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.

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).

Osseodensification is a non-subtractive drilling technique that preserves and compacts bone. This procedure attempts to increase bone density, insertion torque and implant stability. The technique is suitable for horizontal augmentation in narrow alveolar ridges, as well as for vertical height gain via crestal sinus lift.