W&H Impex
Bone Splitting: No other Way
The EICHENKLINIK is a renowned private clinic for reconstructive dentistry and implantology, widely recognised beyond its regional borders. A large part of the surgical workflow is performed using W&H products. In this interview, Prof Dr Enkling explains what makes them stand out for him.
May you please briefly introduce yourself?
Dr Enkling: Of course. I am Dr Norbert Enkling, the founder and owner of the EICHENKLINIK, which I have been running since 2014 together with my wife Dr Johanna Enkling-Scholl’s specialised orthodontic clinic. Research and teaching are central to my professional commitment: we are an Academic Teaching Practice for both the University of Bern and the University of Bonn, allowing dental students to complete parts of their mandatory practical training with us in Kreuztal.
Since 2024, I have been leading the Prosthetic Implantology Section at the Clinic for Reconstructive Dentistry and Gerodontology at the University of Bern under Director Prof. Dr Schimmel. I also hold a teaching position at the University of Bonn, where I lead the Oral Implantology and Biomaterials Research Group at the Department of Dental Prosthetics, Propaedeutics, and Materials Science under Director Prof. Dr Stark.
Since when have you been using W&H devices?
Dr Enkling: The first Implantmed found its way to my practice back in 2007. I had been asking among colleagues about an implantology motor and evaluated several products. Features such as the integrated light were innovative and truly impressive at the time. I appreciate both the automatic torque control and torque monitoring. Today, I am using the third generation of Implantmed devices in my practice and have implemented W&H products in both Bonn and Bern as well. Prior to my involvement, these clinics worked with other manufacturers.
I first came across the W&H Piezomed through the bone-splitting technique and also apply the associated extraction set for immediate implant placements. Its use is indicated for lateral sinus lift procedures as well. For many years, I chose the Piezomed for harvesting bone blocks, although the technique is now considered outdated.
I perform a large part of the surgical workflow with W&H products and would not want to be without them anymore.
Why did you select the Piezomed module?
Dr Enkling: I became aware of the new module immediately after its launch and decided to purchase it. What I particularly appreciate is that only a single bottle of saline solution is needed to operate both devices. This is also quite interesting from an economic perspective, given the number of procedures performed per day. I was also convinced by its compact design, and, of course, by its performance.
What is your experience, and which device features offer you the greatest added value?
Dr Enkling: At the Eichenklinik, I use the combination of Implantmed and a standalone Piezomed unit in two treatment rooms. In the main operating room, I use the surgical tower featuring the latest Implantmed generation, combined with the Piezomed module. We have also recently retrofitted our Bern clinic with Piezomed modules.
For me, the most valuable feature of the Implantmed is clearly its torque. This is something I've consistently observed in all the W&H Implantmed motors I've used: the motor delivers excellent torque, even at low speeds.
Furthermore, the hygienic design is very well-thought-out, which I appreciate; everything is simple to clean. The design of the handpieces and contra-angle handpieces is also worth highlighting – they are elegant and smooth.
The Piezomed module is connected via a plug-in. How was the initial setup and commissioning process with the device?
Dr Enkling: The initial set-up was accompanied by professional training from W&H. Everything was clearly structured despite the complexity, and the training was thorough.
The products worked together intuitively and without requiring much time to get familiar with them. Personally, it took me some time to get used to it and establish a routine at first. For example, you need to switch the foot control cable when using the devices together.
The automatic instrument detection is very user-friendly; I wouldn't want to work any other way now.
Why have you repeatedly chosen W&H when making product decisions?
Dr Enkling: Beyond the exceptional product characteristics, the human factor is important to me. The customer service is very good; and you always have the same contact person. Issues are handled quickly and, in a solution-oriented manner.
When loaner devices were necessary in the past, this process has always worked very quickly, smoothly, and ensured no appointment cancellations at the practice throughout all our years of cooperation.
For me, W&H is a reliable partner offering highly developed devices at a fair price. I need to work reliably – and this is only possible with the appropriate equipment.
Thank you very much for these insights!
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