Dental Tribune Middle East & Arica Edition

Business DENTALTRIBUNE Middle East & Africa Edition8 TOKYO, Japan: With Hello Kitty, the Japanese wholesale company Sanrio created a trademark that is recognised by consumers worldwide. Last week, the first dental practice fully branded with the white cat’s head and characteristic red bow was opened in the cap- ital Tokyo Bought by dentist Koshika Masanori in November, the facil- ityhasbeencompletelyrenovated over the past two months, featur- ing pink examination rooms, heart-shaped waiting chairs and chandeliers. According to its web- site,thepracticeiscurrentlyoffer- ing a wide range of dental proce- dures, including implants, cos- metic dentistry, prophylaxis, and periodontal and paediatric treat- ment. Media reports said that the unique project has received full support by Sanrio, whose Japan- ese headquarters is only 20 min- utes away from the practice. The company introduced its iconic logo modelled on a Japan- ese bobtail cat in 1974. Nowadays, itcanbefoundonalmostanyretail product, including toys, clothing, cellphones and even tooth caps used in orthodontics. Last year, the brand was re- ported to have generated over ¥80 billion (US$1.04 billion) revenues in Japan only DT B A N G A L O R E , India/CHICAGO, Ill, USA: Cer- tain kinds of bisphosphonates may have potential in treating severe forms of gum disease, a clinical study conducted by In- dian researchers has revealed. Clincial specialists from the Government Dental College and Research Institute in Ban- galore are reporting that a so- lution containing Alendronate acid was found to stimulate an increase of probing depth re- duction as well as bone fill in patients suffering from aggres- sive periodontitis. During a six-month clinical trial, the researchers treated over 50 intrabony defects with a solu- tion made of 1% Alendronate and a polyacrylic acid-distilled water mixture. Other patients with the same conditions were treated with a placebo gel. The results showed an improvement of clini- cal parameters such as probing depth reduction, clinical attach- mentlevelandbonefillinpatients treatedwiththeAlendronatesolu- tion. Preparations based on Alen- dronate are available on the mar- ket since 1995. They are used to treat common bone diseases like osteoporosis. Data derived from clinical studies with these drugs has demonstrated a reduction of fracture risks and normalisation of bone turnover rate in post- menopausal women, amongst other benefits. DT Dental practice in Japan goes Kitty-crazy Osteoporosis drug ingredient found useful against periodontitis AD Exclusive Distributor : Pharmapal Drug Store Tel +971 4 2675001, PO Box 37345 Dubai, United Arab Emirates www.pharmapaluae.com