Is the implant market on the rebound? And, keeping PSP plates germ-free

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

Many dental practitioners consider dental implants to be one of the most significant technological breakthroughs in dentistry in the past decade. And up until the economic downturn hit, the worldwide implant market was growing at a healthy rate of about 15% annually.

This trend has not held over the past 12 months, however, with some implant makers reporting declines of 50% or more in their most recent midyear profits, year over year.

At the same time, however, the current economy has prompted more practitioners to begin offering implants as part of their treatment options. And vendors are working to remain competitive by introducing next-generation products that promise fewer implant failures and more aesthetic outcomes.

Are these efforts finally beginning to pay off? Click here to read more in our latest Restoratives Community feature.

Meanwhile, the advent of digital radiography has created new infection-control challenges for dental offices long accustomed to working with film-based radiography. A new study in the Journal of the Canadian Dental Association looks at the role barrier envelopes play in keeping digital sensors germ-free and patients safe from cross-contamination.

Finally, Philips is hoping to convince nonflossing patients to change their ways with the Sonicare AirFloss, a new flossing device that does away with string and gives dental practitioners a unique option for wooing noncompliant patients. Read more here or by visiting the Hygiene Community.