DESENSITIZER IS COMPATIBLE WITH ALL TOTALETCH AND SELFETCH BONDING SYSTEMS, CEMENTS, AND AMALGAM
The MicroPrime G desensitizing agent from ZEST Dental Solutions (Danville Materials) can be placed under dental cements or temporary, provisional, or final restorative materials to reduce postoperative sensitivity. It also can be used for desensitization of amalgam restorations, either conventional or bonded. Dr. Marisol King, a general practitioner, tells us why she uses MicroPrime G on every vital tooth for both direct and indirect restorations.
I am a general dentist who treats children and adults, and performs a fair amount of palliative care on geriatric patients. I have been practicing for 3 years and using MicroPrime G for about 2.5 years—only because it was not readily available in the initial 6 months of practice. Prior to adding MicroPrime G to my restorative protocol, I noticed that a large portion of patients would report thermal sensitivity following restorations. I have since noted that complaints of postoperative thermal sensitivity decreased significantly. I use it on every vital tooth, for both direct and indirect restorations. I find it to be tremendously beneficial whenever I place composite or bond a crown.
The ‘How’ and ‘Why’
Following caries removal, I generally use a total-etch technique, with the exception of those areas of the preparation that have close pulpal proximity. In these deep, nonetched areas, I will place a glass ionomer liner. Next, I scrub several layers of MicroPrime G onto the preparation, wait 30 seconds, and air-dry. After MicroPrime G is air-dried, I use a prime-and-bond, follow manufacturer instructions, and then, depending on whether I’m completing indirect or direct, I restore with a nanohybrid composite or cement indirect with a dual-cure adhesive resin-based luting cement.
I use MicroPrime G for 3 reasons. The primary reason is desensitization. Postoperative sensitivity has decreased tremendously or been resolved completely in the majority of my patients. While that alone is a great reason to use MicroPrime G, I also use it because it is a disinfectant. The third reason, which is the most beneficial for me personally, is that it increases bond strength.
All About the MMPs
Enzymes that degrade type I collagen, called MMPs, get trapped in the demineralized dentin layer. When you acid-etch dentin, these enzymes are reactivated and begin to break down collagen fibrils at that junction of the dentin and resin. Over time, this is going to result in decreased bond strength and increase debonding. Placing MicroPrime G inactivates these MMPs, rewets the dentin, and increases the depth to which my two-step universal prime-and-bond is able to penetrate the dentin, improving my bond strength!
MicroPrime G can be placed under dental cements and other restorative materials (including amalgam) in temporary, provisional, or final restorations. Its desensitizing properties can last up to 10 years, which ties directly into how slowly that bond layer is degrading over time.
A Worthwhile Addition
Aside from being a desensitizer, I don’t see any reason a dentist in general practice shouldn’t use MicroPrime G for its antibacterial properties and for increasing bond strength. If you want to provide the best dentistry for your patients and you want your restorations to last, it just makes sense to integrate MicroPrime G into your adhesive techniques.
If you can get into the habit of adding one additional step, especially if it only takes an extra 30 to 60 seconds, it’s an easy product to use. Not to mention that when you compare the ingredients in MicroPrime G to similar products, it’s very economical. In my experience, it’s an inexpensive and worthwhile addition to your treatment routine.
About Marisol King, DDS
Dr. King received her Bachelor of Science in chemistry and music from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, and graduated from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine in Aurora, CO. She is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Dental Association, New Mexico Dental Association, Hispanic Dental Association, and Albuquerque HDA.
