LM-Dental, part of the Planmeca group, has launched a dedicated line of seven periodontal microsurgery instruments. Developed alongside Dr. Axel Endruhn of Buenos Aires, the range centres on his IETS protocol for minimally invasive gingival recession treatment.
What's new
Purpose-built instrumentation for periodontal procedures performed under magnification remains a relatively narrow field. LM-Dental aims to fill this gap with its new microsurgery line. Each of the seven tools serves a strictly defined role in the surgical workflow:
LM Coltello — A microsurgical knife tailored for initial incisions, periosteal elevation, and split-thickness separations. It features two blades (straight and angled) in a single instrument. The sharp side faces the periosteum, while the smooth side contacts the mucosa.
LM Inicia — A fixed-blade microsurgical knife for intrasulcular incisions. Its thin, flat profile provides access to hard-to-reach areas. Angled shanks allow the clinician to work comfortably at interproximal, vestibular, lingual, and palatal levels.
LM Eleva — A micro-sized periosteal elevator designed for full-thickness (mucoperiosteal) separation. The beveled tip edge ensures effective separation. It lacks cutting edges to prevent soft tissue damage and doubles as a tool for inserting grafts into tunnels.
LM Tunella — A tunnelling knife for split-thickness (supra-periosteal) dissections. The compact tip accesses narrow spaces. Its design mirrors the Coltello but is heavily optimised for the tunnel technique.
LM Orban Redondo — A modified Orban knife featuring a rounded tip to minimise the risk of accidental perforation. Clinicians use it for intracrevicular incisions and split-thickness separations.
LM Papilla Remota — A periosteal and micro papilla elevator for interdental papilla elevation and remote vertical incisions. It offers two distinct tip designs: a short spoon-shaped end for the papilla and a longer flat end for full-thickness work.
LM Papilla Solleva — A dual-purpose papilla and periosteal instrument. It separates and elevates the papilla base from the interproximal bone. Sharp tip ends cut connective fibres, while blunt sides protect the gingival margins.
The manufacturer has equipped all seven instruments with LM-ErgoSense silicone handles to improve ergonomics and prevent slipping.
The IETS Protocol
Dr. Axel Endruhn developed the four-step IETS protocol specifically for minimally invasive gingival recession treatment. The instruments map directly to these four stages:
- Inicia — intrasulcular incision and epithelium separation
- Eleva — full-thickness elevation
- Tunella — supra-periosteal tunnel preparation
- Solleva — papilla separation and mobilisation
Strict microsurgical principles form the foundation of this protocol. By enabling smaller incisions, the approach preserves vascularisation, accelerates healing, and reduces post-operative morbidity.
Technical specs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Instruments | 7 |
| Handle | LM-ErgoSense (silicone) |
| Application | Periodontal microsurgery |
| Magnification | Loupes or microscope |
| Protocol | IETS (4 steps) |
| Collaboration | Dr. Axel Endruhn (+Perio, Buenos Aires) |
| Price | ~CAD 108-120 per instrument (Canadian market) |
| References | Burkhardt & Lang 2005, Di Gianfilippo et al. 2021 |
Market context
Periodontal microsurgery continues to gain clinical traction as practitioners seek better outcomes than those offered by conventional macrosurgical techniques. A 2021 meta-analysis by Di Gianfilippo et al., published in Clinical Oral Investigations, demonstrated significantly improved mean root coverage using microsurgical approaches.
The market for dedicated periodontal microsurgery instruments remains relatively niche. Current competition includes the Hu-Friedy Microsurgery Kit, options from Carl Martin, and tunnelling instruments from Stoma. LM-Dental attempts to differentiate its offering through the ergonomics of the ErgoSense handle and the sheer comprehensiveness of a seven-instrument set that covers the entire surgical workflow.
Partnering with Dr. Endruhn, director of +Perio in Buenos Aires, lends the range clear clinical credibility. The design stems directly from practical surgical experience rather than isolated engineering.
Relevance for CEE region
Specialist clinics across Poland and the broader CEE region are increasingly adopting periodontal microsurgery. Urban centres like Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław lead this shift. A growing patient interest in gingival aesthetics and recession plasty drives the regional demand for dedicated instruments.
LM-Dental relies on established distribution networks in Poland, working with leading dental suppliers including Henry Schein. At approximately CAD 108-120 (~EUR 75-85) per instrument, the line sits squarely in the premium segment, though it remains priced below several competing kits.
For Polish periodontists training in these advanced techniques, the IETS protocol combined with a dedicated instrument set provides a highly systematic approach to standardising the surgical workflow.
FAQ
What are LM periodontal microsurgery instruments? A line of seven dedicated microsurgical instruments from LM-Dental (Planmeca), developed with Dr. Axel Endruhn. They include knives, elevators, and papilla instruments for procedures performed under magnification.
What is the IETS protocol? IETS is a four-step protocol for minimally invasive gingival recession treatment developed by Dr. Endruhn. The acronym derives from the instruments used in each step: Inicia, Eleva, Tunella, and Solleva.
Who should use these instruments? Periodontists and oral surgeons performing procedures under magnification using loupes or a microscope. The instruments cater specifically to minimally invasive techniques that demand absolute microsurgical precision.