New NanoTite Implant From 3i

Biomet, Inc. has announced that Biomet 3i, the Company's dental reconstructive device subsidiary, has introduced a new dental implant that utilizes nanotechnology. The NanoTite Implant builds upon the benefits of Biomet 3i's OSSEOTITE Implant by adding deposits of nano-scale calcium phosphate crystals to approximately 50% of the surface. According to pre-clinical studies, these nano-scale deposits create a complex surface on the implant that appears to play a key role in how the implant bonds with the bone. Human bone recognizes calcium phosphate as biologically natural, allowing the bone and implant to bond during healing.

Dental implants replace single or multiple missing teeth due to cavities, decay, trauma or disease and are designed to help preserve bone structure and natural facial contours. The 2007 dental reconstructive device market is estimated to be approximately $625 million in the United States and exceeds $2 billion worldwide, growing at an annual rate of 15-17%.