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ECPD: PARKELL
Life after amalgam: using a bioactive, dual cure bulk-fill composite for posterior restoration Parkell is delighted to bring you this article, with the aim of supporting the ongoing Enhanced CPD needs of dental healthcare professionals in improving and maintaining the oral health of their patients Aims: To explore the advantages of using a bioactive, dual-cure bulk-fill composite for posterior restorations, focusing on its clinical efficacy, durability, and ability to preserve natural tooth structure. Objectives • Explain the benefits of bioactive, dual-cure bulk-fill composites in restorative dentistry. • Demonstrate the clinical application and handling techniques of dual-cure bulk-fill composites. • Address issues like longevity, shrinkage, and post-operative sensitivity. • Discuss patient-centered considerations, including aesthetic outcomes, financial factors, and minimally invasive treatment options. Learning Outcome: C, D
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As general dental practitioners, it is essential to standardise clinical workflows to effectively manage a broad spectrum of cases. Achieving this goal requires the establishment of efficient clinical routines, minimising the need to "reinvent the wheel" for each patient. This structured approach not only enhances treatment efficiency but also ensures that procedures are completed in a timely manner, avoiding unnecessary delays.
preservation of oral structures while being aesthetically pleasing. Ensuring patient satisfaction, both in terms of clinical outcomes and financial considerations, is fundamental to the success of any dental practice. This balance is often dictated by patient budgets, which in turn set boundaries on what treatments can be provided. Within these financial constraints, it is essential to deliver the best possible care and results. To achieve these objectives, the selection of reliable dental materials is paramount. The materials chosen must serve to restore natural function and mimic the anatomical properties of the original tooth. A prime example of such a material is Predicta Bioactive Bulk (Parkell, USA), which I use routinely for posterior restorations. This dual-cure composite can polymerise both through
light activation and a chemical curing process, independent of the restoration's depth. This versatility allows for the use of a single increment, even in deep cavities, while maintaining strong, consistent curing throughout. The material exhibits excellent fluorescence, providing a natural appearance, and its highly polishable surface further contributes to an aesthetic, durable result. Predicta Bulk is available in two viscosities - low and regular - and two shades, with the A2B2 shade proving to be an effective match for most patients. In my experience, patients rarely express concerns about the colour, and the material adapts well to the surrounding dentition. Predicta Bulk also demonstrates excellent radiopacity (280% Al according to manufacturer’s data), which allows for clear visibility in diagnostic radiographs.
The mechanical properties of Predicta Bulk are commendable, particularly its impressive flexural strength (120.40 MPa), which surpasses that of many other light-cured bulk-fill composites.1 The dual-cure setting also offers advantages in terms of reduced shrinkage and curing stress, as the chemical curing process allows for a more gradual and uniform cure compared to traditional light-cured materials. When handled properly, the shrinkage is comparable to other bulk-fill materials on the market. Additionally, these materials are capable of releasing mineral ions such as calcium and phosphate, and releasing and recharging fluoride levels. This is supported by a study from Uppsala University in Sweden, which examined Predicta composites’ ability to precipitate hydroxyapatite in simulated body fluid (image 1).2 This process
Furthermore, it is of paramount importance to maintain a low biological cost, emphasising the preservation of natural tissues. This focus on tissue preservation is increasingly critical, both for practitioners and patients alike. Patients are increasingly seeking minimally invasive treatments that prioritise the
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The Probe | April 25
31/03/2025 15:21:27