Parkell: Predicta Bioactive Desensitizer
Powerful, easy-to-use desensitizer forms hydroxyapatite plugs that quickly block open tubules
In his role as a clinical consultant for Parkell, Dr. Michael Karter would often hear
from dentists that the desensitizer they were using would work in some cases, but not others. Since the end result would often be disappointing on both sides of the chair, they tended to stop recommending in-office desensitizing treatments to their patients.
So, the challenge for Dr. Karter and the team of chemists at Parkell was to develop a material that could offer consistent hypersensitivity relief, without a complicated application process.
“Many desensitizing materials on the market require meticulous cleaning and drying of the treatment site, and sometimes call for a curing light,” shared Dr. Karter, who maintains a general dentistry practice in Levittown, NY. “Predicta Bioactive Desensitizer comes premixed in a gel formulation, so it’s ready to go right out of the syringe. All you have to do is dispense it in a well and apply it with a small tufted microbrush onto the tooth surface. Even if there is a little saliva or blood present, it will still be effective.”
This simple application process means that in many cases, Predicta Bioactive Desensitizer can be applied without creating any aerosol. “You don't have to blast the tooth with an air-water syringe to dry it off before application. While this wasn’t necessarily a significant benefit considered during development, it is certainly something all clinicians appreciate in today's heightened infection control environment," said Dr. Karter.
A Natural Path to Hypersensitivity Relief
Predicta Bioactive Desensitizer features unique bioactive properties that offer a more natural path to relief. Instead of relying on chemical formulations that include glutaraldehyde or methacrylate to treat hypersensitivity, Predicta Bioactive Desensitizer uses hydroxyapatite to quickly plug the open tubules. Then, as calcium and phosphate ions continue to release, mineralization occurs to further seal tubules.
“Patients are starting to get familiar with hydroxy-apatite because they’re seeing it listed as a naturally occurring ingredient in familiar products, such as toothpaste,” noted Dr. Karter. “For patients with concerns about the chemicals being used in their mouths, this makes them more comfortable and accepting.
