Find the apex easily

The editors of THE DENTAL ADVISOR™ proudly bring you the "Shared Secrets" column. Every other month, we will feature dental products and equipment that have received top ratings in THE DENTAL ADVISOR™. Take your practice to the next level with the help of our "Shared Secrets."

Root ZX
J. Morita USA, Inc.
(800) 831-3222
+++++/97%, Vol. 18-9
Editors' Choice - Equipment

Root ZX is an excellent electronic apex locator for length determination. Unlike some units with multiple functions, Root ZX is simple, precise, and user-friendly. The unit is self-calibrating; uses dual circuitry to determine the distance to apex. A graphic display with auditory signals shows the file position relative to the apical constriction. Evaluators find the display to be large and easy-to-read, and the beeper is useful in determining working length without looking away from the operating field. All evaluators feel that Root ZX improves the quality of endodontic treatment and reduces the number of radiographs necessary.

CompuDent
Milestone Scientific
(800) 862-1125
++++1/2/94%, Vol. 18-9

CompuDent, (previously named The Wand Plus), is a computer-controlled, local-anesthetic delivery system that includes new features not available on the original unit (evaluated in December 1998):

• Aspiration time reduced from 11 seconds to five seconds
• Two-stage foot control with "cruise" option that allows the operator to maintain the injection without pressure on the foot pedal
• Volume control of tones
• Audible tones accompanied by voice announcements of anesthetic volume remaining

CompuDent can be used in all traditional injection sites with a slow, constant rate of flow. This results in an injection experience below the threshold of pain. Evaluators appreciate the advancements and feel that patients' comfort levels are superior to traditional syringes, and especially with palatal injections.

The design and weight of the handpiece afford a more comfortable and accurate mode of delivery, which produces quick and profound anesthesia.

SureFil
DENTSPLY/Caulk
(800) 532-2855
+++++/96%, Vol. 18-9
Editors' Choice - Product

SureFil packable posterior composite has undergone evaluation of clinical performance at three years with excellent results. It is filled 66 percent by volume with 0.8-micron, irregularly shaped particles, producing good stiffness for packing. The available shades - Vita A2, B1, and C2 - are adequate for posterior restorations and blend well with enamel. Sixty-two restorations were evaluated, rating very good to excellent for fracture resistance, aesthetics, lack of marginal discoloration, and wear resistance. No chips or fractures were noted, and most had no visual signs of wear. They retained their shade with minimal or no discoloration, and the surface remained smooth. While some showed slight marginal staining at three years, none required replacement. Ninety percent of patients rated their SureFil restorations excellent in comfort and aesthetics.

Note: For information on the "Shared Secrets" lecture seminars or to subscribe, contact THE DENTAL ADVISOR™, 3100 W. Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, by phone at (800) 347-1330, by e-mail: [email protected], or through www.dentaladvisor.com.

John W. Farah, DDS, PhD, an editor of THE DENTAL ADVISOR™, maintains a full-time dental practice in Ann Arbor, Mich., and lectures internationally on dental products, materials, and equipment. John M. Powers, PhD, an editor of THE DENTAL ADVISOR™, is a professor of restorative dentistry and biomaterials at UT Health Science Center at Houston. He also is director of the Houston Biomaterials Research Center.