Interview: “This system is unique”

Dental Tribune International

Fri. 24. March 2017

save

Founded by facial surgeons four years ago, Swiss firm mininavident is currently presenting its real-time navigation system for implantologists at IDS. Dental Tribune Online had the opportunity to speak with CEO Frank Berlinghoff about the product and the benefits it offers to dentists.

Dental Tribune Online: Mr Berlinghoff, could you please explain the benefits of your navigation system?
Frank Berlinghoff: Our system provides a real-time view of the treatment situation during implantation. The dentist therefore effectively has a real-time radiographic image on which he or she can see the drill, the patient’s anatomy and the implant plan simultaneously. Another advantage is that the drilled holes are recorded, so that they can be compared with those on the plan. This is useful in subsequent prosthetic restorations.

This system is unique in that the dentist can practically look inside the patient during surgery and view all of the bone structures and other anatomical features. It even issues a warning if the surgeon comes too close to a nerve canal.

What have dentists said about the device?
We have already undertaken a range of usability tests on the prototypes, of course, both with experienced and less experienced implantologists. They have all said that such a system is useful. Of course, there is something of a learning curve, because they must first become used to the attachment on the handpiece and the marker in the patient’s mouth. Nevertheless, we have received a great deal of very promising feedback. On the first day of the show already, we held talks with a range of dealers and a number of implantologists. Many regard the miniaturisation in particular as a major advancement.

You are currently still presenting a pre-production model. When will the device be launched?
We expect to receive the CE marking for the product in the coming months. The final launch is scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year. We will initially focus on the German-speaking and European market, which is mainly to do with the partners and distribution partners with whom we currently collaborate.

In addition, we have already held talks with potential partners in the US, where we hope to receive US Food and Drug Administration approval soon. We have also already established contacts with partners from India, China and Brazil, where implantology is currently showing strong growth.

To post a reply please login or register

Interview: DryShield is introducing the only autoclavable modern isolation system to Europe

Modern isolation systems are designed to accomplish the tasks of a high-suction evacuator, dry angles, cotton rolls and gauze in one easy-to-use device. ...

Solvay launches unique dental line at IDS

COLOGNE, Germany: With the new Solvay Dental 360 dental line on display at IDS this week, international chemical and advanced materials company Solvay ...

Interview: “At IDS, Fotona is introducing the latest software upgrade”

After its launch at IDS in March 2011, Fotona’s dual-wavelength (Er:YAG and Nd:YAG) LightWalker laser system quickly earned widespread industry praise and...

Interview: Adopting intra-oral scanners is vital for success

The US-based company 3DISC, which recently launched the Heron IOS (intra-oral scanner), specialises in quality imaging solutions for dentists. Dental ...

Interview: “CAD/CAM production really is the way forward”

The integration of digital dentistry into existing workflows has become increasingly popular as newer technologies have been developed. Though this approach...

Interview: “3D printing in dentistry is much more than just a new technology”

Patrick Thurm is the managing director and general manager for Europe at SprintRay, a young 3D printing company that opened its European branch office in ...

Interview: German dental industry is still heart and driving force of IDS today

The International Dental Show (IDS) provides the best competitive conditions for a sporting, ambitious and collaborative performance comparison, as well as ...

Interview: “IDS 2021 will be different”

Like most industries, the dental industry has been severely affected by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The entire European and international economy are facing an...

Interview: EMS is looking to make dentists and patients smile

Swiss company EMS (Electro Medical Systems) is known as an innovative market leader in dental prophylaxis, with technologies such as AIR-FLOW and PIEZON ...

3D Systems premieres its revolutionary Figure 4 platform at IDS

In dentistry, the use of 3-D printers is an area of continual growth. With its recent acquisition of NextDent, 3D Systems now has the materials necessary to...

Education

Live webinar
Mon. 29 April 2024
12:30 pm EST (New York)