Be Ready for Anything

In over 30 years of dentistry, Dr. Todd Snyder has never treated 2 restorations exactly alike. With a daily workflow that seems to be consistently filled with a series of “unknowns,” he believes it’s critical to always be ready for the unexpected. “

Dentistry is not a dogmatic process,” Dr. Snyder said. “Things don’t always go exactly as planned. So, it’s crucial to have tools, materials, backup plans, and protocols along the way that you can implement if you need them. Does that mean you’re going to use those tools for every case? I hope not. But instead of having to find a solution every time a problem arises, these tools are there if and when I need them.”

Four of the tools he frequently turns to are from Directa USA, and they round out his step-by-step protocol for delivering restorative success.

First, ‘Spot’ the Contact

First on his list? Directa’s Spotit, a colored marker that gives a clear, accurate indication of the adjustment needed to attain a perfect contact point between a crown and the adjacent tooth. 

Spotit is easy to maneuver with just 1 hand. “The straight or angled handles make access easier, and it very quickly identifies where I need to adjust,” Dr. Snyder said. “It’s very easy to use.”

Next, he makes sure TrollFoil is on his tray. Available in 4.5 and 8 .m, the foil includes a removable protective strip, is pre-mounted on a semi-rigid frame, and is especially adept at identifying difficult-to-spot areas.

“I use both thicknesses,” Dr. Snyder said, “but the 4.5 is especially great when I need to find a very small spot. It marks nicely, even in a moist environment.”

When it's time to cement, Dr. Snyder reaches for Ceramir Crown & Bridge, which he's been using since it came out.

“There’s no histological or pulpal tissue change; it's bioactive and releases ions to help the tooth offset decay," he said. "The material's flow properties allow me to seat restorations even if they've been overfilled accidentally.”

Another proven go-to is ContacEZ, a comprehensive assortment of tools that includes dozens of diamond strips and saws, both dual- and single-sided.

“I use these strips primarily for removing excess resin and cement for bonded restorations, and I often use the smooth-sided serrated saw," Dr. Snyder said. "Directa has really thought of it all with ContacEZ.”

Expect the Unexpected

“There’s always going to be unknowns,” he added. “But if you have a ‘bag of tricks’—and for me it’s often this group of Directa products—you’re not wondering how you’re going to fi x the problem, and you’re not spending valuable time hunting for a solution.”