Dental Tribune U.S. Edition

a16 Dental Tribune U.S. Edition | February 2014 Industry News ably simple,” a phrase that represents the advancement F360 files bring to endodontic treatment. Use of the files demands no change of technique, and these rotary-operated files require only one speed and one torque level for all the instruments. The F360 files are constructed of NiTi, which has proved its worth in dentistry for years. But it’s Komet’s development of the S-shaped cross-section that is a true achievement in design technology, according to company representa- tives, who report that the design dra- matically reduces the number of files required for preparation procedures. This change affects speed and simplic- ity — enabling faster, simpler root ca- nal preparations. The Komet F360 endodontic file system permits preparation of most root canals with a simplified, time- saving sequence requiring only two files. Highly flexible to minimize ca- nal transportation, the files’ unique S-curve design and a thin instrument core provide cutting efficiency while respecting natural root-canal mor- phology. Only two files in sizes 025 and 035 are required for most root- canal preparations. Their 0.04 taper promotes optimal debridement of the canal, maintains file flexibility and thus reduces preparation errors and permits ideal shaping of the root canal for subsequent obturation with any method. The F360 files are employed in a torque-limited motor and used in a picking motion up to a predetermined working length. The same torque (1.8 Ncm) and speed values (250-350 rpm) are used for all files; dentists need not adjust speed or torque upon changing files during the preparation sequence. In addition to sizes 025 and 035, the F360 files are offered in sizes 045 and 055 to meet additional clinical situa- tions, such as wide roots, and all F360 files are available in three lengths (L21, L25 and L31) to address varying coronal requirements. The presterilized, single-use files prevent cross-contamination, elimi- nate the need to clean, disinfect and sterilize the instruments — and re- duce the risk of fracture due to cyclic fatigue. Available in a sterile blister pack of six files of a single size and length, the files are supplied with a user’s manual and step-by-step instructions. The Komet F360 root-canal prepa- ration system also is available in a special Endo Introductory Kit, which includes 12 F360 files in size 025, 12 F360 files in size 035, the Komet AK10 file for pre-enlargement of the canal, a pack of paper points and a pack of gutta-percha points. About Komet USA Celebrating its 91st year in the dental industry, Komet is a recognized world- wide leader in the production of high- ly specialized, precision dental rotary instruments. Komet operates in the United States under the name Komet USA and sells directly to dental practitioners and dental laboratories. The company’s U.S. headquarters is in Rock Hill, S.C. For more information about Komet USA or the F360 endodontic file sys- tem, call (888) 566-3887 or visit www. komet-usa.com. “ KOMET, page A15 By Flow Dental Staff Conversion from film to digital takes many forms. It’s not just the dental office that is moving from film to digital imaging. Flow Dental, long a leading manufactur- er of dental film and film accessories, has also transformed its product portfolio to include unique products essential to ev- ery dental practice that has gone digital. “We determined that our relevancy in a digital world would hinge on our ability to provide dentists with accessories that improve sensor or PSP [phosphor stor- age plate] usage and augment procedure work-flow, ... no pun intended,” said Bill Winters, president of Flow Dental. “Den- tists have really responded to our digital products. They recognize the added val- ue we put into each product. They don’t buy our products based on price; they buy based on the benefits to their prac- tice and their patients.” Take the PSP market: Today, one out of every eight phosphor plate users relies on Flow’s Safe’n’Sure line of PSP enve- lopes. Safe’n’Sure’s three product styles each offer elegant time-saving solutions to enhance throughput and productiv- ity, while helping to extend the life and usage of the phosphor plates. A great example of this is Flow’s Safe’n’Sure OPT style (Fig. 1). These PSP covers are designed for plates that in- clude magnets, which account for about 25 percent of the market. Unlike any oth- er product, Flow pre-loads the cardboard insert halfway into the PSP envelope. Not only does this remove a time-consuming step, but it also assures that the plate can never be loaded incorrectly (because the magnet on the plate must line up with the cut-out on the cardboard insert). To enhance removal of the plate, the OPT has a unique butterfly seam. This allows the user to easily remove the plate, with touching it — thus prolonging and pre- serving the longevity of the plates. Flow’s Deluxe Safe’n’Sure line was re- cently featured in a review by Clinical Re- search Associates. More than 75 percent of dentists who reviewed Flow’s Deluxe Safe’n’Sure would recommend it to their peers. In the sensor area, Flow distinguishes itself with its new Snuggies, an adjustable sensor sleeve. Snuggies enables the user to cinch-tight the sleeve around the sen- sor, regardless of sensor size or thickness. This means the operator no longer must twist the sleeve around the sensor cable to keep it in place. These type of details help office productivity and reduce ex- pensive sensor repairs or replacements. Other sensor accessories include the Sensible’s adjustable sensor positioner (Figs 2A-2B), which enables the user to move from an anterior to a posterior to even a bitewing position — all with the same bite block. The bite block can be adjusted to the midline of any sen- sor, whether horizontally or vertically placed. It’s the only sensor positioner that can do all this. Fig. 1: Flow’s Safe’n’Sure OPT-style PSP covers are for plates that include magnets. Flow pre-loads the cardboard insert halfway into the PSP envelope, eliminating a time-consuming step and assuring the plate can never be loaded incorrectly. Photos/Provided by Flow Dental Family-owned Flow Dental adds to its digital imaging product line Figs. 2A and 2B: The Sensible’s adjustable sensor positioner enables the user to move from an anterior to a posterior — even to a bitewing position — all with the same bite block. The bite block can be adjusted to the midline of any sensor, whether horizontally or vertically placed. Fig. 3: Flow Dental’s newest product is the Exposure line of articulating strips, made in the United States (and no forceps needed). Flow Dental is far from finished re-inventing it- self. Its newest product is the Exposure line of articulating strips (Fig. 3). “As a lead- er in diagnostic products, we felt extending our line into this area made sense. Plus we built the ma- chinery to make it right here in the USA,” Winters said. Exposure articulating strips eliminate the need for forceps. They come with their own handles. “They’re easy to use and long enough to reach the back mo- lars” Winters said. “Dentists will appreci- ate the added convenience of not having to search for forceps or get the ink all over their gloves.” Flow recently celebrated 40 years in business. Its sister company, Wolf X-Ray, is celebrating more than 80 years of ser- vice to the medical imaging market. “As a family-owned business — much like the majority of dental offices we service — we are proud to be a valued provider of unique and elegant products; and the best is yet to come,” Winters said For more information on Flow’s prod- ucts, visit www.flowdental.com or contact your local dealer. Chicago BOOTHs 905 & E102