Frequently Asked Questions:
How does the device work?
The Smart Dentin Grinder is a device that is designed to convert a patient's own tooth into autologous grafting material that can be placed back into the same patient. The Smart Dentin Grinder utilizes a single-use grinding chamber that pulverizes the tooth into granules. The device sorts these granules into two particulate size ranges and collects the granules based on their size into two separate compartments. The primary containment drawer collects granules that are between 250 and 1,200 microns in size. The secondary containment drawer collects granules that are smaller than 250 microns in size. The dentist can use all granules that are produced by the device or choose one particulate size range if it is preferred. Once the grinding procedure is finished, the granules are sterilized using chemical sterilization. The output can also be sterilized using an autoclave.
Where can I learn the Smart Dentin Grinder protocol?
Please refer to this video or contact us and we'll send you the manual. Click here.
You are also welcome to join one of the upcoming training events listed in the Events & Courses section.
How much material can be recovered from each tooth?
The device has demonstrated to be effective at grinding teeth consistently, regardless of variations in tooth morphology. During the grinding process, the Smart Dentin Grinder is able to achieve consisten particulate sizing based on the sieves that sort the graft material. After the grinding and sorting cycles are complete, most of the collected material will result in particulate of 250 - 1,200 micron in size. Testing has shown that over 98% of the original tooth that is utilized by the Smart Dentin Grinder is ground, sorted and recovered in the drawers - ready for reuse. Typically we get 2.5 times the volume of the tooth in graft volume. As an example, a second molar would typically convert into 2 – 2.5 cc of tooth graft.
Graft remodeling – how fast does the Dentin Graft remodel and become replaced by bone?
Dentin does not resorb quickly but rather it will fuse (ankylose) to the site bone. Together the fused bone-dentin matrix will remodel slowly which will maintain the aesthetics of the restoration for much longer. In parallel, the matrix will attract new bone formation at the site due to the autologous nature of the graft. Dentin is known to attract progenitor cells. Typically we do not see dentin particulate in the bone after 15-18 months.
Do I grind the entire tooth? Crown, root, pulp, enamel and all?
Yes. You will grind the entire tooth after removing any amalgam or composite.
What is the particulate size and how much graft can I get from a single tooth?
The particulate size generated from the tooth is smaller than 1,200 microns.
You will get two and a half to three times the volume of the tooth. For example, on average an incisor will usually generate 0.8 – 1.2 cc of Dentin graft, a pre-molar will typically generate 2 – 2.5 cc of graft and a molar would generate about 3 cc of graft.
What if the tooth has amalgam, composites or deep decay?
All these elements need to be stripped off the tooth by mechanically cleaning the tooth with a bur prior to placing the tooth in the grinder.
To what extent do I need to mechanically clean the tooth?
Please refer to the previous question. It is important to thoroughly dry the tooth before placing it in the chamber.
How do I clean the graft before applying it?
Please refer to this graft cleaning video guide. Click here...
Feel free to contact us for any inquiry.
What are helpful tips when using the Smart Dentin Grinder?
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1. Be sure to save and store any excess dentin grafting material in the provided dish for later use if needed. Please read the protocol for storing graft on our protocols page.
2. If you are not planning on using the extracted tooth immediately it should be cleaned, dried, and stored for later use with the same patient. Please read the protocol for storing graft on our protocols page.
3. After removing the graft from the chamber, place the drawers back and tap the top of the grinding chamber to retrieve even more graft.
4. Be sure to program 'grind' and 'sort' at the same time so you will not have to repeat these functions when re-running the device.
5. When cleansing the graft set a timer for 5 minutes so you will know when it is ready.
6. Use a surgical carbide bur or tungsten bur when mechanically cleaning the tooth for best results.
7. Make sure the tooth is as dry as possible before being placed in the grinding chamber.
8. To achieve a sticky bone, dry the graft for 3-5 minutes in the glass dish before adding it to the PRF membrane piece.
9. Control the particulate size by running the grind function for a second or even third time.
10. Saline cannot be substituted for the Dentin Wash, be sure to re-purchase these from your dealer.
11. Keep note of the expiration dates on the liquids, expired bottles will not be effective.
Does the Smart Dentin Grinder produces heat when processing teeth?
The Smart Dentin Grinder does not produce heat during standard protocol. The device does not grind, cut or drill the tooth, but actually operates as a hammer and pulverizes the tooth structure into particulate. Pulverization does not produce heat especially since the entire action takes only 3 seconds. Also, since the tooth is mineralized, the entire notion of heat affecting the organic portion of the material is false. The mineral is protecting the organic portion (collagen fiber type I) from heat.
Is the graft output mineralized or demineralized?
The KometaBio Smart Dentin Grinder offers two protocols, a protocol for mineralized dentin graft and a separate protocol for demineralized dentin graft. The operators can decide which form of graft they prefer. The demineralized dentin graft protocol produces a combination of mineralized and demineralized particulate which helps to expose the organic portion earlier while still maintaining the excellent slow resorbing mineral scaffold.
