400 data sets per arch, for an accurate and high speed scan. Other traditional point and click technologies rely on the warping of a laser or light pattern on an object to determine 3D data. Unlike video imaging, point and click uses individual "snapshots" to assemble a model.
While capturing massive amounts of data is quite an accomplishment, an even more impressive achievement is the ability of the Lava C.O.S. to model that data in real time. Unlike other systems on the market today, the Lava C.O.S. simultaneously displays the images that are being captured in the mouth onto the touch screen monitor. With this real-time visibility, a dentist can confidently and immediately assess whether enough information has been captured for a completed digital impression.
Video demonstrating how the system functions:
Product page: Lava™ Chairside Oral Scanner C.O.S.
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Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Bioactive Glass That Cleans, Whitens, Reduces Dental Sensitivity
The Engineer is reporting about OSSPRAY, a British company that has developed a dental bioactive calcium sodium phosphosilicate material that, in addition to polishing teeth, remineralizes them, supposedly reducing sensitivity of the teeth.
From The Engineer:
OSspray's bioglass is a composite of component chemicals loosely held together in a 45 per cent silica network. When the powder, consisting of particles around 50 microns in size, is fired at the surface of the tooth, the compound fractures so it does not damage the surface of the tooth. There is so little silica in that network that the calcium and phosphorus in the structure can imbed into the tooth surface, remineralising and desensitising the surface of the tooth.'Tooth dentine consists of fluid-filled tubules, like drinking straws,' said Cartmell [Simon Cartmell, chairman of OSSPRAY --ed.]. 'On the biting surface they are covered with enamel, but in the gumline the tubules are exposed. Our material, because of its particle size and distribution, embeds in the mouth of the tubules, bonding to the surface and locking them off. After repeated use, you build up a thin layer of bioglass, which is remarkably like tooth enamel.'
More from The Engineer...
(image by carf)
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Thursday, July 3, 2008
Sand Away Plaque, Keep The Enamel
A new and apparently more precise method to assess the abrasion caused by dental products has been developed by Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials scientists.
From the press release:
A leading manufacturer of dental hygiene products asked the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM in Freiburg, one of whose specialties is the analysis and visualization of surface roughness, to help them develop new prophylactic pastes. The effectiveness of a prophylactic paste has so far been measured by how well the granules that it contains are able to smoothen a rough surface. The test is performed by first roughening tooth enamel or denture materials such as ceramics and titanium to a precisely defined value with an aggressive grinding material. But this does not truly reflect reality, as chewing wears out different materials at different rates. The new measuring method developed by the IWM researchers, a kind of chewing simulation, takes this factor into account. As the experts led by Dr. Raimund Jaeger, head of the Biomedical Materials and Implants department, discovered when comparing pastes and subsequently analyzing the surfaces, some pastes polish the surface but also unnecessarily ablate the tooth material, producing slight grooves on the tooth surface. The ideal paste, on the other hand, polishes so lightly that only the roughness is eliminated while the tooth enamel is hardly ground at all. “Obviously, every case is different,” says Jaeger. “Teeth with particularly heavy plaque or discoloration will need a more abrasive paste.” Normally, however, a gentler prophylactic paste will do the job. Thanks to the IWM researchers, the manufacturer has now been able to optimize the formulation.
Press release: Polished to perfection ...
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Monday, June 23, 2008
Accelerated Orthodontics: Now Powered by Your Bones!
Scientists at USC's School of Dentistry have refined an orthodontic technique that facilitates the straightening of teeth within months instead of years. Their secret? Your bones!
A case study in the Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry describes the technique. First score marks are made around the roots of the upper and lower teeth. Then a particulate bone graft is harvested and applied to the scored area. The healing process that then takes place softens the bones around the roots of the teeth, giving them much more mobility allowing treatment to take place more rapidly and with less side effects.
While this technique has been around for a while, the bone graft used was typically not from the patient itself.
Read the abstract for the case study here...
Image by mygothlaundry.
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Monday, May 12, 2008
OraVerse, Dental Anesthestic Reversal, Gets FDA OK
This is not about a device, but rather the first pharmaceutical agent in a new class. Novalar Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a private San Diego, CA firm, is reporting that its proprietary phentolamine mesylate formulation (OraVerse™, formerly known as NV-101) has received FDA approval for the "reversal of soft-tissue anesthesia and the associated functional deficits resulting from a local dental anesthetic." Pictured above is the current theory on how the drug works, as no one seems to know about the exact biochemical mechanism behind the drug's action.
From the press release:
OraVerse’s approval for use in adults and children is based on data from several clinical studies, including two Phase 3 studies in adults and adolescents age 12 and older and a Phase 2 pediatric study. The two Phase 3 studies were conducted in 18 centers across the United States, including leading dental schools, clinical research organizations and private clinics. There were 484 dental patients enrolled across the two studies.In the randomized, double-blinded, controlled Phase 3 studies, following the administration of local anesthetics and completion of the dental procedure, patients were administered either OraVerse or control. OraVerse reduced the median time to recovery of normal sensation in the lower lip (as measured by standardized lip tapping procedures) by 85 minutes compared to control. OraVerse reduced the median time to recovery of normal sensation in the upper lip by 83 minutes. Within one hour after administration of OraVerse, 41% of patients reported normal lower lip sensation as compared to 7% in the control group, and 59% of patients in the OraVerse group reported normal upper lip sensation as compared to 12% in the control group. In both Phase 3 studies, the primary endpoint showed that OraVerse was statistically different compared to control (p<0.0001).
The multi-center, randomized, double-blinded, controlled Phase 2 pediatric study evaluated the safety and efficacy of OraVerse in the reversal of soft tissue anesthesia in patients undergoing dental procedures after receiving local anesthetic. This study enrolled 152 patients: 96 patients in the OraVerse group and 56 patients in the control group. Of the 152 patients enrolled, 115 were trainable in the assessment method: 72 patients in the OraVerse group and 43 patients in the control group. The study assessed OraVerse’s efficacy through the measurement of time to normal lip sensation for those trainable in the assessment. The median time to normal sensation in patients age 6-11 was reduced by 75 minutes for the OraVerse treated group, a 56% acceleration of the time to normal sensation.
In all OraVerse clinical trials, there were no serious adverse events reported and the most common adverse reaction that was greater than control was transient injection site pain. Although tachycardia and cardiac arrhythmia may occur with the parenteral use of alpha-adrenergic blocking agents, such events are uncommon after submucosal administration of OraVerse.
Product page: NV-101...
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Monday, April 14, 2008
The Single Tooth Anesthesia (STA) System
Canon Communications' Medical Design Excellence Awards (MDEA) are in. The first winning product that we want to profile is the Single Tooth Anesthesia (STA) System from Milestone Scientific, a Livingston, NJ company. Touted as a computerized local anesthesia injection system, the STA can "accommodate all standard 1.8 ml local anesthetic cartridges and a variety of luer lock needle sizes."
Here's how the company profiles its device to dentists:
The Single Tooth Anesthesia (STA™) System from Milestone Scientific is the first computer-controlled local dental anesthetic system where just one injection at a single tooth is all that's needed to scientifically, safely and predictably ensure single-session injection precision. It's even highly effective for multi-quadrant cases.STA is the only system of its kind with patented real-time visual and audible feedback technology, allowing you to easily obtain proper needle placement between the tooth and bone...
STA increases your confidence administering the Block - proper technique prevents needle deflection - improving your ability to inject into the Block the first time!
Single tooth anesthesia means that you get right to work - with faster onset - and your patients return to their routine without collateral numbing.
"It's the best shot I ever had" - "It's the best shot I ever gave" that's what you can expect to hear.
Voted one of the practices "Best Investments" find out why STA dentists have happily packed away their needles and syringes.
Press release: 33 Innovative Products Win Medical Design Excellence Awards...
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Friday, March 21, 2008
PerioSim Force Feedback Dental Simulator
Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago are working on optimizing haptic interactive technologies to be more realistic and practical for fine hand work such as dentistry, and have released a dental training simulator called PerioSim that utilizes much of their work.
Students can access PerioSim via the Internet. A realistic 3-D human mouth is shown in real-time, and the user can adjust the model position, viewpoint and transparency level.The haptic device allows the student to feel the sensations in the virtual mouth, and a control panel lets the user choose different procedures to practice and instruments to use, Steinberg [Dr. Arnold Steinberg, professor of periodontics at UIC and project leader --ed.] said.
The system allows instructors to create short scenarios of periodontal procedures, which can be saved and replayed at any time. The 3-D component permits students to replay from any angle, so the user can observe different views of the placement of the instrument and gingival relationships during a procedure, Steinberg said.
The recorded file can be viewed on any personal computer, and while not in 3-D, it is an actual representation of the original scenario, which offers great training potential, Steinberg said.
The program also allows for a second playback mode, where an instructor leads the trainee through the program. By simply holding onto the haptic stylus, the trainee receives the same sensations felt by the instructor. Trainees can also be tested and evaluated on their ability to mimic the instructor's periodontal procedures, Steinberg said.
Demonstration video of the simulator:
Press release: Practice Makes Perfect with 3-D Dental Simulator
(hat tip: The Raw Feed)
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Tuesday, March 11, 2008
MIHARU Home Video Endoscope
For the armchair dentist in you, the MIHARU video endoscope allows getting a checklist ready before seeing the tooth doctor, and can even help going over the work, once you're back at home. The unit runs on a couple of batteries, features an LED light to illuminate the scene, and conveniently plugs into a standard RCA video port found on almost any TV set. The device also includes an adapter for viewing closeups of the skin. So what's the best view? The uvula, of course.
Product page...
(hat tip: Gizmodo)
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» Cavity-Fighting Herbal Lollipop (February 6, 2008)
» Ezlase Diode Laser System (January 22, 2008)
» Distracting The Pain Away (December 19, 2007)
» gumEase™ for Drugless Pain Relief at The Dentist (December 17, 2007)
» Japanese Do It Again: A Scary Robotic Intraoral Experience (November 30, 2007)
» CarieScan™ Takes Aim at X-Rays (November 6, 2007)
» 3M Introduces "Smart" Braces (November 5, 2007)
» Uncorrected Teeth Pacifiers Promotion (October 30, 2007)
» Brush and Rinse Toothbrush (August 27, 2007)
» New Toothbrush Smarter Than You (August 6, 2007)
» Dental Robot Chews Over a Toothy Problem (June 28, 2007)
» Ultreo Ultrasound Toothbrush (April 20, 2007)
» Lab-on-a-Chip for Periodontal Disease (April 2, 2007)
» Lasers to Detect Tooth Decay: Because X-rays Are so 20th Century (March 23, 2007)
» Stem Cells to Regrow Teeth (Yawn) (February 23, 2007)
» Never Swallow Another Pill With Your Medication Dispensing Tooth (February 1, 2007)
» Dentists Look into Needleless Anesthesia, No-Drilling Cavity Care (January 24, 2007)
» Dental Films and Osteoporosis (January 3, 2007)
» Kevlar-like Dental Composites (December 8, 2006)
» Fighting Cavities with STAMPs (October 24, 2006)
» Instant Crown Is Going to Get You (October 24, 2006)
» Anti-Periodontitis Plastic (September 18, 2006)
» A Digital Camera and the Internet Used to Detect Tooth Decay (August 24, 2006)
» Probiotic Gum (August 21, 2006)
» FDA Acceptance for CompuFlo (July 26, 2006)
» Bone-Regenerating Dental Implants (July 19, 2006)
» Ultrasound Based Device To Regrow Teeth (June 29, 2006)
» The IGI System for Dental Surgery Navigation (April 27, 2006)
» The VELScope (April 13, 2006)
» VIOlight Toothbrush Sanitizer (December 29, 2005)
» Cranberry Juice: Not Just For UTI's Anymore (November 28, 2005)
» Award-winning SLActive for Dental Surface Bonding (November 17, 2005)
» Prevent Oral Cancer With Mouthwash (November 8, 2005)
» The Stain Cleaner Machine (October 21, 2005)
» The Crocodile, Toothbrush for Kids (September 28, 2005)
» In Disasters, Dental Records Endure (September 12, 2005)
» 'Nanospheres' that Block Pain of Sensitive Teeth (September 2, 2005)
» Brace Yourself: Hormones to Augment Orthodontics (July 13, 2005)
» Ultra Suction™ Does USA (May 18, 2005)
» The IntelliClean System (April 29, 2005)
» Liquid Medgadget? (April 21, 2005)
» Dental Surgery Planning by TactileTech (April 20, 2005)
» CDR Wireless™ X-Ray Sensor (March 28, 2005)
» Medgadget.com Goes to Frost & Sullivan's Awards (March 17, 2005)
» Nomad ™ hand-held X-ray (February 24, 2005)
» Ultra Suction™ dentures (February 24, 2005)
