Families are meant to stick together through thick and thin, and that means protecting and supporting each other no matter what. When Dr. Theodore Holubec needs to protect and support a patient’s dental restoration, he also relies on family—BISCO’s Thera Family of restorative materials. Specifically referring to TheraCal LC and TheraBase, Dr. Holubec “was very pleased with the clinical performance, ease of handling, and great outcome” of these materials after evaluating them for DPS.
A light-cured, resin-modified calcium silicate pulp protectant and liner, “TheraCal LC is easy to place, cures quickly, and delivers a nice solid base,” said Dr. Holubec. Also impressed with TheraBase, a dual-cure, calcium- and fluoride-releasing self-adhesive base/liner, he said, “Once placed in deep restorations, TheraBase has the benefit of dual-cure properties, ensuring complete polymerization. It also releases calcium and fluoride, which is a great advantage.”
Delivery, Placement, & Handling
TheraCal LC offers fast and easy syringe delivery, can be used with all etch techniques, and can be applied directly to the pulp or used as a liner. TheraBase’s automix, dual-syringe delivery provides a consistent mix for immediate use as a base or liner.
“I love TheraCal LC; its handling properties are perfect,” said Dr. Peter Dantini. “The syringe makes it easy to place, and light curing/setting makes placement ideal.” TheraCal LC “provides easy, flowable placement and quickly light-cures for immediate setting,” said Dr. Aaron Goodman. Dr. Mariam Vaziri said TheraCal LC “offers immediate setting with no waiting,” and Dr. Lisa Curry suggested that BISCO provide a “thinner tip for TheraCal LC so it doesn’t flow out so quickly.”
“After mixing, TheraBase stayed exactly where I placed it, allowing me to finish the restoration efficiently,” shared Dr. Holubec. “TheraBase has great handling properties and adheres well to dentinal surfaces,” noted Dr. Mark Taira. “I like the viscosity of TheraBase because it stays where it’s placed, but it would be better with a larger cannula,” shared Dr. Michael Pavelchek. While Dr. Dantini prefers a base with a thicker viscosity, he admitted, “Because TheraBase is thinner, its ability to adapt to a preparation is excellent.”
Final Restoration
With a calcium-releasing formula that helps create a protective seal, TheraCal LC is ideal for direct and indirect pulp capping and as a protective liner. TheraBase creates a firm foundation under any restoration and chemically bonds to tooth structure while continuously releasing calcium and fluoride. Both products are radiopaque and promote pulp vitality with an alkaline pH.*
Describing both materials as “a great alternative to the product I’ve been using for years,” Dr. Gary Dong said TheraCal LC is “so much easier to place and stays in place much better after curing.” The 2 products serve as a complete go-to solution for Dr. Dong that “addresses all I look for in a liner or pulp capping, with the exact placement, calcium release, alkaline pH, and radiopacity.” In addition, he said, “Chair time is reduced since both products are extremely easy to place and cure, and set time is quick.”
Explaining that he will purchase TheraCal LC in the future, Dr. Dantini reported “excellent results” with direct and indirect pulp capping in a patient with deep distal decay who needed quick treatment before a lung transplant. “TheraCal LC was more predictable than my usual liner, saving me time and grief, and it made liner placement pleasurable.”
Lack of Postop Sensitivity
“I’ve based and pulp-capped many teeth, and sensitivity seems much lower in deep preps when using these adjuncts,” said Dr. Goodman. TheraCal LC “helps to insulate the pulpal floor” for Dr. Stuart Zaller, and Dr. Curry appreciates its “sufficient thickness to [potentially] protect the nerve.” For Dr. Hilary Dalton, “patient comfort was achieved with no post-procedure sensitivity.” None of Dr. Vaziri’s patients have returned with sensitivity, and so far, Dr. Josh Fowler’s patients have “no pain or sensitivity.”
Overall Satisfaction
“I felt confident using TheraBase in deep restorations due to its dual-cure properties,” said Dr. Holubec. “I am very pleased with TheraCal LC and TheraBase as my postops have been very positive,” Dr. Dong noted. A TheraCal LC user for years, Dr. Goodman “now plans to use TheraBase for deeper restorations” and said, “These products made my chairside experience easier and more predictable.”
