Pittman Dental Laboratory Blog

Examining the Biocompatibility and Long-Term Performance of Dental Materials

Posted by Bill Williams on Nov 6, 2024 6:00:00 AM

Dental materials play a crucial role in modern dentistry, enabling Pittman Dental Laboratory  to create high-quality prosthetics, crowns, bridges, and implants that restore function and aesthetics. The selection of materials directly impacts not only the performance of these dental restorations but also their long-term biocompatibility and safety for patients. Here at PIttman, we examine commonly used dental materials, such as composites, ceramics, and implant materials, and their properties related to biocompatibility and longevity.

Composites: Versatile and Patient-Friendly

Composites are widely used for fillings and in cosmetic dentistry due to their ability to bond directly to the tooth structure and their aesthetic versatility. Made from a resin matrix combined with fillers like silica or glass, composites are appreciated for their ease of use and customizable appearance. However, the biocompatibility of composite materials largely depends on the type of monomers used. While most high-quality composites are designed to be biocompatible, low-grade versions may release bisphenol A (BPA) derivatives, which could potentially cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.

When it comes to long-term performance, composites have shown significant improvements over the years. Newer formulations have enhanced resistance to wear and discoloration. However, they may still be more prone to degradation and marginal leakage over time compared to ceramics. Therefore, while composites are ideal for smaller restorations and aesthetic corrections, they may require periodic replacements to maintain their performance.

Ceramics: Strength and Aesthetics Combined

Ceramic materials, including porcelain and newer zirconia-based ceramics, are popular in dental restorations due to their strength, durability, and excellent aesthetic qualities. Dental ceramics are typically biocompatible, with zirconia being particularly noted for its high level of tissue compatibility and minimal allergic responses. This makes ceramics a preferred choice for patients with metal sensitivities or allergies.

One of the major advantages of ceramics is their long-term performance. High-quality ceramics can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years or more, maintaining their structural integrity and color stability. Pittman's Diamante Zirconia®, in particular, stands out for its exceptional toughness and wear resistance, making it suitable for crowns and bridges that withstand heavy biting forces. Nevertheless, certain ceramics can be more brittle than metals, posing a risk of chipping if not appropriately designed or maintained.

Implant Materials: The Gold Standard of Biocompatibility

Dental implants are commonly fabricated from titanium and its alloys due to their exceptional biocompatibility and ability to osseointegrate (bond directly with bone). Titanium has a proven track record of successful long-term use, as it is resistant to corrosion and causes minimal adverse reactions. For patients who may have sensitivities to metals, zirconia implants offer a metal-free alternative that also promotes excellent osseointegration and tissue response. Pittman's implant department works with all implant manufacturers.

Implant materials are designed to provide long-term solutions, often lasting decades if properly maintained. The stability and biocompatibility of titanium have made it the standard against which other materials are measured, providing reliable outcomes and high patient satisfaction rates.


Pittman Dental Laboratory's choice of dental materials in laboratory-crafted restorations depends on factors such as the type of restoration, patient health, and aesthetic demands. Composites offer flexibility and affordability but may have limitations in longevity. Ceramics provide an unmatched combination of strength and beauty, with minimal biocompatibility issues. Implant materials like titanium and zirconia set the benchmark for biocompatibility and long-term success. Doctors and Pittman account managers must carefully consider these aspects to deliver durable, safe, and effective treatments tailored to each patient's needs.

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Topics: Dental Implants, Dental Technology, Dental Industry

Unlocking New Revenue Streams: Dentists Offering 3D Printed Sports Guards

Posted by Bill Williams on Sep 2, 2024 6:00:00 AM

In the dynamic world of sports, safety is paramount. Dental injuries are a common and often severe consequence of athletic activities, making protective gear like mouthguards essential. Dentists have a unique opportunity to not only enhance their patients' safety but also to significantly boost their practice's revenue by offering custom 3D printed sports guards. These innovative sports guards, made using advanced Pittman 3D printing technology and  materials, provide superior protection, comfort, durability, and performance compared to traditional mouthguards.

Enhanced Protection

Traditional mouthguards, often bulky and ill-fitting, offer limited protection against the intense impacts common in sports. In contrast, 3D printed sports guards made by Pittman provide exceptional impact strength and resistance. This advanced material technology ensures effective protection against dental injuries, significantly minimizing the risk of tooth fractures and oral trauma. The precise engineering of these guards allows for a perfect fit, covering teeth and gums more efficiently, thereby offering superior shock absorption during collisions and falls.

Unmatched Comfort

One of the primary complaints about conventional mouthguards is their discomfort, which can lead to athletes neglecting to wear them consistently. Pittman 3D printing technology changes the game by creating sports guards that are custom-fitted to the unique contours of an athlete's mouth. The optimal hardness and flexibility of the material contribute to a snug, comfortable fit that athletes can wear for extended periods without discomfort. This precise customization ensures that the guards do not interfere with breathing or speaking, enhancing the overall athletic experience and compliance.

Exceptional Durability

Athletes subject their gear to rigorous use, and mouthguards are no exception. The enhanced tear strength and low water absorption properties of our materials make these 3D printed sports guards incredibly durable. They can withstand the high impact and constant wear and tear of athletic use, reducing the need for frequent replacements. This longevity translates into cost savings for athletes and parents, making it a worthwhile investment that underscores the value offered by dental practices.

Superior Performance

The performance of a sports guard is crucial in ensuring continuous protection during repetitive stresses encountered in sports. Pittman's material exhibits excellent tensile cyclic hysteresis and tensile elongation at break, meaning it can absorb and dissipate energy effectively during impacts. This capability ensures that the sports guard maintains its protective qualities over time, providing consistent safety for athletes throughout their sporting activities.

Revenue Potential for Dental Practice

By incorporating 3D printed sports guards into their offerings, dental practices can tap into a lucrative revenue stream. The growing awareness of sports safety, combined with the superior features of 3D printed guards, creates a strong market demand. Dentists can position themselves as essential partners in athletes' safety, offering a high-value service that meets the needs of local sports communities.

Moreover, the ability to provide a product that combines cutting-edge technology with tangible health benefits enhances the practice's reputation and attracts new patients. Parents, coaches, and athletes seeking the best in sports safety will view the practice as a go-to resource, fostering loyalty and driving business growth.

Conclusion

Incorporating 3D printed sports guards into a dental practice represents a win-win opportunity. Athletes receive superior protection, comfort, and durability, while dental practices unlock new revenue streams and enhance their service offerings. By leveraging Pittman's 3D printing technology and materials, dentists can provide a product that not only meets but exceeds the demands of today's sports safety standards, cementing their role as vital contributors to their patients' health and well-being.

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Topics: marketing your practice, Dental Technology, New Dental Practice, appliances

Pittman Dental Laboratory: Pioneering Innovation in Dental Technology

Posted by Bill Williams on Jul 1, 2024 6:00:00 AM

At Pittman Dental Laboratory, we're driven by a relentless pursuit of progress. For over 50 years, we've been at the forefront of research and development in the dental industry, crafting solutions that elevate the quality of patient care. Our commitment to innovation extends beyond materials and techniques; it's about creating entirely new possibilities for dentists and their patients.

One such example is ScanCode®, a revolutionary product that is transforming the world of implant dentistry. Traditionally, implant dentists have relied on conventional round healing abutments. While these serve their purpose, they leave behind a round opening in the gum tissue. This can lead to a number of challenges, including aesthetic concerns and difficulty achieving optimal implant positioning during the restorative phase.

ScanCode® takes a groundbreaking approach. This innovative healing abutment features an anatomically contoured design that actively reshapes the gum tissue during the healing process. The result? A natural-looking emergence profile that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding soft tissue.

But the benefits of ScanCode® go far beyond aesthetics. The design incorporates interproximal concavities that provide crucial support for bone or bone grafting material. This translates to improved long-term stability and a more predictable foundation for the final restoration.

The advantages of ScanCode® extend to every member of the dental care team:

  • Implant Surgeons: Experience greater control over implant positioning and achieve optimal emergence profiles.
  • Restorative Dentists: Benefit from a pre-shaped emergence profile that simplifies the restoration process and enhances long-term outcomes.
  • Pittman Dental Laboratory: Work with a foundation that facilitates a more natural and aesthetically pleasing final restoration.
  • Patients: Enjoy a superior aesthetic outcome and potentially experience a more comfortable healing process.

ScanCode® is just one example of how Pittman Dental Laboratory is pushing the boundaries of dental technology. We believe in the power of innovation to transform patient care, and we're dedicated to developing solutions that empower dental professionals to achieve exceptional results.

If you're looking for a partner who shares your commitment to excellence, we invite you to explore the full range of innovative products and services offered by Pittman Dental Laboratory. Together, let's shape the future of a healthier smile. For more information about ScanCode®

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Topics: Oral Surgeon, Focal Point, Dental Technology, ScanCode, CBCT Scan, STL File

Streamline Your Workflow with RxUpload: A Dentist's Dream for Lab Cases

Posted by Bill Williams on May 6, 2024 6:00:00 AM

Say goodbye to the days of phone calls and lost paperwork! RxUpload, a feature of Pittman Dental Laboratory is here to revolutionize the way you manage your lab cases. This user-friendly online portal empowers you with greater insight and control, streamlining communication and keeping you informed every step of the way.

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Topics: Dental Lab, tech, Dental Technology, New Dental Practice

Capture®: Pittman Dental Lab's Guided Full-Arch Solution

Posted by Bill Williams on Apr 15, 2024 6:00:00 AM

Periodontists understand the profound impact a healthy smile has on a patient's life. When gum disease leads to significant tooth loss, restoring function and aesthetics becomes a priority. Capture®, the innovative full-arch guided system from Pittman Dental Laboratory, empowers you to deliver life-changing smile restorations with exceptional efficiency and predictability.

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Topics: Dental Implants, Oral Surgeon, Capture, hybrid workflow, All on X, Dental Technology

Single & Multi-Implant Dentistry using Focal Point™

Posted by Bill Williams on Apr 1, 2024 6:00:00 AM

Dental implants are a gold standard for replacing missing teeth, offering patients a natural-looking and long-lasting solution. But if you're a general practitioner dentist, you might hesitate to offer implant procedures in-house. Perhaps you lack the perceived expertise or the additional equipment. However, with the right tools and training, you can easily expand your practice and revenue stream by providing both single and multiple implant placements for your patients.

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Topics: marketing your practice, aquiring new patients, Dental Implants, Focal Point, Dental Technology

Digital Dentures

Posted by Bill Williams on Mar 18, 2024 6:00:00 AM

Traditional dentures have served their purpose for many years, but dental technology is constantly evolving. Digital dentures are a prime example, offering a cutting-edge approach to denture creation that benefits both dentists and patients.

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Topics: Dental Technology, Digital Printing, CAD/CAM, Digital Dentures

Embracing the Future: Top Trends in Dentistry for 2024

Posted by Bill Williams on Dec 25, 2023 6:00:00 AM

As we step into the promising realm of 2024, the field of dentistry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by technological advancements and a growing focus on patient-centric care. Let's delve into the top trends shaping the future of dental practices.

1. Tele-Dentistry Revolution:
Tele-dentistry is no longer a futuristic concept; it's the present and the future. With the integration of advanced communication technologies, patients can now consult with their dentists remotely. From virtual check-ups to video consultations, tele-dentistry enhances accessibility and convenience, fostering a more patient-friendly approach to dental care.

2.  Artificial Intelligence in Diagnosis:
AI is making waves in dentistry by revolutionizing diagnostic processes. Machine learning algorithms analyze radiographs and other imaging data, aiding in the early detection of dental issues. This not only improves diagnostic accuracy but also allows for more personalized treatment plans, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

3.  3D Printing for Dental Prosthetics:
The era of traditional dental prosthetics is gradually giving way to 3D printing technology. From crowns and bridges to dentures, 3D printing enables the creation of precise, customized dental prosthetics. This not only reduces production time but also enhances the fit and comfort for patients, marking a significant leap in the world of dental restoration.

4.  Regenerative Dentistry Breakthroughs:
Advancements in regenerative dentistry are opening new avenues for treating dental problems. Stem cell research and tissue engineering are at the forefront, paving the way for regenerating damaged tissues, such as gums and teeth. This has the potential to transform how we approach dental treatments, moving towards more natural and sustainable solutions.

5.  Virtual Reality in Patient Education:
Patient education is taking a leap into virtual reality (VR). Dentists are leveraging VR technology to create immersive experiences that educate patients about procedures, treatments, and overall oral health. This interactive approach enhances patient understanding and engagement, demystifying dental care and reducing anxiety associated with visits to the dentist.

In conclusion, 2024 is a landmark year for dentistry, characterized by innovation and a commitment to enhancing patient experiences. Pittman Dental Laboratory and Surgical Solutions is embracing these innovations and investing in the technology skilled technicians that will enhance our products and services.  As these trends continue to shape the landscape of dental practices, both professionals and patients alike can look forward to a future where technology and compassion converge to redefine oral healthcare.

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Topics: Dental Technology, Dental Industry, dental training

Unveiling the Marvels of Anatomical Healing Abutments: A Scan Above the Rest in Implant Surgery

Posted by Bill Williams on Dec 4, 2023 6:00:00 AM

As the field of dentistry continues to evolve, technological advancements play a pivotal role in enhancing patient outcomes and streamlining procedures. Among the breakthrough innovations, ScanCode, the anatomical healing abutment emerges as a game-changer in implant surgery, offering a unique blend of benefits that transcend traditional approaches. What sets it apart is not just its anatomical design but also its scannable nature, paving the way for a more efficient and precise implantation process.

At the core of ScanCode's advantage is the anatomical healing abutment's ability to mimic the natural contours of the patient's oral anatomy. Unlike conventional healing abutments, which often feature a generic design, these anatomically shaped counterparts provide a customized fit, promoting optimal soft tissue healing and esthetic integration. This tailored approach contributes to reduced patient discomfort and faster recovery times, ultimately enhancing the overall patient experience.

Furthermore, the scannable nature of ScanCode elevates the precision of implant surgery to unprecedented levels. Integrating seamlessly with advanced scanning technologies, such as intraoral scanners and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), ScanCode enable detailed and accurate digital impressions of the implant site. This not only simplifies the treatment planning process but also ensures a perfect match between the implant and the final restoration, minimizing the margin for error.

The benefits extend beyond the chairside experience. The scannable feature of ScanCode facilitates efficient communication between dental professionals and Pittman. Digital impressions captured through the anatomical healing abutment can be easily shared, enhancing collaboration and expediting the production of prosthetic components. This not only saves time but also reduces the need for physical impressions, contributing to a more eco-friendly and patient-friendly practice.

In conclusion, ScanCode, with its dual advantages of anatomical precision and scannability, marks a significant leap forward in the realm of implant surgery. By prioritizing patient comfort, accelerating recovery times, and streamlining the digital workflow for dental professionals, ScanCode is poised to redefine the standards of care in implant dentistry. ScanCode stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence in dental innovation that Pittman Dental Laboratory strives for on a daily basis. Learn more about ScanCode and order your ScanCode kit today.

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Topics: intraoral scanner, Dental Implants, Oral Surgeon, Dental Technology, ScanCode

Title: Promising Experimental Medicine May Revolutionize Dentistry

Posted by Bill Williams on Nov 20, 2023 6:00:00 AM

Title: Promising Experimental Medicine in Japan May Revolutionize Dentistry

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Topics: Dental Implants, Focal Point, Guided surgery, Capture, All on X, Dental Technology