TheraCal LC®
Protecting the pulp mechanically and thermally
Carla Cohn, DMD
I am a general dentist and have devoted myself solely to the care of pediatric patients. In addition to maintaining a private practice, I am a part-time clinical instructor of pediatric dentistry at the University of Manitoba College of Dentistry. I also co-founded the Women's Dental Network in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where the mandate is to provide continuing education and networking for women dentists.
I have the unique opportunity to try out and then evaluate dental materials, and that is how I was introduced to TheraCal LC®. Immediately, I knew that it was a natural fit for my practice and a material that I would use daily.
In my practice, I use Thera-Cal LC for all of the cases in which I am very near to a pulpal exposure or have a small carious or mechanical exposure. I use it in any situation that I need to protect the pulp both mechanically and thermally. Most commonly, I use TheraCal LC for indirect pulp caps of both the primary and permanent dentition. The evidence shows us that indirect pulp caps result in success rates that are equal to or better than those attributed to pulpotomy procedures and that they can be performed with greater ease, less chair time, and at a lower cost. When I can use TheraCal LC as an indirect pulp cap for vital pulp therapy, it provides the patient with a less invasive treatment as well as a more statistically significant chance for a successful result.
Besides indirect pulp therapy, I have used TheraCal LC in many different situations, including carious exposure of primary and permanent dentition, mechanical exposure of primary and permanent dentition, and trauma of permanent dentition. After using it for so many procedures, the reliability and ease of application are the two features of the product that stand out. It can be applied with a syringe and then light-cured with no need for mixing and no wait time. When working with children, efficiency is paramount, and this product is fast and easy to use. The calcium silicate in TheraCal LC stimulates the formation of hydroxyapatite and facilitates dentin bridging. In addition, TheraCal LC provides a mechanical seal and decreases leakage, which increases the overall rate of success of restorations. Some of the older, chemical-cured calcium hydroxide materials would dissolve, but TheraCal LC does not, so restorations that are placed on top of it exhibit good strength. TheraCal LC is also radiopaque, therefore, it will not be mistaken for recurrent or residual decay upon future radiographic examination.
For my demographic of pediatric patients, the true test of a material is that patients have a pleasant in-office experience with no postoperative pain or infection. With a quick and easy material that effectively protects pulp, those goals can be achieved more consistently. TheraCal LC gives me the extra reassurance that my patients are protected and that any postoperative complications are minimized.
Key Takeaways
1. Stimulates hydroxyapatite formation1,2
2. Promotes healing1
3. Radiopaque properties allow for easy detection on x-ray images
4. Light-curable, flowable-like handling
About the Author
Carla Cohn, DMD
Private Practice
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Manufacturer information
Bisco Dental Products
bisco.com/theracal-lc-/
800-247-3368
References
1. American Dental Association. Glossary of Dental Clinical and Administrative Terms. American Dental Association website. https://www.ada.org/en/publications/cdt/glossary-of-dental-clinical-and-administrative-ter. Accessed July 9, 2018.
2. Gandolfi MG, Siboni F, Taddei P, et al. Apatite-forming ability of TheraCal pulp-capping material. J Dent Res. 2011;90(Spe Iss A):Abstract Number 2520.
