Consepsis Chlorhexidine Antibacterial Solution

Consepsis is a dual-function product that cleans and disinfects in one step, eliminating or minimizing bacterial growth under restorations and helping to ensure the best long-term result for your patients.

Successful restorative procedures require the effective removal of infected dentin before the placement of restorative material. Thus, the elimination of bacteria from a prepared cavity is one of the most important steps taken during restorative treatments.¹

However, procedures used when treating caries do not always eliminate all microorganisms in remaining tissue. Studies have shown that bacteria left in the dentin can maintain activity for up to a year.^2,3 These bacteria become responsible for recurrent caries and pulpal inflammation. ⁴ Even when a good seal from the oral cavity is present, residual bacteria in the cavity preparation can multiply.⁵ Application of an antibacterial solution is therefore recommended to prevent the harmful effects of bacterial activity after cavity preparation.^6,7

Long-Lasting Antimicrobial Activity
Chlorhexidine-based solutions have demonstrated the longest and most effective antimicrobial activity of all available disinfectants, and they have the added benefit that they do their job without compromising bond strength.^8,9 In fact, studies have shown that restorations that are not treated with chlorhexidine show a significant decrease in the structural integrity of the collagen network1 and decreased bond strength.¹⁰ That’s why Ultradent’s Consepsis has been a popular choice for over 15 years. Consepsis is a lightly flavored 2.0% chlorhexidine gluconate solution that boasts an easy syringe delivery and excellent viscosity. Its bactericidal abilities have been shown in an in-vitro test of inhibition of Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Candida albicans.¹ By addressing microorganisms in the dentinal tubules, Consepsis minimizes postoperative pulpitis and sensitivity by cleaning and disinfecting the preparation prior to sealing and restoring.

Other Consepsis Products
Ultradent also markets Consepsis Scrub, a chlorhexidine gluconate antibacterial slurry that contains a silicate abrasive. It is used to scrub, clean, and disinfect in a single operation. Consepsis V, a more viscous formulation than regular Consepsis, is available for endodontic disinfecting purposes only. The viscosity of Consepsis V allows it to be placed and retained in the canal so that it doesn’t quickly run out.

Myriad Uses
Consepsis has many uses. It can be used before bonding to reduce the risk of recurrent caries and postoperative sensitivity caused by residual bacteria. It also can be used before crown cementation (both temporary and permanent) and for restorative preparations of crowns, inlays, and composites. Consepsis is a quality wetting agent for bonding and to aid in increasing bond strengths. It is recommended for procedural endodontic disinfection, as a final endodontic rinse before canal obturation, and as an antimicrobial before pulp capping. Ultradent recommends Consepsis for luting and direct restorative placement and to help preserve the collagen network and bond strength of restorations. It helps prevent the influx of microorganisms into dentinal tubules. —Jackie Syrop

References

1. Turkun M, Ozata F, Uzer E, Ates M. Antimicrobial substantivity of cavity disinfectants. Gen Dent. 2005;May/June:182-186.
2. Boston DW, Graver HT. Histobacteriological analysis of acid red dye-stainable dentin found beneath intact amalgam restorations. Oper Dent. 1993;19:65-69.
3. Besle FC. The fate of bacteria sealed in dental cavities. J Dent Res. 1943;22:349-354.
4. Brännström M, Vojinovic O. Response of the dental pulp to invasion of bacteria around three filling materials. J Dent Child. 1976;43:15-21.
5. Brannstrom M. Infection beneath composite resin restoration. Can it be avoided? Oper Dent. 1987;12:158-163.
6. Brannstrom M, Nyborg H. Cavity treatment with a microbicidal fluoride solution. Growth of bacteria and effect on the pulp. J Prosthet Dent. 1973;30:303-310.
7. Melers JC, Kresin JC. Cavity disinfectants and dentin bonding. Oper Dent. 1996;21:153-159.
8. Leonardo MR, Filho T, Filho PN, Bonifacio MS, Ito IY. In vivo antimicrobial activity of 2% chlorhexidine used as a root canal irrigating solution. J Endo. 1999;25:167-171.
9. Cao DS, Hollis RA, Christensen GJ, Christensen RP. Effect of tooth disinfecting procedures on dentin shear body strength. [abstract 493]. J Dent Res. 1995;74:73.
10. Tay F, Pashley D, et al. Chlorhexidine preserves dentin bond in vitro. J Dent Res. 2005;84:741-746.