Lava COS 50,000th case

ST. PAUL, Minnesota--Since the launch of the 3M ESPE Lava Chairside Oral Scanner C.O.S. in 2008, dentists have been won over by the system’s productivity and accuracy. Now 3M ESPE has observed the 50,000th case completed with the device.To read more about 3M ESPE, go to 3M ESPE.The case was completed by Dr. William Bethke of Eau Claire, Wis. Dr. Bethke adopted the system in early 2010 and has been making use of it since. “The accuracy is No. 1,” Dr. Bethke said. “There is no impression material in the world that can equal the accuracy of the Lava C.O.S. in combination with CAD/CAM technology. This is an important part of dentistry’s drive for perfection.”Users of the system have consistently noted that restorations created with the Lava C.O.S. fit with accuracy, reducing seating time and stress in the operatory. Data shows that seating times for single-unit crowns created with the Lava C.O.S. are an average of 41% shorter than for crowns made with traditional impressions. To provide dentists with additional confidence, 3M ESPE also offers a one-year guarantee for new doctors using the system for Lava restorations. The guarantee includes an agreement to compensate the doctor and laboratory in the event of a remake. In addition to the accuracy made possible with the device, dentists have a high degree of flexibility in choosing the materials used in their restorations with the ability to prescribe PFM or CAD/CAM restorations. Dr. Bethke’s milestone case used a monolithic all-ceramic material to restore a patient’s smile. The accuracy of the digital scans has been a boon to laboratories as well since dentists now have the capability to assess the accuracy of their impression before submitting a case. “We are seeing remake rates of less than one percent due to the accuracy of the digital data,” said Brad Slominski, CDT, of Dental Crafters Laboratory. “Reducing remakes helps us strengthen our relationships with dentists, and helps dentists save both money and time.”Aded Mark Farmer, general manager of the 3M Digital Oral Care Department: “The Lava C.O.S. continues to deliver greater productivity and flexibility to dentists and laboratories. With more than 50,000 cases completed, more dentists, lab technicians and patients are discovering the clinical excellence made possible by this system every day.”For more information, visit www.LavaCOS.com or call (800) 634-2249. To comment on this subject, go to community.pennwelldentalgroup.com/.