Regenerating Your Restorative Routine with RE-GEN: Q&a
Michael A. Miyasaki, DDS
An experienced clinician with 3 decades of teaching experience under his belt, Dr. Michael A. Miyasaki says his ultimate goal is to increase the success of his colleagues through education. This includes introducing them to new and innovative techniques and products, such as Vista Apex’s RE-GEN product line. Here, he shares what makes this suite of bioactive materials, including the first-ever bioactive adhesive, unique and worth adding to any clinician’s restorative dentistry armamentarium.
Q: As a dental educator, how do you emphasize the importance of exploring new restorative material to your peers?
A: Many dentists fear change, but because so many materials and equipment have improved in recent years, we need to consider how they can advance the way we practice— not only for our benefit but for our patients’ benefit, too. New materials can overcome the shortcomings of older ones. For example, if you have a deep preparation, materials that deposit biologically charged ions on the tooth can help improve the marginal integrity of our restorations and make them less prone to breakdown when exposed to the acidic oral environment.
Q: What makes RE-GEN worth shaking up a clinician’s tried-and-true restorative routine?
A: Habits are hard to break unless there is a large incentive to do so. What piqued my curiosity the most about Apex’s RE-GEN suite of products was the opportunity to use a new generation of osteogenic, antimicrobial, biocompatible, and BPAfree restorative materials. Because I trust Vista Apex and consider them a partner in my restorative dentistry, I was confident that the RE-GEN products would be easy to use, reduce sensitivity, and create long-lasting restorations.
Q: How do RE-GEN products work together during restorative procedures?
A: Similar to most other product lines, I think clinicians will achieve the best results when they use RE-GEN products together. Within the product suite, a cleanser is used first to remove contaminants from the tooth surface and prepare it for the bioactive primer and adhesive. During the bonding procedure, chemically charged ions are deposited directly onto the tooth to promote hydroxyapatite formation and a zone of inhibition that prevents secondary caries. Even when used alone, each RE-GEN product can produce lasting regenerative benefits. If you have a preferred flowable composite, for example, you can use it in tandem with RE-GEN adhesives for added bioactive benefits.
Q: How do bioactive materials benefit bone cell regeneration, tissue healing, and bond success?
A: Bioactive materials elicit a specific biological response at the interface of the material, resulting in a consistent bond between the tissue and the material. Traditionally, this biological response occurs during the composite phase after the adhesive is placed— preventing the bioactive properties from reaching the tooth. If we were to use this logic on a paper cut—securing the Band-Aid before applying the ointment—we’d block the benefits and healing properties of the medicine. For this reason, placing a bioactive adhesive right onto the tooth is the best way to promote regeneration and prevent marginal degradation.
Vista Apex recognized this and figured out how to incorporate Bioglass into the RE-GEN line, while maintaining the products’ ideal physical properties. These materials release calcium and phosphate ions to help the body create more hydroxyapatite, which initiates bone cell regeneration. In the long run, this improves the success of the bond.
Q: Can you describe a case where using RE-GEN products led to a great outcome?
A: A patient presented with an area of deep decay that was so severe I could actually see the pink of the tooth pulp. First, we used the RE-GEN Cleanser to gently clean and etch the tooth. After rinsing, we applied the RE-GEN Universal Adhesive, which provided the exact regenerative properties we needed to repair the damage from the patient’s decay. We let this set for 20 seconds, then placed 2 more coats, saturating the tooth so it received the full bioactive effects.
After the adhesive was dried and cured, we placed the shock-absorbent, dual-cure RE-GEN Bulk Fill Composite & Resin Cement. The material adapted well to the tooth and provided an unlimited depth of cure, as well as a good marginal seal. The final result was a strong and esthetic restoration with improved marginal integrity and zero sensitivity. This is just one example of how RE-GEN is changing what we should expect our restorative materials to do.
