Neks Technologies launches DetecTar mini

Neks Technologies launches DetecTar mini

The first and only intelligent handheld calculus detection device. Minimally invasive diagnostic aid helps clinicians detect up to 3 times more calculus.

ATLANTA (March 15, 2007) – Thomas Hinman Dental Meeting, Booth # 2014 – Neks Technologies Inc, a company specializing in developing and manufacturing innovative dental products, today announced the launch of their new DetecTar mini, the first and only intelligent diagnostic aid to assist clinicians in the accurate detection of sub-gingival calculus.  The DetecTar mini helps dentists, hygienists and periodontists to locate and diagnose calculus in a minimally invasive, pain-free manner. Based on state-of-the-art Light Emitting Diode (LED) and fiber optic technologies, the DetecTar mini detects up to three (3) times more calculus than traditional periodontal probes and has been shown to reduce over-detection by 64%, according to a clinical study conducted by McGill University.^[1] “Practicing preventative dentistry has become increasingly important to clinicians who want to preserve healthy tooth structure and maintain overall patient health. Clinicians want minimally invasive tools like the DetecTar mini to help easily and quickly locate calculus before the onset of gum disease which can lead to tooth loss as well as other serious and sometimes life-threatening diseases,” said Dr. Naim Karazivan, president/co-founder of Neks Technologies.    Studies have shown that most adults over the age of 30 have calculus.  According to a National Institute of Dental Research (NIDR) study, tartar buildup is prevalent in over 90% of individuals examined where 67% of the participants had some sub-gingival calculus^[2].  Calculus left untreated can further progress to gum disease and can result in tooth loss. Research has also found that a person’s total health is often related to their oral health.  These studies have shown a strong link between periodontal disease and serious health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, ulcers and low pre-term birth weight.^[3]  The DetecTar mini helps reduce the incidence of developing these conditions by helping clinicians to accurately locate and remove calculus early in order to prevent further progression of gum disease. 

3 indispensable methods of use:

The DetecTar mini can be used by clinicians to detect calculus in the following 3 ways:

1) As a guide before scaling: The DetecTar mini is a useful tool in helping clinicians detect and localize calculus prior to scaling. This helps clinicians target only the areas with calculus, reducing unnecessary over-scaling.

 2) As a verification tool after scaling: The DetecTar mini is an indispensable verification tool that can be used following scaling to help hygienists ensure that no remnants of calculus have been left behind.  The DetecTar mini can be used to indicate the endpoint of therapy^[4] aiding clinicians in preventing over-scaling, reducing hypersensitivity and minimizing damage caused to root surface.

3) To help decrease uncertainty in deep pockets: The device is also vital in detecting calculus in deep pockets where there is typically a high level of uncertainty locating and diagnosing the severity and progression of calculus.  Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line in the sulcus, causing the break down of the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues.^[5]  The DetecTar mini allows for less unnecessary instrumentation, which also helps ensure proper reattachment of gingival tissue1 following treatment.

The DetecTar mini allows for more accurate and continuous detection even in deep periodontal pockets and is unaffected by the presence of blood, saliva or other contaminants. ”The DetecTar mini is like a bionic eye—it helps me see below the gum line,” said Bibiane Gagnon, a hygienist at Montreal General Hospital and one of the researchers involved in the McGill University study. “In deeper pockets, it is impossible to know if all of the tartar has been removed. With the DetecTar mini, I now have confidence that I am finding all of the calculus residing in deep pockets.”  By quickly identifying which areas to scale, the DetecTar mini saves clinicians time and costs providing patients with a more efficient examination.  Studies have shown that with the DetecTar mini, up to 15 seconds or less is spent per tooth. ^[1]

About the DetecTar mini

The DetecTar mini uses Light-Emitting Diode (LED) and fiber optic technologies to detect calculus. The device contains a diode which emits a light that travels up two fiber optics to the tip of the probe. When calculus is detected, the optical fiber reflects light. A microprocessor analyses the reading and instantly emits an audible signal (beep) to notify the clinician of the presence of calculus. The DetecTar mini is not a laser, and therefore can also be operated by a hygienist. It does not emit heat, and is safe for both clinicians and patients. The new DetecTar mini is an easy-to-use, lightweight (2.4 oz.), cordless device. It’s ergonomic, pen-size design makes it conveniently portable, allowing for easy storage and transport. The DetecTar mini is easy to sterilize and requires no calibration. It only requires 2 AAA batteries to operate, treating over 100 patients.   Pricing and Availability The DetecTar mini is distributed through Patterson Dental in the U.S. For more information, call 1-800-873-7683. The DetecTar mini is available at a special introductory offer of $2899 U.S for a limited time.

[1] Source: In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the Effectiveness of Probe N-123 in Detecting Sub gingival Calculus, Dr Mervyn Gornitsky, McGill University, 2002/2004.

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