Dr. Blake Perry’s Path from Cockpit to Clinic in Nicaragua
Burkhart Gives Back
Continued Commitment to Seattle/King County Clinic
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President From our
When I reflect on Burkhart’s place in this competitive market and our goals for the future, I am reminded of the core principles that guide us: Integrity, Knowledge, and Client Success. These are not just words in our mission statement but the foundation of how we approach our work.
Integrity
We are authentic. Our team is dedicated to acting in the best interests of our clients, regardless of whether it results in a sale. Every Associate in our company — from our Account Managers and Service Technicians to our Customer Service Team — works together and strives to ensure client success in every way possible.
Knowledge
We use our expertise to free up our clients to achieve great things. We come prepared with the tools and skills to offer guidance and support. As individuals and as a group, we continue to learn and grow, hone our knowledge, and proactively meet the changing needs of the dental communities we serve.
Client Success
Our ultimate goal is to build trust and become valued advisors and team members. By prioritizing our clients’ best interests and leveraging our collective expertise, we are able to proactively recommend strategies and deliver effective solutions.
These principles are the foundation of everything we do and are what guide every interaction. I believe this makes Burkhart truly special, and I hope you will feel the same.
Serving the Dental Profession since 1888
At Burkhart we realize our clients are both dental professionals and business owners. It is our goal to help them be successful at both. Catalyst is fully dedicated to that success. The articles in this publication vary from product use and selection to business management topics and provide information and guidance that can lead to a more successful practice. We hope you enjoy!
If you have a request for a topic you would like us to cover in Catalyst, please contact our Marketing Department at: Marketing@BurkhartDental.com
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All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this publication without written permission from the Publisher is strictly forbidden. Images are not necessarily to scale.
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BURKHART GIVES BACK
Continued Commitment to Seattle/King County Clinic
Written
DAWN
By
KAHL Clinic Photos By AUSTON JAMES
For over a decade, once a year, the Seattle Center is transformed . For four days, it becomes a fully functioning health clinic, providing free dental, vision, behavioral health, immunizations, lab tests, mammograms, ultrasounds, X-rays, social work, and more on a first-come, first-served basis for anyone struggling to access or afford services .
In fact, it is the largest community-driven clinic of its kind in the United States, and Burkhart is proud to have been a part of it for the last ten years.
The Seattle Center first hosted a large-scale community-driven health clinic in 2014, after Founder Julia Colson got the idea during planning for the 50th Anniversary of the World's Fair. Over 3,000 people in the region are seen during the event, which is funded by grants and donations. The dental area of the clinic has over 90 chairs and offers X-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions, crowns, root canals, and temporary partials.
clinic.
Burkhart Dental Supply contributes to this incredible work by providing discounted supplies, loaned equipment, and donated labor for setup, volunteer work during the event, and teardown.
Burkhart’s technicians contribute far beyond equipment repairs. They assist with seating patients, transporting tools and equipment, and ensuring providers have everything they need to deliver care efficiently.
This year, Burkhart provided up to four technicians across four clinic days, totaling approximately 40 to 48 hours of technical and general support to the clinic .
Additionally, this year, Burkhart was pleased to assist the Smile Mobile team with setting up pano sensors, enabling the clinic to utilize panoramic imaging for endodontic patients. We are deeply grateful to our dedicated associates, Tacoma Service Technicians Jason Rehms, Bear Warner, Gered Bagocki, and Michael Skelton, for their time and service.
“Since 2015, the technician support provided by Burkhart Dental Supply has been an essential part of our success... We count on their expertise to keep our equipment running smoothly, allowing providers to stay focused on patient care .” says Franny Schwarz, Project Director for Seattle/King County Clinic .
Top: Gered Bagocki, Burkhart Service Technician, installs vacuum lines Bottom: A volunteer works on a scanner.
Opposite Page – Top Left: Burkhart Service Technician Bear Warner, right, carries equipment during setup.
Top Right: Burkhart Service Technician
Gered Bagocki, left, discusses the trunk line setup for the Mojave vacuum system.
“Over the last ten years, this partnership has helped us deliver dental services to more than 15,000 members of our community – equating to over $12.5 million in direct care. This is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we come together, and we are grateful for the continued support,” they say.
Burkhart is incredibly honored to have contributed to the success of the Seattle/King County Clinic and remains committed to supporting this and other community health initiatives.
The next clinic will be held April 23 – 26, 2026, at Seattle Center .
Learn more about the Seattle/King County Clinic Visit SeattleCenter.org/SKCClinic
SEND US YOUR GIVING BACK STORIES
We want to recognize our clients who demonstrate exceptional giving in their communities. If you know a dental office/team you would like featured in Catalyst or on social media, please contact Marketing at Marketing@BurkhartDental.com.
Above: The clinic is run on the Seattle Center campus.
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A Mission Reimagined
Dr . Blake Perry's Path from Cockpit to Clinic in Nicaragua
Written By DAWN KAHL
There is a line of locals waiting patiently to be seen at The Nancy Lund Clinic . Many have walked, some for miles, often barefoot, to receive free dental care .
The building is divided into thirds. One-third is set for a dental clinic, and the other two-thirds is the waiting room. This small, unassuming building sits near the beach of Aposentillo in northern Nicaragua.
Patients wait for free dental services provided by Dr. Blake Perry, a dentist from Mount Vernon, Washington, who has served this Nicaraguan community since 2016. His team includes his wife, Shannon, and consists of a mix of volunteers, some
from his dental office back home and others from the local area, including a local dentist and nurses. Shannon manages the logistics of getting the supplies and people in place.
Dentistry wasn’t always the plan for Dr. Perry, who returns 2 or 3 times a year to provide dental care to this area. Perry actually learned to fly planes while in dental school, inspired by his uncle, who was a pilot. He was restless in dental school and wasn't sure he wanted to be a dentist, but discovered he had a natural talent for it. He decided to join the Air National Guard, allowing him to pursue his love of flying and dentistry simultaneously.
Left: The Nancy Lund Clinic serves the community in Chinandega, in the Northwestern region of Nicaragua.
Lower Right: The team poses with a patient: L to R: Nurse Milagros Narvaez, Nurse Jazmina Mendez, assistant Giselle Hollaus, patient, Dr. Blake Perry, logistics manager, Shannon Perry, and clinic director Margaret ‘Margarita’ Boren.
He completed dental school, became boardcertified, and then underwent pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas. For a period, he was both a dentist and a pilot, sometimes volunteering as a dentist while serving in the Guard.
After graduating from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, he joined the pilot training program with the Wisconsin Air National Guard. He served in air sovereignty alert and training missions as a combat-qualified F-16 wingman.
After his time in the Air Force, he became an associate dentist, pursued further training, and eventually bought his own dental practice. He credits mentors and colleagues for helping him transition into full-time dentistry after his flying career.
Dr. Perry found that he had a purpose and a calling in dentistry, and he found the lifestyle more appealing. Facing a post-military career in aviation, he realized that dentistry brought more job security, and a better work-life balance than an eventual career as an airline pilot, which often involved layoffs and unpredictable schedules. But more than that, he appreciated the direct impact he could have on people's lives as a dentist, combining leadership and service in a way that resonated with him.
Skills from his pilot career, such as resilience, adaptability, and technical proficiency, transferred well to dentistry .
He valued the broader perspective and stress management skills he gained as a pilot, which helped him relate to patients and handle the demands of dental practice.
Lieutenant Perry in his fighter pilot days.
Top: Dr. Perry with dental assistant Gracie Garcia
Bottom: Dental hygienist Carlos Valverde, the one who suggested the first trip to Nicaragua.
In 2014, Dr. Perry and his wife were looking for a surfing vacation. His hygienist, Carlos, a Nicaraguan refugee from the war who became a hygienist in the Navy, suggested that Dr. Perry visit Nicaragua. Carlos's suggestion led them to visit, and on that trip, they fell in love with the area and the people.
When Dr . Perry realized the nearest dental office was over an hour drive and most people couldn’t afford basic dental care, let alone transportation, he knew he had the skills and resources to make a difference .
They connected with Circle of Empowerment, a non-profit organization, which led them to the local medical clinic. Over time, they began volunteering, providing dental care, resources, and education, and even built a house there, returning regularly to support the clinic and community.
“So it's pretty tough to just get regular care, but they're still happy. It really changes your perspective and helps you really enjoy the profession and appreciate how we can serve at just the smallest level, and so I think that's the most rewarding thing for me.”
Providing dental care in this remote region of Nicaragua comes with a host of challenges. The salty air near the coast quickly degrades equipment, especially the curing light batteries. Transportation is another major hurdle; many patients can't get to the clinic by themselves.
To bridge that gap, local nurses travel to surrounding villages, using their community connections to spread the word. The first day is usually quiet, but once news gets out, patients begin arriving in waves.
Supplies are often limited, especially toward the end of each trip, since it's impossible to predict what kinds of cases will come through the door. Early on, before he was able to bring handheld X-ray units, Dr. Perry relied heavily on physical exams, sometimes having to resort to simply tapping teeth and asking through a translator, "Does this hurt?"
Burkhart has supported Dr . Perry’s trips, donating free supplies like toothbrushes to giveaway .
He emphasizes that the education they can provide on basic hygiene is almost as important as the dental service being provided.
“If you teach someone how to brush and floss…give them a few tips, and a tube of toothpaste…that will actually pay dividends for their entire life . ”
He mentions this as one of the resources they can provide to keep people coming back to see the nurses at the non-profit between his trips.
Import restrictions make it difficult to bring in equipment, and the team is actively working on securing customs approvals to ease that burden. Space is also a concern. There aren't always enough rooms for patients to be seen by nurses, who are also part of the local non-profit and are focused on
education and healthcare. They run a school bus to ensure children can attend school and raise funds to send women from the community to nursing school. Many of those trained nurses return to work locally, some even teaching English or practicing traditional Nicaraguan healing methods.
On average, the team sees 10 to 15 patients a day. When more providers are available, that number increases. On one trip, nurses were trained to apply silver diamine fluoride, allowing Dr. Perry to quickly examine children and direct treatment. This kind of teamwork and improvisation helps the team reach more people, especially when extractions or complex procedures aren't required.
Perry and his team use their resources to do whatever they can, whether it’s triage-type dental medicine, preventative medicine, or restorative dentistry. Margaret Boren, the director of the clinic, plans to retire in 5 years or so, and the clinic's future is unknown. But Dr. Perry plans to continue.
Opposite page: Dr. Perry and assistant Giselle Hollaus working on patient Next page – Bottom Left: Dr. Perry with Rebecca P. Murray, well-known Edutainer and the second ever guest on his podcast
View of the beach near the clinic
“There's more than enough work to be done. There's more work than we can possibly do. [We want to] build coalitions in the community with the new generation, and hopefully get a dental clinic there that continues, because people can't afford dentistry. They don't have the resources.”
Dr. Perry also volunteers his time closer to home, offering free dentistry to domestic violence survivors with the AACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry). He is also involved with The Kois Center for Dental Excellence in Seattle, WA, and CEREC Doctors Education in Scottsdale, AZ, as well as much more local philanthropy.
To Dr. Perry, giving back to communities isn't just a good deed; it's an experience that enriches both the person and the practice.
“Charity does not have to be a big-time commitment . It can recharge you . Reinvigorate your love for dentistry and the benefits of dentistry. Everybody wins . Your practice wins . Your energy is increased through inspiration .”
To learn more about Perry Family Dentistry in Mount Vernon, WA visit PerryFamilyDentistry . com
To learn more about the clinic in Nicaragua visit burkhart-go . info/Nicaragua-Clinic or scan the code
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Where Dentistry Meets Pain Science
Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ
Written By DAWN KAHL
Dr. Bloxham using his SprintRay suite to design and print 3D oral appliances in-house.
Dr . Jared Bloxham’s Journey from Chronic Pain to Innovating PatientCentered Treatment for TMJ, Sleep Disorders, & Other Neuropathic Pain
Dr. Jared Bloxham’s practice is not a typical dental clinic. It’s not plumbed for air or water, there are no impression materials, and the chairs are not dental chairs.
Dr. Bloxham specializes in orofacial pain. He treats a variety of head and neck pain, including TMJ disorders, headaches, sleep apnea, muscle and nerve pain, and other neuropathic pain disorders. His approach is uncommon in the dental world.
He is using his dental knowledge, his additional post-doctoral education, and his personal journey
with chronic pain to improve the quality of life of his patients. His clinic’s motto is ‘We want to help you become you again.’
“We knew that we were going to have to set ourselves apart, both from a technological standpoint, and from a patient care standpoint…because if somebody’s going …to spend their hard-earned money to see us, then we better get it right...” explains Dr . Bloxham .
page: One
After years of practicing as a local dentist, Dr. Bloxham had to undergo a series of neck surgeries and fusions in 2015. He was forced to retire and sell his practice, as he could no longer perform the normal ‘drill and fill’ duties of a general dentist for hours at a time.
A year or so into his retirement, a friend approached him about some jaw issues she was having. Her dentist had done a crown, and her bite kept changing. Eventually, she was told it wasn’t her teeth moving; it was her jaw joint becoming unstable and causing issues. He admitted he didn’t have much experience with the issue, as TMJ disorders weren’t heavily covered in dental school.
But retirement didn’t quite suit Dr. Bloxham; he was bored and said he would look into it.
He began with a 40-hour lecture series with Dr. Jeff Okeson from the University of Kentucky. Okeson is the Founder of the college’s Orofacial Pain Program, a renowned subject matter expert, and the author of the book “Management of Temporomandibular Disorders and Occlusion.” Originally, Dr. Bloxham’s goal was just to learn a little bit about TMD and be able to maybe give his friend some answers. And what he found was orofacial pain. He didn’t know it existed or that it was a specialty. Once he started digging deeper, he started learning about a lot of headache issues,
Opposite
of the operatories with a large TV for detailed consults.
Right Top: A patient receives TMJ laser therapy.
Right Bottom: A 3D printed model and orthotic device.
neuropathy issues, and some of the things that he was dealing with personally, and he became extremely interested in it. And once he realized that the orofacial pain guys weren’t bent over for hours at a time and he could physically do the job, he was hooked.
“When I saw the orofacial pain program and oral medicine combined, that was kind of the missing link for a lot of providers around here. We just didn’t know where to send patients.”
He found a program designed for dentists seeking to specialize in orofacial pain at USC. He had two days before the application deadline for the next class. In a whirlwind of action, he called his old dental school and some friends, got all the letters and requirements completed within two days, had an interview, and got accepted to the program.
After receiving a master’s degree in Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine, he was ready to open a clinic. Dr. Bloxham’s approach was to think about what he wanted his flow to be in this practice, looking heavily into the different technologies that would make him more efficient and allow his clinic to treat patients better. He spent a year of intense research and travel. He took his staff to the Indiana office of a peer he respected to learn and get an idea of what works, what doesn’t work, and what they would do differently. Then he worked with a local architect and local builder to design and build his new office.
When he started researching the type of equipment needed and technology, he experienced information overload and turned to Burkhart and his relationship with Burkhart Account Manager Jack Stewart.
“I learned it was like drinking from a fire hydrant, & that’s when Jack Stewart really became critical & helpful for me and the individuals that he put me in contact with.”
“I’ve known Jack for a long time, & have had a great working relationship with him for a long time… it was just really easy; he’s always been a great help . ”
Dr. Bloxham knew as soon as he called him and said, “Hey, I’m looking at opening up a new practice, and here’s kind of what I have in mind,” Jack would be able to point him in the right direction and help him down that road. The result was a high-tech, functional space that allows for efficient work.
His new practice is in Richland, across town from where he was in Kennewick, still within the Tricities, and 15 minutes from his original practice. For Dr. Bloxham, it was an easy decision to stay because he already had a working relationship with many of the providers in the area. He knew going in that there weren’t very many of this type of specialist in the country.
The typical new patient appointment is about two hours long. Several of these patients have multiple symptoms. They often uncover dental problems, even single-tooth dental problems, that are missed on conventional X-rays.
When a patient comes in, the doctor starts with a full scan using the cone beam CT, which he describes as the diagnostic bread and butter for the practice. They use a Planmeca Viso G7 because of the large field of view it provides. This imaging must capture the trigeminal cervical complex, from about mid-neck up, all the nerves and the muscles, so most of the imaging is full field, from mid-forehead to approximately mid-neck and everything in between, looking at the entire system.
Opposite page: Dr. Bloxham reviewing CT images in detail with a patient.
“We have a very high success rate & a very high patient satisfaction rate… maybe even more importantly, a very high referring provider satisfaction rate . ”
Imaging is one of the driving forces in this practice in that, in the past, a dentist might bring an image up and show a cavity on a tooth. At this clinic, the patient will be seated, and the CT will be displayed on a TV in front of them, and the doctor will go through that CT from beginning to end. Dr. Bloxham will read the image as he goes along and talk to the patient about what he sees, and what that means based on their condition and their symptoms. He says it really drives compliance when patients understand what they have going on, whether it’s temporomandibular joint issues, sinus issues, or tooth issues. He explains that this level of patient communication has been critical for his success, that compliance rates are exponentially better because they understand and, buy into the process.
They also make all their orthotics for temporomandibular disorders in-house, using the SprintRay Pro 3D equipment. Sleep appliances are sent out to the lab, and all impressions are digital. They use a Solea CO2 laser for dysplasia, precancerous lesions, oral lesions, and oral sores. It also treats erosive oral lichen planus. In addition, the practice has found the laser to be effective as an adjunct in sleep treatment for reducing snoring and vibration on the soft palate. Sleep disorders have become a large part of the practice. This was unexpected, but due to patient demand, they started treating patients with oral appliances and started to see the positive change that it was making in these patients’ lives.
They work with a lot of the sleep physicians locally. A typical patient seen at the clinic has had a sleep study in the past. They know they have a sleep problem, and they either don’t want or can’t tolerate a CPAP. Once they are fitted with
What is Orofacial Pain?
In 2020, Orofacial Pain was recognized as a dental specialty . The National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Board granted the request, making it the 12th ADArecognized dental specialty .
The American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP), founded in 1975, is a professional membership organization representing the specialty of orofacial pain. It is an organization of dentists and other health professionals dedicated to alleviating pain and suffering through the promotion of excellence in education, research, and patient care in the field of orofacial pain and associated disorders.
“Orofacial Pain is the specialty of dentistry that encompasses the diagnosis, management, and treatment of pain disorders of the jaw, mouth, face, head, and neck. The specialty of Orofacial Pain is dedicated to the evidence-based understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, etiology, prevention, and treatment of these disorders and improving access to interdisciplinary patient care. (Adopted September 2020)” writes the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards, American Dental Association.
Learn more at NCRDSCB . ADA .org
an oral appliance that can keep the airway open as efficiently as a CPAP, they will often return 6-8 weeks later well-rested and with a much more pleasant disposition. It’s become contagious for Dr. Bloxham and his staff to see the positive changes.
“I loved doing a lot of the aesthetics in dentistry, and I loved the reconstruction and hands-on artistic part. But this has been rewarding on a totally different level. We’re saving lives, changing lives, and helping people feel better and live better.”
They work with many ear, nose, and throat doctors, surgeons, and other professionals in the area who have learned what the clinic does and how they do it. Often, doctors send patients over just for imaging for suspected orofacial infections that might be missed on traditional radiography.
“It’s been really rewarding. I get phone calls almost every day from providers that have something where it’s just a simple question for their patient, and I try to make myself as available as possible, and I try to be that provider that I would want to talk to on the phone and be as helpful as I can.”
The Columbia Center is a fee-for-service practice with very limited insurance involvement. As a newer specialty, it often falls between medical and dental coverage, leaving patients caught in the middle of insurance disputes. Dr. Bloxham chose this model to avoid these delays.
“I want to treat them. I don’t want them to worry about the pre-authorizations because whenever we have somebody that tries to use their insurance program, it’s three months into it by the time we get pre-approval for their initial appointment, then for the imaging, then for any treatment,” explains Dr. Bloxham. “Instead, I can help these patients starting the same day”.
There’s been a lot of benefit to Dr. Bloxham having chronic pain himself and experiencing a lot of the same issues that his patients have.
“I think it provides me a little bit of extra measure of empathy and understanding because often patients come in, and you can’t see what they have going on. You can’t physically see that they have these issues; it’s just something that they have to feel and deal with daily. So people don’t understand what you’re going through, and it’s some of the most painful conditions that humans are aware of.”
Dr. Bloxham was not expecting this work to be as emotionally and psychologically rewarding as he has found it. He describes an atmosphere where he and his staff get equally excited by the changes they see in the patients and what they are able to accomplish at the clinic. And he is thankful to all those who have helped get his practice to where it is today.
“I’m at the point now where I can look back, and I have an immense amount of pride for what we've done, and I know that I am not alone in that . Burkhart played a big part... My family played a huge part…patients have played a huge part in that they’re referring . Providers have played a huge part in that . ”
In summing up his success, Dr. Bloxham boils it down to his core principle, which reflects his experience, his motto, and his approach in general: “All
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Are you hesitant to try pre-warming your composite? You’re not alone! Many dental professionals shy away from composite warming because they haven’t seen the benefits — but pre-warming your composite could actually help take your procedure and your practice to the next level. But don’t take our word for it: here are five reasons why you should start warming your composites.
01 Studies suggest that warming your composite can improve adaptation
In addition to being critical to the long-term success of restorations, good marginal adaptation also ensures the highly esthetic, natural-looking results patients want — but it isn’t always easy. Despite how far we’ve come in terms of composite material technology and technique, achieving good marginal adaptation can be challenging. And a little gap can make a big difference to the outcome. Poor marginal adaptation can lead to microleakage, marginal gaps, discoloration, pulpal damage, recurrent secondary caries, postoperative sensitivity and even complete restoration failure.1,2
Enter composite warming.
70°C (158°F)
Warming has been shown in multiple studies to improve marginal adaptation.3–7 Imagine trying to fit a piece of wax into a mold: when the wax is cold, it’s hard to shape, but melt that wax and it will fill the mold exactly. Similarly, dental composites flow more easily when warmed than at room temperature. A warmed composite’s lower viscosity3,8–11 allows it to thoroughly fill all the nooks and crannies of the cavity prep, including those with extreme geometries or limited access — leaving fewer gaps and voids and helping to prevent microleakage that could compromise the restoration.3–7 Particularly for thicker universal composites and bulk fill materials, a little heat can make all the difference.
02 Warming your composite can improve handling
As stated previously, warmed composites have a lower viscosity, which makes the material more flowable. This allows normally thick composites to extrude more easily from the compule, improving ergonomics and greatly reducing hand and finger fatigue. In fact, warming can lower extrusion force by up to 75–80%!11 For a day full of restorative procedures, turning up the heat could actually take the pressure off.
03 Warming allows you to have more flexible prep design
Minimally invasive dentistry, or microdentistry, is an emerging trend that focuses on conserving original, healthy tooth structure.13 As this philosophy becomes more popular, many dental professionals are facing the consequences of removing only areas of decay: smaller and/or strangely shaped cavity preps. A warmed composite with improved flow is ideal for fitting the material to the tooth structure.
This enables dental professionals to move forward with more complex cases or restorations in areas with limited access with confidence — knowing they’re not sacrificing tooth structure or the integrity of the restoration.
04 Warming will not change the physical and mechanical properties of a Solventum restoration
Clinicians know that the success of any given restoration depends on the mechanical and physical properties of the dental material. When heated to the correct temperature, warming-approved 3M™ Filtek™ composites will retain the same properties as room-temperature composite. In fact, 3M internal testing shows that warming select composites to 60–70°C for a set amount of time* will have no impact on fracture toughness, flexural strength, diametral tensile strength, or depth of cure.11,14,15
Pre-heated composite has also been shown to generate the same or lower shrinkage forces than room-temperature composite.11,14,16 Plus, you can count on the 3M™ Filtek™ composite retaining its color, opacity and polish properties as well.11,14 All of this together means that dental professionals can take advantage of the other clinical advantages of warmed composite, such as improved adaptation, handling and prep design — all with confidence in the stability of their restoration.
05 Using warm composite allows for more versatility of treatment
As the field of dentistry continues to evolve toward more esthetic, non-invasive procedures, dental professionals have had to get more creative and be more open to new materials and techniques. By introducing warmed composites to your practice, you’re effectively opening the door to a new range of treatment options.
From injection molding for black triangles to difficult-to-access cavity preps, warmed composites lend themselves to a variety of historically complex procedures. And for treatments that call for a higher strength, highly wear resistant universal or bulk-fill composite that would traditionally be “packed” into the prep, warming the composite allows you to let the more flowable material do the work for you. When your goal is to provide the best possible care for your patients, it’s helpful to know you have another tool at your disposal — heat.
Conclusion
While pre-warming composite isn’t a new concept (in fact, it’s been around since the 1980s), many clinicians still haven’t warmed up to the idea. However, studies have consistently shown that when heated according to manufacturer instructions, warming-approved composites not only improve adaptation and handling while preserving mechanical and physical properties, but they also present an opportunity to evolve your treatment strategies — and your practice.
But before you purchase a composite warmer, check your composite specifications. Not all composites can safely be warmed, which is why it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions as well as review your composite choices — you may be missing out on a great opportunity.
References
1. Casselli, D. S., Faria-E-Silva, A. L., Casselli, H. & Martins, L. R. M. Marginal adaptation of class V composite restorations submitted to thermal and mechanical cycling. Journal of Applied Oral Science. 21, 1 (2013).
2. Neppelenbroek, K. H. The clinical challenge of achieving marginal adaptation in direct and indirect restorations. Journal of Applied Oral Science. 23, 448–449 (2015).
3. Rickman, L. J., Padipatvuthikul, P. & Chee, B. Clinical applications of preheated hybrid resin composite. British Dental Journal. 211, 63–67 (2011).
4. N. R. Froes-Salgado, L. M. Silva, Y. Kawano, C. Francci, A. Reis, and A. D. Loguercio. Composite pre-heating: Effects on marginal adaptation, degree of conversion and mechanical properties. Dental Materials. 26 (9):908–914, 2010.
5. I. Taraboanta, S. Stoleriu, G. Iovan, A. Moldovanu, A. Georgescu, M. R. Negraia, and S. Andrian. Evaluation of pre-heating effects on marginal adaptation of resin-based materials. Materiale Plastice. 55 (2):238–242, 2018.
6. S. Zhao, Y. Qian, H. Liu, L. Jiang, and L. Zhou. The effect of preheating on light cured resin composites. Journal of Hard Tissue Biology. 21 (3):273–278, 2012.
7. W. Wagner, M. Asku, A. M. L. Neme, J. B. Linger, F. E. Pink, and S. Walker. Effect of pre-heating resin composite on restoration microleakage. Operative Dentistry. 33 (1):72–78, 2008.
8. Da Costa, J., McPharlan, R., Hilton, T. & Ferracane, J. Effect of heat on the flow of commercial composites. American Journal of Dentistry. 22, 92–96 (2009).
9. Woolum, J. A., Berry, T. G., Wilson, D. E. & Hatch, R. Benefits of preheating resin composite before placement. General Dentistry. 332–335 (2008).
10. Friedman, J. Thermally Assisted Flow and Polymerization of Composite Resins. Contemporary Esthetics and Restorative Practice. 46 (2003).
11. 3M Internal Data.
12. Ertl, K., Graf, A., Watts, D. & Schedle, A. Stickiness of dental resin composite materials to steel, dentin and bonded dentin. Dental Materials. 26, 59–66 (2010).
13. Bhatiya, P. & Thosar, N. Minimal invasive dentistry – An emerging trend in pediatric dentistry: A review. International Journal of Contemporary Dental and Medical Reviews (2015).
14. Dunbar, T. et al Does Preheating a Dental Composite Degrade its Post-Cure Properties? J Dent Res. (Spec Iss 95A): Abstract #952, (2016). https://iadr.abstractarchives.com/home.
15. Abdulmajeed, A. et al. Fatiguing and Preheating Effect on Mechanical Properties of Composite Resins. JDent Res. Vol #98A, Abstract #1879 (2019).
16. Tauböck, T. T., Tarle, Z., Marovic, D. & Attin, T. Pre-heating of high-viscosity bulk-fill resin composites: Effects on shrinkage force and monomer conversion. Journal of Dentistry. 43, 1358–1364 (2015).
In 2024, 3M Health Care spun off from 3M Company, creating a
standalone, world-class healthcare company. That new company is called Solventum. Our name may be new, but our experienced team, trusted technologies and exceptional service and support aren’t changing. We’re here to help you create many more beautiful, healthy smiles. Learn more at Solventum.com.
New Solventum™ Filtek™ Composite Warmer
Dental Anesthetic
Articaine HCl 4% and Epinephrine 1:100,000 Injection
Burkhart Dental Anesthetic is indicated for local, infiltrative, or conductive anesthesia in both simple and complex dental procedures.
• Rapid onset of anesthesia within 1-9 minutes
• Complete anesthesia lasts about 1 hour for infiltrations, up to 2 hours for nerve block
• 10% overage of epinephrine¹
• 24-month shelf life at room temperature
• Sodium edetate-free, methylparaben-free and latex-free
• Most common adverse reactions (incidence >2%) are headache and pain
• Each cartridge is sealed individually in the blister for maximum protection
72721816
24-Month Long Shelf Life
• Store at room temperature; 77°F (25°C), with brief excursions permitted between 59°F (15°C) and 86°F (30°C)
• Protect from light
• Do not freeze
Convenient Packaging
• Each cartridge is individually sealed for maximum protection up to the moment of use
• Cartridges packed 10 to a blister tray to avoid glass-to-glass contact
• Blister trays packaged in boxes of 50
Dosage & Administration – Adults (Ages 16+)
• For normal healthy adults, the maximum dose of Burkhart Dental Anesthetic administered by submucosal infiltration and/or nerve block should not exceed 7mg/kg (0.175 mL/kg) of articaine HCl
• Dosage should be reduced in elderly patients and in patients with cardiac or liver disease
Pediatric Patients (Ages 4 to 16)
• The quantity of Burkhart Dental Anesthetic in children ages 4 to 16 years of age to be injected should be determined by the age and weight of the child and the magnitude of the operation
• The maximum dose of Burkhart Dental Anesthetic should not exceed 7 mg/kg (0.175 mL/kg) of articaine HCl (see Use in Specific Populations). Use in pediatric patients under 4 years of age is not recommended
Important Safety Information
Care should be taken to avoid accidental intravascular injection, which may be associated with convulsions followed by coma and respiratory arrest. Local anesthetic solutions that contain a vasoconstrictor should be used cautiously, especially in patients with impaired cardiovascular function or vascular disease. Administration of Burkhart Dental Anesthetic results in a 3 to 5-fold increase in plasma epinephrine concentrations compared to baseline. However, in healthy adults, it does not appear to be associated with marked increases in blood pressure or heart rate, except in the case of accidental intravascular injection. The most common adverse reactions (incidence >2%) are headache and pain. Inform patients in advance of the possibility of temporary loss of sensation and muscle function following infiltration and nerve block injections. Instruct patients not to eat or drink until normal sensation returns.
1. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends using the lowest possible quantity of epinephrine (Kaplan EL ed. Cardiovascular disease in dental practice. Dallas, TX: American Heart Association, 1986)
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