New dental products and equipment

Reviewing current advances, new products, and equipment in dentistry is difficult due to the lack of scientific publication in professional journals. The majority of information available is garnered from nonrefereed sources as well as from information provided by the manufacturers themselves. However, it is clear that several significant technical and innovative advances were made in 1990 and 1991. Among the more significant developments, major advances were made in dental handpiece technology with the introduction of wear-resistant ceramic rotor bearings and fused fiberoptic bundles for increased light transmission. Refinement of delivery systems continues primarily on the asepsis and infection control front. The use of laser technology is rapidly advancing for dental treatment. Food and Drug Administration approval has been granted to two different types of laser units. Video imaging and computer simulation are advancing in delivery of esthetic restorations as well as diagnosis and treatment planning of complex maxillofacial treatments. Dental radiography is moving forward rapidly into the realm of digital imaging and analysis. Many other important advances are outlined in the text.