Biodentine XP all-in-one dentin substitute can be used for various indications, including pulpotomies and indirect pulp capping, fully replacing dentin and healing the pulp
For 13 years, Biodentine has been Dr. David Rothman’s go-to material for pulpotomies and indirect pulp capping. He finds the dentin substitute elicits the best response from the pulp, providing benefits that options like mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), resin-modified glass ionomers, and calcium hydroxide simply can’t match.
When the XP version was introduced, he found another use: temporary restorations. Biodentine XP's unique delivery system provides a more consistent mix, he said, and is a “solid” temporary material.
“It’s safe for the pulp, especially if a tooth is going to exfoliate in a year or a year and a half, and if it has a deep restoration I feel is going to fail,” explained Dr. Rothman, a pediatric dentist who practices in San Francisco. “I use it to calm the tooth. It has enough wear resistance, is gentler on the pulp than other options, and promotes healing.”
A Clear Choice
Dr. Rothman began using Biodentine to replace MTA, as the expensive material stained teeth and was difficult to use. Biodentine’s patented Active Biosilicate Technology ensures a high purity of tricalcium silicate, Dr. Rothman said, eliminating staining concerns and providing better esthetics for the zirconia crowns he places for his young patients. Biodentine also streamlines procedures and provides superior pulpal healing, making it the obvious choice.
And with the XP delivery system, it’s easier to use. The dentin replacement still comes in a ready-to-use capsule that contains both powder and liquid, but now has a proprietary XP Mixer. The material, ready in about 30 seconds, can be placed directly on the tooth with the included applicator gun. “It always mixes correctly,” he said. “You get the right consistency—there’s no mess and no waste.”
Banishing Bacteria
Biodentine XP has a larger zone of bactericidal activity than other options and provides the stimulation needed to lay down extra layers of dentin with-out damaging the pulp, Dr. Rothman said. Its basic nature and lack of contaminants set up a non-acidic environment that keeps pathogenic bacteria out.
“I have more predictable outcomes after a pulpotomy and a less symptomatic tooth when doing indirect pulp caps,” he said. “And if I use it as an im-mediate replacement for enamel or dentin, I know it will stay there for a month or so before I need to go back in. The material really is extremely useful."
