Gripstrip by Centrix May 2012

Gripstrip are IP polishing strips that have wider ends that are easier to grab and hold onto than many of the competitors.  I think they work great and since they are easy to grab a hold of, I switched.  The only downfall is that it could really use a serrated edge.

I bought it.

Access Edge by Centrix May 2012

Access Edge is a gingival retraction paste with AlCl.  Works well and is easy to use.  I priced it out and Traxodent was a little cheaper per ml, so I use that.

I didn't buy

NuCalm Febuary 2012

NuCalm consists of some electrical stimulation, calming music, visual blockage, and chemical means to relax the patient.  I suppose this system works well.  Some of my patients liked it, some didn't.  The music and headphones are really nice.  For our practice the whole system is just way too over the top.  Maybe I could use the headphones and glasses.  However, chewing the pills, which taste terrible, and putting the electrodes behind my patient's ears would not calm their nerves.  Most would think I lost it.  Oh sure, I could work to introduce the system the right way and many patients would come to enjoy it, but I just do not what to put in the effort to do that.  Plus it is very expensive.


I didn't buy.

Shine Renew Instrument Wipes Hu-Friedy January 2012

Shine Renew works, I believe.  I used this in two different offices, one office staff liked the other didn't.  To be honest, this is of more interest to my assistants than me.  They are in charge of sterilization and cleaning so they like products that make their job easier. 

I bought it.

Sensimatic Electrosurge 700SE Parkell January 2012

Sensimatic Electrosurge 700SE  Parkell is nice and if you are in the market for one that is not hand-held this is probably the one you want.  The pad that is placed behind the patient is nice because it's not the old metal kind and looks less "scary".  These devices I don't think have changed much.  I have a very very old unit and it works and looks almost exactly the same.  The parkell one looks "sharper" but you can probaly get an old used on on ebay and it will do exactly the same thing and look very similar.

I know I would love and electrosurge and a laser that were next to or with the handpieces.  If they were easier to use I would use them more.



I didn't buy.

QMix Dentsply January 2011

QMix is a mix of 17% EDTA and 2% CHX.  According to JOE it does work the same as EDTA when it comes to smear layer removal.  I think it is a nice product, but costly.  I just use EDTA and then CHX as separate steps.  Advantages of my way is cheaper and don't have to rinse out NaOCl with sterile water before EDTA by itself.  There is some disagreement as to what exactly the precipitate is that is formed when NaOCl and CHX mix, but it's likely not good for patient whatever it is.

I didn't buy.

TrollByte Kimera November 2011

Trollbyte Kimera digital sensors were tested this month, sort of.  My team, 3 hygienists and 2 assistants, took one look at the construction and refused to use them.  They said they were too flimsy and too cheap looking.  I tried them and basically agree.  They are fine but we are spoiled with Dentsply system, I think.

I didn't buy.