Pulpdent Double Take: "... I was very excited and adopted it immediately.”

John C. Comisi, DDS, MAGD, is a GP with a private practice in Ithaca, N.Y. He is a member of the Dental Products Report scientific advisory board and lectures and writes about new and exciting products in the dental industry.

The graduate of Northwestern University Dental School, who received his bachelor's degree in biology at Fordham University, shares his thoughts on using Pulpdent’s ACTIVA BioACTIVE restoratives and base/liners.

How did you first learn of ACTIVA and/or why did you decide to start using it?Pulpdent first approached me regarding the development of a new restorative material. I was intrigued and visited them in Watertown, Mass. The product they presented to me had elements unique to any restorative material I’d ever seen. We discussed everything from the delivery system to viscosity and handling to finishing and polishing of the product. From this and other conversations and interactions, ACTIVA was born. When I could finally get it to use in my office, I was very excited and adopted it immediately.

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What are your favorite things about this product?
I enjoy the fact that since it is a unique resin modified glass ionomer in a hydrophilic resin base that has physical properties that mimic tooth structure, it allows for ion exchange and does not require a bonding agent to use it. This is what I like to call a “reservoir restorative” material. It will help with remineralization, prevents MMP and cysteine cathepsin collagen activity, which breaks down the interface between our restorations and tooth structure.

Tell us a little about the results you have experienced with ACTIVA and also touch on patient responses.
Our results over the last 27 months of use in our office have been outstanding. Procedural time has been significantly reduced. Sensitivity is practically non-existent in my hands, and it is proving to be a very resilient, durable and versatile material.

Why would you recommend ACTIVA to colleagues?
Our current resin bonding systems have, over time, been shown to be less than ideal for long term restorative procedures. Many systems activate and accentuate the tooth structures’ natural defensive mechanism which ultimately causes resin bonding failure. This material is easy to use, and brings a new dynamic to our restorative procedures, one that works with the moisture omnipresent in the mouth that can remineralize and significantly prevent restorative failure.

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