Pearls For Your Practice

Joe Blaes, DDS

TheraCal™ LC

from BISCO Dental Products

is a light-cured, resin-modified calcium silicate-filled base/liner designed for use in direct and indirect pulp

capping, and as a protective base/liner under composite, amalgam, cements, and other base materials. TheraCal LC acts as a barrier and protectant to the dental pulpal complex. This is truly an easier way to do a pulp capping procedure that will cause new dentin formation and an actual healing of the pulp. Because TheraCal LC is packaged in a 1g syringe and has thixotropic properties, it can be precisely placed in deep cavity preparations with ease. Its formulation allows for a command set with visible light curing. The hydrophilic resin formulation creates a stable and durable liner or base. The chemical formulation of TheraCal LC consists of tricalcium silicate particles in a hydrophilic monomer, which supplies calcium ions that facilitate calcium release. The calcium release and alkaline pH promote sealing of the pulp, hydroxyapatite formation, and secondary dentin bridge formation. The material is moisture tolerant and improves the ability to form a durable seal. It can also be an alternative to calcium hydroxide, glass ionomer, RMGI, IRM/ZOE, and other restorative materials. This is a product of the great chemistry that BISCO is famous for, and you can buy with confidence. TheraCal LC is available in a 1–1g syringe and a 4–1g syringe package.

To order or for more information, call BISCO (800) 247-3368 or visit www.bisco.com.

Integrity® Multi•Cure

from DENTSPLY Caulk

Integrity has been one of my favorite temporary materials since it was introduced more than 20 years ago. This is an award-winning product that has stood the test of time. I cannot possibly tell you how many beautiful provisionals I have made with this material. DENTSPLY Caulk has made some chemical changes in the material in order to make it even better. Integrity Multi-Cure’s formulation (still a 10:1 bis-acrylic material) has improved flexural strength and improved durability due to wear resistance and strength properties. This new and improved provisional material also gives you time. The time saved is from a light cure capability that has been added to the improved formulation. So now you use the material just as you always have. You can do so by creating a matrix with Caulk’s Regisil Rigid impression material or, if you have taken my course, with a rigid plastic “dental button.” Next, prep the tooth, load the matrix with Integrity Multi-Cure, place it in the mouth, and set a timer for 90 seconds. Carefully remove the matrix and light cure the material in the matrix for 20 seconds. You have just saved three minutes. Remove the finished provisional from the matrix and use a high-speed diamond to remove any flash. Cement by applying a thin, uniform layer of Integrity® TempGrip® cement to the entire internal surface of the provisional. Integrity Multi-Cure contains added fluorescence that allows you to create esthetic temporaries that I call provisionals because they are a step above temporaries. This material can be polished to a natural luster for superb results and excellent esthetics. You have to look twice to know they are not the permanent restorations. So here is what you get with the new Integrity Multi-Cure — faster procedure time when using the light-cure option, great consistency for easy handling and cleanup, easy repair with light-cure restorative materials, and no shrinkage.

For more information, visit www.integritymulticure.com or call (800) 532-2855.

MI Varnish™ with RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP)

from GC America

The dental literature is reporting an increase in decay in children and older adults. GC America has introduced a product that can easily slow down this increased threat to teeth. MI Varnish is for patients who are at risk for caries. Fluoride is an important component, along with calcium and phosphate in the fight against

demineralization and caries. MI Varnish helps to make fluoride plus calcium and phosphate more bioavailable to gain that extra boost of protection. It enhances enamel acid resistance and contributes to higher salivary calcium and phosphate levels. The fluoride (from NaF) along with the calcium and phosphate make this product the clinical choice for you, your staff, and patients. You can now offer patients a comprehensive in-office and at-home treatment plan. MI Varnish joins MI Paste™ and MI Paste Plus™ in providing a comprehensive system for the dental professional team. If a patient has a moderate to high caries risk assessment, use MI Varnish in office and then instruct the patient to continue his or her daily care at home with regular use of MI Paste or MI Paste Plus to enhance calcium and phosphate bioavailability. MI Varnish, used in conjunction with MI Paste and MI Paste Plus, results in a well-rounded treatment plan for strong, healthy teeth. It is available in a 50-unit dose box. The unit dose containers are easy to open and contain enough material for a typical full-mouth application. An application of MI Varnish is smooth and dries clearly. The fresh strawberry flavor is appealing to adults and children. Your team can also use this product for treatment and relief of hypersensitive teeth because it seals and penetrates into dentinal tubules while effectively blocking external stimuli.

Visit www.gcamerica.com for more information.

Resin 8 Colors Scalers and Curettes

from Hu-Friedy

Every instrument, from its proprietary metal and textured design to the color for organization, is designed at Hu-Friedy with one purpose — to help you perform at your best. When Hu-Friedy created Resin 8 Colors scalers and curettes, the company combined resin handles in eight eye-catching colors with features that maximize comfort and efficiency. This is done to achieve the best clinical outcomes — for every patient, every day. The

color-coding system has made it simple for my hygienist, Karen. Now, she has only to look at the color to find the next instrument she needs. The color-coding system is based on the specific area of the mouth where it is used. The textured handle design has wave grooves and a special knurling texture that increases rotational control. This provides a light, secure grasp. In order to maintain the integrity of the resin instruments, detergents or disinfectants that contain phenols or iodophors cannot be used. In addition, dry heat is not compatible with instruments with resin handles. I know that maintaining a sharp edge is important to Karen because I see how much time she spends keeping her instruments sharp. She has told me many times that a dull instrument only burnishes calculus instead of removing it. Hu-Friedy’s Resin Color Instruments are made with EverEdge® technology, which keeps the working ends sharper longer. But at some point, every scaler needs sharpening. Hu-Friedy offers more than 30 years’ experience in instrument finishing and sharpening to the clinician who prefers a “hands-off” style of sharpening. Through this service, Hu-Friedy’s instrument artisans recreate factory-cutting blades on a daily basis, sharpening instruments to the performance level of a new scaler. With Hu-Friedy’s professional sharpening service, you will save valuable time and effort sharpening and have more time to provide better patient care. Karen and I think this makes great sense. We have committed to using the sharpening service as a way to keep sharp our Hu-Friedy Resin 8 Colors, as well as our curettes and scalers. We hope you will, too!

Visit www.hu-friedy.com for more information.

To have Dr. Joe Blaes present his lecture, “Pearls For Your Practice®,” for your study group or dental society, please call (866) 274-4500.