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36 laser 2 2016 newsinternational Brånemark performs first Osseointegration Surgery on amputee in US Discovered by Prof. Per-Ingvar Brånemark, the concept of osseointegration has become the basis for implant dentistry and revolu- tionised the treatment of edentulous pa- tients worldwide. Continuing the work of his late father, Dr Rickard Brånemark has adapted the concept to orthopaedic sur- gery in order to improve the treatment of amputees. His approach has been devel- oped and applied for over 20 years, mainly outside the US, however. Together with his colleagues at the University of Califor- nia, San Francisco (UCSF), Brånemark has now performed the first osseointegration surgery in the country. Similar to dental implants, Osseointe- grated Prostheses for the Rehabilitation of Amputees (OPRA) consist of an external prosthesis anchored directly to the patient’s remaining bone through a permanently implant- ed titanium screw. Therefore, the prosthesis always attaches correctly and remains firmly in place, preventing patients from suffering pressure sores, pain, heat, chafing and general discomfort often found with traditional solutions using a socket. The patient, George Kocelj, lost most of his right leg owing to a rare nerve tumor caused by neurofibromatosis. The 54-year-old had tried several external prostheses before, but without success. As the sockets of these prostheses were unworkable for him, he largely had to rely on a wheelchair. Dental tourism and lasers to fuel Growth of dental equipment market Market research company Transparency Mar- ket Research has reported that the global dental equipment market is expected to reach US$7.6 billion by 2018, from US$5.5 billion in 2011, growing at a compound annual rate of 4.7 per cent from 2012 to 2018. Technological innovations and increasing awareness of den- tal hygiene are contributors to the segment’s growth, but high initial costs for dental equip- ment remain. The report analyses different types of dental equipment, including dental radiology equipment, systems and parts, laboratory ma- chines and hygiene maintenance devices. Dental lasers are predicted to grow at an accel- erated pace owing to the increasing adoption of minimally invasive surgical procedures that re- move dental decay without harming the soft and hard tissue. The growing ageing population and the baby boomers are additional factors for the rising demand for dental procedures. The full report is available for purchase at www.transparencymarketresearch.com/dental- devices-market.html. The Grand View Research report can be bought at www.grandviewre- search.com/industry-analysis/ dental-equipment-market. A survey conducted by non-profit organisa- tion Delta Dental Plans Association among over 1,300 parents of children aged 6–12 has shown that more expectant women in the US are pay- ing attention to oral health, an important area of health that is frequently overlooked during pregnancy. According to the survey, the number of pregnant women going to the dentist has in- creased by nearly 7 per cent over the last year. In 2015, 57.5 per cent of mothers in the US re- ported that they had visited the dentist during their pregnancy. The 2016 survey results show that the number has now increased to 63 per cent. Owing to hormonal changes, pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing dental conditions, including gingivitis and periodontitis. In order to avoid these diseases, expectant women should consult with a dentist on a regular basis. Delta Dental Plans Association conducted the Children’s Oral Health Survey between Dec. 16, 2015, and Jan. 14, 2016, among a nationally representative sample. The data was released to coincide with Pregnancy Awareness Month, which was established in 2008 to provide sup- port for expectant women and their families and is celebrated annually during May. The campaign focusses on four key initiatives: education, exer- cise, nutrition and wellness, as well as nurture. Increasing number of pregnant Women seek dental care © Rauf Aliyev/Shutterstock.com © Kzenon/Shutterstock.com © ImageFlow/ Shutterstock.com 22016