The concept of using rotary instruments to cut hard materials dates back at least 6,000 years. Ancient humans were using hand-held lithic burs to cut through shells, bones and teeth employing a method involving low-speed rotation with high torque. Modern dental handpieces have significantly advanced this principle, enabling precise cuts into much harder materials such as dental ceramics.

The oral and maxillofacial surgery referral practice FINE MKG in Heiligenhaus (City in North Rhine-Westphalia) was opened in August 2023. Two vacant office spaces formed the spatial basis. Spacious and light-flooded treatment rooms with an operating area have been created on a total of 700 square meters – and W&H products can be found in every room. And for good reasons.

Ceramic materials such as zirconia are being used more and more frequently in modern restorative dentistry. However, removing zirconia restorations with conventional contra-angle handpieces is a challenging and lengthy procedure. Added to this is the high wear on the burs, especially with monolithic material. In some cases, the bur has to be changed at one-minute intervals. To address this problem, W&H has developed a new product line specifically tailored for these applications.

In the medical history, the 55 year-old patient states that he has no systemic disease and is not taking any medication. The patient’s lifestyle is similarly unremarkable. The patient has a few tooth restorations and two implants (2nd and 4th quadrants). On the basis of current findings, gingivitis is identified in an otherwise stable periodontal condition on the reduced periodontium (stage III, grade A).