Straumann today announced that it is introducing Roxolid SLActive implants in a new range of sizes that help dental professionals to avoid bone augmentation procedures, saving patients trauma, discomfort, time and money.
The key to the new implants is the unique material Roxolid, which is considerably stronger than pure titanium1, the most widely-used dental implant material. Furthermore, in combination with the SLActive surface, Roxolid has demonstrated superiority to other high-strength materials with regard to osseointegration in a preclinical trial2.
Since its initial market launch at the end of 2009, Roxolid has been introduced in most major markets but only with Straumann 3.3mm implants, which are designed for use in narrow spaces or where limited bone is available. Experience gained in an extensive clinical program, has provided the basis for Straumann to supply all its implants in Roxolid with the goals of minimizing invasiveness and making treatment possible for patients with insufficient bone. Consequently, Straumann Soft Tissue Level and Bone Level Implants are now available in Roxolid in 3.3, 4.1 and 4.8 mm diameters. All feature the SLActive surface for accelerated osseous healing and all feature the new Loxim Transfer Piece for easier handling.
New short implant
Straumann is also launching a new short implant, which is just 4 mm in length – making it the company’s smallest implant. This implant has been evaluated for more than 5 years in a clinical trial3 and has shown excellent performance. Designed to avoid extensive augmentation procedures in patients with insufficient vertical bone for conventional implants, the new implant is available in Europe, Australia and New Zealand, in a soft tissue level design and in 4.1 mm and 4.8 mm diameters. Introductions in North America and elsewhere are planned and will follow regulatory clearances.
The need for a new material
Pure titanium is well known for its biological compatibility with the human body, its ability to integrate with bone, its resistance to corrosion, and its strength. However, its mechanical properties are limited in the case of small diameter implants or components. This prompted the search for alternatives that offered biomechanical strength with unimpaired osseointegration. Roxolid is an alloy of titanium and zirconium, the only two metals commonly used in implantology that have been shown not to inhibit the growth of osteoblasts, the bone-forming cells that are essential for osseointegration4. In contrast to other alloys, Roxolid can be combined with Straumann’s SLActive surface technology, which enhances osseous healing. Roxolid thus combines high tensile and fatigue strengths with excellent osseointegration and has been designed to increase reliability and confidence with small diameter implants5,6,7,8.
Backed by one of the most extensive clinical programs
For more than 5 years, Roxolid has been undergoing a broad program of clinical and pre-clinical trials. With 17 publications, including 8 published clinical studies and 9 pre-clinical studies this is one of the largest research programs ever undertaken by a dental implant company. The trials include double-blind randomized controlled studies and Non-Interventional-Studies to assess the performance of Roxolid implants in daily practice. Implant performance in narrow spaces and in the anterior region have also been investigated.
In general, success and survival rates have been extremely high. For instance, in a multicenter study6 of Roxolid small diameter implants, the survival rate was 99% at 3 years. Furthermore, the average crestal bone loss reported is minimal.
Loxim – perfecting handling
In recent years Straumann has worked hard to perfect implant handling, adding convenience with uncompromised precision and reliability. Roxolid SLActive implants are supplied with Loxim, a new transfer piece that detaches faster and easier from the implant after placement in the patient – making the surgeon’s job easier. Loxim requires an exceptionally high standard of precision and was developed in collaboration with an international team of expert dental surgeons from different practice settings and universities.
Roxolid SLActive implants are now available in Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand, both as bone or soft tissue level options. Further markets will follow pending regulatory approvals.
More about Roxolid: www.straumann.com/roxolid
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