American Dental Technologies receives clearance for laser treatment of "canker sores".

SOUTHFIELD, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 11, 1996--American Dental Technologies Inc. ("ADT") announced today the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") has granted the company 510(k) clearance to market its PulseMaster Nd:YAG lasers for the treatment of aphthous ulcers.

An aphthous ulcer is one of several oral conditions referred to as canker sores. According to a number of published reports, laser treatment provides almost instant relief from the discomfort these sores often produce. Patient reports also suggest that laser treatment promotes faster healing and significantly reduces the recurrence of the lesions.

"Studies show that recurrent aphthous ulcers affect anywhere from 20 percent to 55 percent of the population," noted Terry Myers, DDS, ADT's director of education and training. "Conventional treatment has usually involved some kind of topical solution. While these chemical agents sometimes provide limited short-term relief, they have seldom had an effect on healing or recurrence."

In a study conducted by Dr. Frederick Parkins at the University of Louisville, 63 percent of the patients treated with the laser reported immediate relief of pain. Half of the patients reported faster healing and half had no recurrence within six months. Of the patients who did have lesions return within six months, 75 percent indicated the recurrences were less severe than before.

"For many patients, one of the most annoying aspects of having aphthous ulcers is that even if they're treated, they can come back almost immediately," Dr. Myers said. "The fact that the laser can reduce that need for treatment is very encouraging."

According to ADT President and CEO Anthony D. Fiorillo, this clearance is part of ADT's ongoing commitment to broaden the scope of this exciting technology.

"We believe over the next few years the laser will show itself to be one of the most versatile instruments ever introduced to dentistry," he said.

A few examples of other recognized applications of the PulseMaster include:

-- Cosmetic soft tissue re-contouring - The laser can reshape a patient's gum lines to improve the appearance of their smile. This procedure is often completed in a single appointment, usually with no bleeding and no need for stitches or postoperative pain medication.

-- Treatment of gum disease - The laser can reshape the gums, giving patients better access to areas they need to keep clean.

-- Reduction of hyperplastic tissue - Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment or taking medications often experience an overgrowth of gum tissue. The laser offers a way to remove this excess tissue more comfortably.

-- Frenectomies - Surgery correcting the flaps of skin that connect the tongue to the bottom of the mouth or the gums to the upper lips can sometimes improve speech or the appearance of a patient's smile. Bleeding can be a problem in conventional surgery, but not usually when the procedure is performed with a PulseMaster.

-- Access to gum-covered decay - As the population ages, decay occurring on the tooth root surfaces is becoming an increasingly common problem. When this decay is covered by gum tissue, the laser can be used to bloodlessly and comfortably expose it so it can be removed with an air abrasive instrument or drill. The laser is especially advantageous in this procedure when a patient's medical condition makes the use of anesthesia undesirable.

"The laser allows the dentists to deal with a wide range of problems relating to soft tissue," Fiorillo said. "Our air abrasive instrument, the KCP, gives them a new more comfortable way to treat teeth. We're proud that we've pioneered two innovative technologies that together give dentists a patient-friendly way to intercept both soft tissue problems and decay." -0-

The following is a selected list of references relating to the use of lasers in treating aphthous ulcers:

Parkins F, O'Toole T, Yancy J. Nd:YAG laser treatment of aphthous and herpetic lesions. J Dent Res 1994;73:190, Abstract 705.

Convissar RA, Massoumi-Sourey M. Recurrent aphthous ulcers: Etiology and laser ablation. Gen Dent 1992;40(6):512-515.

Colvard M, Kuo P. Managing aphthous ulcers: Laser treatment applied. J Am Dent Assoc 1991;122(7):51-53.

Myers TD. Lasers in dentistry: Their application in clinical practice. J Am Dent Assoc 1991;122(1):46-50.

Pick RM. Using lasers in clinical dental practice. J Am Dent Assoc 1993;124(2):37-47.

American Dental Technologies, headquartered in Southfield, develops and manufactures advanced technologies for dentistry and markets them worldwide. It is listed on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market under the symbol ADLI.

CONTACT: American Dental Technologies Inc., Southfield

Diane Miller, 810/353-5300