Patent awarded for tooth replacement technique

Dr. Shatkin

The U.S. Patent Office has issued a patent to Dr. Todd E. Shatkin, an Amherst dentist affiliated with the Aesthetics Associates Center.

The invention, which comprises a method of attaching a preformed prosthetic tooth to a patient's jawbone by using a surgical stent, utilizes mini-dental implants.

"The result is a noncomplicated method of replacing single or multiple teeth in one visit in a dental office," Shatkin said. "Usually the procedure can be completed in less than one hour."

Dr. Shatkin said he was thrilled when he received notice of the award.

"I've been placing mini-dental implants since 1999 with great success," he said. "My work with MDIs 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."

He added that after some laboratory experiments, and working closely with his father, Dr. Samuel Shatkin, they came up with a technique that works virtually every time.

"The patient reaction has been phenomenal. They especially like the fact that there is no cutting down of adjacent teeth for replacing the missing teeth. Doctors all across the U.S. are now utilizing the technique and the patient satisfaction rate is very gratifying," he said.

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 Jackson, a local dental laboratory owner.

"We now have a database of over 1,000 dentists who use the system. I feel that this invention will have a dramatic effect on the dental profession," he said. "There is a strong need in dentistry for a simple method of immediate tooth replacement in a nonsurgical manner. This offers the patient a simple procedure with no pain with a minimal investment in time and money."

For more information, call 839-1700.