Patent Awarded For Tooth Replacement Technique
The United States Patent Office has issued a patent to Dr. Todd E. Shatkin, an Amherst dentist affiliated with the Aesthetics Associates Centre. The invention, which comprises a method of attaching a preformed prosthetic tooth to a patient’s jawbone by using a surgical stent, utilizes tiny mini-dental implants. The result is a non-complicated method of replacing single or multiple teeth in one visit to a dental clinic, usually in less than one hour.
Dr. Shatkin, who has practiced dentistry in Amherst since graduating from the University of Pacific College of Dentistry, has placed over 4,000 dental implants in his career, and
is a certified lecturer from IMTEC Corporation, the company that
manufactures the mini-dental implants utilized in the new concept.
“I have been placing mini-dental implants since 1999 with great success,” Dr. Shatkin said. “My work with MDI’s led me to think of a technique to replace missing single teeth and to have a simple, minimally invasive method of restoring normal function with crowns and bridges. After some laboratory experiments, working closely with my dad, Samuel Shatkin, M.D., D.D.S., we came up with a technique that works virtually every time. The patient reaction has been phenomenal. Doctors all across the U.S. are now utilizing the technique and the patient satisfaction rate is very gratifying.”
Dr. Shatkin went on to state that to market the new technique the patent office has now approved, he created F.I.R.S.T. Laboratories, LLC, a limited liability company headquartered in Amherst. Investors in the new company include IMTEC Corporation, and Andrew Jakson, a local dental laboratory owner. “Without any marketing or promotion, F.I.R.S.T. was a hit with dentists all over the United States,” Dr. Shatkin stated. “We now have a data base over 1,000 dentists who use the system. I feel that this invention will have a dramatic effect on the dental profession. There is a strong need in dentistry for a simple method of immediate tooth replacement in a non-surgical manner. This offers the patient a simple procedure with no pain with a minimal investment of time and money. We just completed our third two-day seminar to teach dentists how to utilize the F.I.R.S.T. technique, and it was a big success.”
Source: F.I.R.S.T. Laboratories
