This bioactive, biocompatible dentin substitute provides versatility and patient satisfaction
Dental materials should solve a problem—or more than one, if possible. They should also be easy to use in the hands of dentists, save time and money, and leave the patient happy with the result for a long time to come.
Septodont’s Biodentine, a bioactive, biocompatible dentin substitute, is designed for versatility, and with its alkaline formulation, it also prevents caries recurrence.
Dr. John Burgess, adjunct professor at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry, was introduced to Biodentine through lectures about both the research behind the product and results of its use with patients.
Dr. Burgess has used Biodentine successfully to treat a variety of patients, including young people with extensive caries. “Biodentine is a very successful material for us,” explains Dr. Burgess. “Even in cases when we thought it wouldn’t work, it has. The success rate is due to the material’s release of calcium hydroxide to form new dentin. And in some cases, Biodentine stimulated the formation of a dentin bridge.”
Stay Strong
Biodentine has a higher compressive strength than dentin, preserves pulp, and promotes pulp healing, which can be helpful when treating patients who can’t afford root canal therapy. And the Food and Drug Administration has approved it for use as a restorative.
Dr. Burgess describes bioactive materials like Biodentine as very wear resistant. “The wear is similar to glass ionomer,” he says. “It is both wear resistant and provides an excellent seal—we have some patients who’ve had Biodentine in place for as long as 2 years. And if you can’t determine if a tooth is restorable, you can place Biodentine and watch.”
Improving Patient Care
Biodentine has been bringing versatility to dental practices across the country for nearly a decade. Dr. Robert Salehrabi, who has an endodontics practice in Denver, has been using the product since its U.S. launch. He offered 3 reasons to bring it into the practice: “It doesn’t stain teeth, it’s easy to use, and the cost per use is very reasonable.”
2 TIPS FROM DR. BURGESS
Efficient Use of Time: The set time for Biodentine is 10 to 12 minutes, which can seem like a long time for patients. Use this time efficiently. As your assistant mixes the material, remove caries (which will take 5 to 6 minutes), then place the material in the preparation and let it set for the remaining 6 minutes.
Smoothing the Material: When flush with the cavosurface margin, a smoother Biodentine surface can be obtained by rubbing a moist cotton pellet over the surface.
