IBUR BioSystems of Troy, MI, is bringing a new technology to the world of dentistry. The company, which develops technologies for dental and facial reconstruction, has patented a CT-derived, model-based system for planning and executing dental implants. IBUR takes a CT scan and uses 3-D printing to produce a physical model that allows doctors to plan implant procedures with more information and in less time than ever before.
Co-founder Chris Kabot says this method has been used for years in the medical industry for such things as knee reconstruction. Now, he says, “we’re taking the technology to the dental world.” The 3-D printout allows the dentist to see and feel the density of the plastic model, which mirrors bone density. He or she can get a feel for the bone when drilling into the model, thus performing a mock surgery from which a surgical guide is then created.
According to Kabot, traditionally, a dentist will take an X-ray and impression to plan the placement of a dental implant. “Thirty percent of implants fail,” he says, often due to an inaccurate placement or other problems. “This leads to additional surgeries, which can introduce new risks to the patient.”
The company has applied for seven international patents and is involved in research studies with the University of Michigan, University of Detroit Mercy and Ohio State University, among others. www.iburbiosystems.com
