Abstract: A method of obtaining and merging volumetric data and surface data of a patient's dentition for use in designing and/or manufacturing a prosthodontic component, such as a drill guide, an implant, or other prosthodontic appliance, for example. A plurality of radio-opaque markers are temporarily secured directly to a patient's dentition. Surface data is then obtained, such as by scanning the patient's dentition with the markers or alternatively, by taking an impression of the patient's dentition with the markers, forming a physical model that includes analogs of the markers, and scanning the physical model. Either before or after the surface data is obtained, an anatomical, volumetric image data set of the patient's dentition is obtained via a volumetric scan of the patient's dentition with the markers appearing in the image data set.

Abstract: A sound attenuating material includes a matrix, and a nanofiller, the material effectively reduces the level of low frequency sound incident thereon.

Abstract: A retractor for surgery includes a retractor body and an elongated and expandable structure attached to the retractor body. The expandable structure, when expanded, has an elongated open interior for the insertion of a portion of a surgical instrument. Drive structure is provided for expanding the expandable structure. A retractor system and method for retracting an incision are also disclosed.