ACTIVA BioACTIVE-Restorative: Restoring from Within

For the past 41 years, Howard Glazer, DDS, FAGD, has not only practiced dentistry but also held fellowships and industry leadership positions, including former President of the Academy of General Dentistry. Throughout his career, Glazer has clinically evaluated new materials and technologies and kept abreast of developments in materials science. In recent years, he has settled on ACTIVA BioACTIVE-RESTORATIVE (PULPDENT) as his most reliable bioactive composite material. An early adopter, Glazer began using ACTIVA 3 years ago when the product first launched.

“I define true bioactive materials as those that have beneficial properties that actually restore a tooth, not just fill or repair a cavity or defect,” Glazer says. “With ACTIVA, we have the ability to treat the tooth from within and strengthen tooth structure by replacing the missing calcium and phosphate that is lost in the decay process. ACTIVA is the first esthetic restorative to not only give us fluoride release and recharge, but also calcium and phosphate, which are the building blocks of tooth structure. This brings strength to the restoration and allows me to truly restore a tooth, not just repair it,” says Glazer.

ACTIVA BioACTIVE-RESTORATIVE chemically bonds to teeth and seals against bacterial microleakage. It is far more durable than glass-ionomers and resin-modified glass-ionomers (RMGIs), and is as strong as and even more fracture resistant than traditional composites, which are hydrophobic and do not have bioactive properties. “ACTIVA can be used for so many indications; it is all encompassing. In most cases, I don’t need to take extra steps with an adhesive resin,” Glazer adds. “Its self-adhesive properties eliminate the need for bonding agents in retentive cavity preparations. I immediately became comfortable with the syringe technique, which eliminates voids. The product is very thixotropic, easy to apply, and easy to use,” Glazer says.

“ACTIVA is ideal for Class l to Class V restorations, and I use it for core build-ups where you want strength and some bioactivity to help strengthen the tooth. It works for deep restorations or any case where you are beyond 1 to 2 mm deep and even up to 9 mm in depth. I want to make sure I’ve got a good solid base in that tooth. I want a base that is going to absorb stress and occlusal forces, restore the tooth, and protect it. That is one of the main reasons I use this in my adult and pediatric restorations,” Glazer says.

ACTIVA responds to changes in the oral environment with release and recharge of calcium, phosphate, and fluoride. It stimulates apatite formation at the material-tooth interface. This natural remineralization process knits the material and the tooth together, penetrates and fills micro-gaps, guards against secondary caries, and seals margins against microleakage and failure. The bioactive difference supports a prevention model and helps maintain the health of the dentition.

“Overall, my feeling about this product is that it is revolutionary. With a product like this, we can really, truly, only now do restorative dentistry that benefits teeth. And I think this is only the beginning. Other companies are going to be chasing ACTIVA and trying to make their materials bioactive, more acceptable to the body, and with a beneficial effect. ACTIVA BioACTIVE-RESTORATIVE is working and exceeding expectations,” Glazer stresses.

ACTIVA combines the esthetics, strength, and resilience of composites with bioactive properties that are superior to glass ionomers and RMGIs. ACTIVA BioACTIVE products are moisture friendly and react to changes in pH levels in the oral environment to help fortify and recharge the ionic properties of saliva, teeth, and the material itself. A 1-year clinical performance report from The Dental Advisor gives ACTIVA BioACTIVE-RESTORATIVE a 5-plus rating. Ninety-six restorations recalled after 1 year were rated for lack of postoperative sensitivity, esthetics, resistance to fracture and chipping, resistance to marginal discoloration, wear resistance, and retention. ACTIVA received a 98% clinical performance rating.

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Watertown, MA 02472
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800-343-4342