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Press release September 21, 2005
New findings from clinical studies open the door to patients with a poor prognosis for implant treatment. The research by the medical device company Astra Tech reveals a remarkable 97% success rate in difficult cases, a finding that exceeds expectations.
“This is in line with my own experience,” says Wilfried Wagner, Professor and Head of the Clinic of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Mainz. “The Astra Tech implant system offers great possibilities for treating patients with poor jawbone quality because it increases safety and predictability. When you are working at the margins this makes a big difference.”
Professor Wagner is among more than 250 dentists engaged in Astra Tech’s clinical trials conducted in 14 countries in Europe and the USA. In ongoing studies1,4, where more than 70% of the implants were installed in porous and loose jawbone in the most critical area at the back of the upper jaw, a success rate as high as 97% has so far been reported.
Astra Tech, a subsidiary of the Astra Zeneca group, has developed and scientifically documented its implant system over more than 15 years. The latest innovation, the fluoride-modified titanium surface OsseoSpeed™, was launched in 2004 based on results from pre-clinical trials2 and initial clinical data from more than 300 patients.
In a study by Abrahamsson et. al.2 the modified surface has been shown to attract and stimulate bone building cells at the implant site in the early healing phase and there are also indications that the activity of bone destructing cells is reduced. This is demonstrated by superior maintenance of stability during the early healing phase 3. In combination with other qualities of the implant system, the modified surface further improves the previously reported long-term success for function and esthetics.
“Early healing and the increased amount of bone around the implant give stability, which enables earlier loading,” adds Professor Wagner. “Increased bone support also makes it possible to install shorter implants for patients who don’t have enough jawbone. In addition, increased stability of the bone around the neck of the implant is a key success factor for good esthetics.”
To date, in an international study that has been on-going since 2003,4 approximately 700 patients have been enrolled. In this study, Astra Tech has engaged approximately 120 dentists who report back on the effectiveness of using OsseoSpeed in their clinical practice. Outcomes are clear-cut and have been positive with very few complications.
Professor Wagner sees implantology both as a preventative and curative treatment on functional disorders. Added value with implant treatment is the esthetic outcome. In the future, for most cases he expects dental implants to be the preferred treatment instead of conventional solutions, such as traditional bridges and dentures.
Astra Tech is the world’s fastest-growing dental implant company and has an annual growth of 40% in the dental implant area. The world market for dental implants is growing at a rate of approximately 20% annually.
Astra Tech recently acquired the international company Cresco Ti Systems, which strengthens its product portfolio even further. This is part of an overall growth strategy that will take Astra Tech to a leading position on the global dental market. Cresco’s technology and products make it possible for patients to have bridges that fit perfectly from the start, which means that they can use their new teeth more quickly.
For further information, please contact:
Wilfried Wagner, Professor and Head of the Clinic of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Mainz, mobile +49 173 3021767
Anders Holmén, Medical Director Dental, Astra Tech AB, phone: + 46 31 7763053, mobile +46 705 563 053
Peter Selley, President & CEO, Astra Tech AB, phone +46 31 7763110, mobile +46 705 763110
Astra Tech, a subsidiary of the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, develops and produces dental implants and advanced medical devices. With these products, Astra Tech aims to improve treatment results, facilitate procedures, reduce health care costs and enhance the quality of life of patients.
Astra Tech’s headquarters, located in Mölndal, Sweden, houses facilities for research and development as well as production. The company has subsidiaries in 14 countries in Europe, North America and Asia/Pacific and is represented by local partners in other selected markets.
Astra Tech had sales of SEK 1.9 billion in 2004 and employs approximately 1,400 people.
www.astratech.com or www.astratechdental.com
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