Product Evaluation

DOXA DENTAL

Ceramir Protect LC

A light-cured pulp protectant that combines precise syringe delivery, thixotropic handling, and bioactive properties 

Remember the game of Jenga, in which each block depends upon the others to remain upright? Every time you remove a block, you know that choosing the wrong one will bring the entire structure tumbling down. Sometimes, a treatment strategy is a bit like Jenga. Your patients’ trust in you depends on the confidence with which you provide their treatment, which, in turn, depends upon the trust you have in the products you use. Remove that trust and the strategy crumbles.

“Trusting a product is key to having my patients trust me,” shared Dr. Jeff Briney, especially during pulp-capping procedures when a reliable pulp-protection material can mean the difference between success and failure. Accustomed to receiving postoperative emergency calls from patients after pulp-capping procedures, Dr. Briney knew it was time to search for a new material, one that wouldn’t cause his ”structure” to come tumbling down.

Fortunately, Dr. Briney quickly discovered Doxa Dental’s Ceramir Protect LC, a bioactive, light-cured, syringe-delivered pulp-protection material that prevents pulpitis, hypersensitivity, and the need for invasive treatment. During a 4-week trial with Ceramir Protect LC, he received no emergency calls, zero patients experienced postop sensitivity, and all patients responded normally to cold tests. In fact, Dr. Briney says that Ceramir Protect LC has “quickly become the only product of choice when it comes to pulpal exposures along with any restorations approximating the pulpal tissue.” He now enjoys the “peace of mind of using a material in which I have profound trust—something I can’t say about previous materials I’ve used.”

Ease of Use

Ceramir Protect LC combines ready-to-use, single-component syringe delivery with thixotropic handling and a light-cured matrix. “It was much easier to use than other products,” said Dr. Edward Lew, especially since there was no need to mix the material and he didn’t have to worry about setting time. “The fact that it’s a single-component, light-cured delivery saves time,” said Dr. Michael Pavelchek, who also complimented the precise delivery.

Agreeing that Ceramir Protect LC was “much more convenient than others that require mixing,” Dr. Kenneth Louie liked that it “eliminated the need for a completely dry field.” Dr. Donna Coppola said, “With no mixing and light curing, I could place the restoration immediately. It saved me time and frustration that I experienced with a 2-paste system.”

Handling & Placement

Thanks to thixotropic properties and fine needle tips, Ceramir Protect LC can be precisely applied, even in deep-cavity preparations. Reporting that previous “pulp-capping materials I have used are difficult to place exactly where I want them,” Dr. Eric Van Zytveld said Ceramir Protect LC is “easy to place and stays where I place it,” unlike other materials that are too thick or too flowable. Dr. David Ly said it has a “really nice flow” and an “ideal consistency that made pulp exposures a bit easier to manage,” and Dr. Coppola appreciated “its good flowability that did not run and stayed where you put it.”

Ceramir Protect LC is moisture tolerant, insoluble, and radiopaque, and Dr. Lew said he “loved its radiopacity and its ability to work in a wet field.” Commending the material’s opaqueness, Dr. Briney explained, “Having the ability to view the radiopaque differentiation between materials is an important diagnostic tool, and Ceramir Protect LC provides that.”

“It has made me more confident in knowing my patients’ outcomes will be positive ones.”

- Jeffrey Briney, DDS

Dana Point, CA

Bioactive Properties

Ceramir Protect LC’s bioactive properties ensure optimal pulp protection with significant calcium release on tooth surfaces, which promotes hydroxyapatite and tertiary dentin formation. A high pH creates a bacteria-hostile environment, which is conducive to healing and protects against hypersensitivity. Optimal sealing further protects against bacteria.

When using Ceramir Protect LC in deep excavation areas, Dr. Dominic Raymond said his patients “experienced no sensitivity,” and Dr. Lew said the bioactive properties “helped reduce any postop discomfort normally associated with deep restorations.” For Dr. Mitchell Pasenkoff, the material helped heal pulp exposure and provided a nice base for restorations, giving him confidence during deep restoration repairs. Dr. Pavelchek appreciates the high pH, which he says will promote healing and inhibit bacteria growth while tempering postoperative sensitivity. “It created a regenerative solution for deep dentin or pulp exposure,” noted Dr. Richard Winter.

Overall Satisfaction

There is “absolutely nothing” that could be improved, concluded Dr. Briney, who said he will recommend Ceramir Protect LC to his seminar participants. “It has made me more confident in knowing my patients’ outcomes will be positive ones.”

Takeaways

• A 35% phosphoric acid etchant for use on entin and enamel
• Easy to dispense with 1.2-mL syringe, flowable viscosity stays where it's placed
• Self-limiting depth of etch prevents over etching and allows adhesives to penetrate surface
• Blue color improved visibility
• Easy to rinse off at end of procedure