Statistics indicate there are currently 35 million edentulous people worldwide who struggle on a daily basis just to eat food of sustenance, to smile without fear or to converse with a friend without the embarrassment of a floppy (loose) denture. Over the past forty years implant dentistry has evolved from enlightened clinical experimentation to scientifically proven procedures and materials.
IMTEC Corporation, a leader in the development of implant technology, offers general dentists an easy mini implant solution to provide their patients immediate and on-going effective relief from loose dentures.
New Approach to an Old Paradigm
Mini implants are ultra-small, (1.8mm diameter) biocompatible titanium alloy implant screws, conceived and designed over 20 years ago by a Manhattan dentist, Victor I. Sendax. Although Dr. Sendax had been placing dental implants since the 1970’s using his innovative technique, some clinicians rejected his concept only because it did not follow the so-called “standard” for placing implants.
In 1998, Dr. Sendax, a board-certified implantologist, approached Dr. Ronald A. Bulard with his new implant concept. Dr. Bulard, himself a board-certified implantologist, had previously formed a dental implant company, IMTEC Corporation, which at the time was manufacturing and marketing conventional dental implants, abutments and other dental products. Convinced they were onto something special, Drs. Sendax and Bulard spent countless hours studying and refining Dr. Sendax’s original creative design. Dr. Bulard recommended adding a single one-piece o-ball to Dr. Sendax’s design. With Dr. Bulard’s enhancements and Dr. Sendax’s patented insertion protocol, the IMTEC Sendax MDI was created.
What is the MDI?
In April, 1999, the MDI (mini dental implant) system was introduced to the dental market and has since been well received by clinicians worldwide. The MDI consists of a miniature 1.8mm titanium implant that acts like the root of a tooth and a retaining fixture that is incorporated into the base of a patient’s denture. The head of the implant is shaped like a ball and the retaining fixture acts like a socket that contains an o-ring. The o-ring snaps over the ball when the denture is seated and holds the denture at a predetermined level of force. When seated, the denture gently rests on the patient’s gum tissue. The implant fixtures allow for micro-mobility while withstanding natural lifting forces.
Pictured above are IMTEC’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ronald A. Bulard, DDS with Victor I. Sendax, DDS, an inventor and patent holder in addition to being a pioneer in the field of dental implants. He is the inventor and developer of the world recognized Sendax MDI mini dental implant system manufactured and marketed by IMTEC.
Dr. Sendax is a director of the company.
This minimally invasive technique is fast becoming the system of choice for stabilizing the prosthesis of dental patients. Over the past three years, IMTEC has observed amazing changes in dental practices using the MDI. Oral Surgeons to general practitioners have benefited from this amazing mini dental implant. It is an excellent service that can be delivered at a reasonable cost and can significantly enhance a clinician’s income.
IMTEC—Dental Innovations
In 1986, Dr. Ronald A. Bulard began manufacturing root form dental implants. In 1990, he invited E.S. Gillespie, DDS to join him in establishing what is currently known as the IMTEC Corporation, and implementing the mission statement to produce excellent and innovative dental products that could be offered at extremely competitive prices. IMTEC, now a world leader in immediate loading dental implants, has a vast product line that includes root form endosseous dental implants, guided tissue regeneration systems, surgical instruments, dental prosthetics and laboratory components.
The company also offers educational materials and dental hygiene items. Recognizing the keystone to success is personal service, Drs. Bulard and Gillespie have emphasized IMTEC’s commitment to serving the needs of the dental professional throughout the history of the corporation.
Dedication to Quality
IMTEC is committed to the highest standards of quality. This has been proven to be a significant factor in the company’s remarkable growth.
The company is compliant with numerous European Quality Assurance systems that oversee manufacturing excellence and grant consent to export into the European Union. It also meets the stringent demands of the FDA’s requirements for good manufacturing practices and concern for patient safety in the production and marketing of medical products and devices.
The IMTEC manufacturing facility is compartmentalized into separate product assembly, testing and quality assurance modules. An environmentally controlled region is used for product finishing and inspection. Rigid standards are mandatory and are constantly being monitored. Operating procedures and protocols are reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis, and the company products and medical devices undergo rigorous testing procedures.
Constant Innovation
In order to provide the dental profession with contemporary and innovative products, IMTEC closely monitors the dental community. By serving the domestic and international markets, the company has its finger on the pulse of global needs and innovations. Operating with a staff of practicing dentists as well as a quality controlled feedback system, the company receives practical data that enables it to engage in dynamic manufacturing designed to keep inventory relevant and available.
IMTEC Corporation has just finished their most profitable year since inception, finishing the year with a 32% increase of sales over the previous year. The year 2002 is anticipated to bring similar growth.
IMTEC is a team-oriented company and maintains an extensive clinician data base.
Pictured from left to right are: John Roderick, VP Operations; Doretta Anderson, Director of Domestic Sales & Marketing; Brad Vance, Projects Co-Ordinator & QA; James Clark, CEO; Ronald A. Bulard, DDS, Board Chairman; E.S. Gillespie, DDS, Executive VP & Director of International Marketing; Nathan Verner, CPA, VP & Controller and Deanna Harrison, International Customer Service Representative
James A. Clark, President & CEO
A member of the IMTEC board of directors since 1991, Mr. James Clark now serves as President and CEO. A licensed attorney and a private investor, he holds degrees in business and law in addition to an MBA with honors from Oklahoma City University. Mr. Clark oversees all aspects of IMTEC’s daily operations–including research and development, production, manufacturing, human resources, quality control, sales, governmental compliance, and marketing.
MDI benefits for Dentists
The MDI (mini dental implant) system offers the clinician numerous opportunities for enhancing his or her dental practice.
1) Create Pilot Hole and 2) Insert Implant
3) Tighten with Thumb Wrench and 4) Seat with Ratchet Wrench
5a) Retrofit Denture and The unique o-ring snaps over the ball when the denture is seated and holds the denture at a predetermined level of force. When seated, the denture gently rests on the gum tissue. The fixtures allow for micro-mobility while withstanding natural lifting forces.
*Minimally Invasive Surgery.
Different from the traditional way of placing implants, the patented MDI insertion protocol transforms the dental implant procedure from approximately 30 steps and months of healing time into a simple five-step process with no dysfunctional time for healing. The minimally invasive surgery is performed with a small amount of anesthesia injected into the insertion point. A pilot opening is affected through overlying attached gingival, which replaces the need to draw a surgical flap to expose the bone. (There may be situations when a thin crestal ridge needs to be exposed for proper placement of the implant, but most of the time a flap is not necessary.)
*Immediate Loading
The concept of drilling an osteotomy site is discarded for this system. Placing the implant directly into virgin, medullary bone offers an option to immediately load a denture without disrupting the function of the implant itself.
*Cost Effective
In comparison to conventional implants, the MDI enables the dentist and patient to benefit by cost savings. The initial clinician investment is minimal. The clinician can offer this unique service to patients who normally could not afford conventional implants.
IMTEC is ISO9001-certified and has a state-of-the-art QA system
*One-Hour, One-Stage Denture Stabilization
Time involved is one of the greatest attributes of this system. After garnering a learning curve, most dentists will be able to successfully accomplish this procedure within an hour. A critical fact is that this procedure can be completed about the same time as a root canal with the advantage of a much greater profit margin.
*Versatile
Although the MDI is designed for the overdenture, dentists have been extremely creative in their efforts and have found the MDI useful for various dental options, ranging from single tooth replacements to orthodontics.
*Practice Enhancement
Over the past three years, IMTEC has observed amazing changes in dental practices using the MDI. It is an excellent service that can be delivered at a reasonable cost and can significantly enhance a clinic’s income. Todd E. Shatkin, DDS from Amherst, NY has reported, “I’ve placed so many of these it’s truly amazing. My practice has generated an extra $250,000 in income this past twelve months from the MDI alone.”
Additional information on seminars and the MDI implant system can be obtained by calling (800) 879-9799 or by visiting IMTEC’s website at: www.imtec.com or email imtec@imtec.com.
You can also contact the company at: 2401 North Commerce St. Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401 (580) 223-4456 or FAX: (580) 223-4561