Versatile liner offers protection, regeneration, and ease of use.
Creating an effective barrier to protect the pulpal complex, TheraCal LC liner can be used for direct and indirect pulp capping and as a protective liner under composites, amalgams, cements, and other base materials. The light-cured, resin-modified calcium silicate filled material is an alternative to calcium hydroxide, glass ionomer, RMGI, IRM/ZOE, and other restorative materials.
Efficacy
Bisco's TheraCal LC exhibits several properties to help maintain ideal hard-tissue health and to reduce the incidence of postoperative sensitivity. Its calcium release stimulates hydroxyapatite and secondary dentin bridge formation1-3 while creating a seal that protects and insulates the pulp5. Additionally, TheraCal LC has an alkaline pH to encourage healing.1,2,4
TheraCal LC is Opaque white to help mask stained dentin and radiopaque for easy follow-up monitoring.
Handling
TheraCal LC is supplied in ready-to-use syringes with 22-gauge disposable dispensing tips. This allows controlled and precise placement for accurate delivery in all deep cavity preparations.
TheraCal LC’s proprietary formulation allows for a command set with a light curing unit while maintaining ease of placement because of thixotropic properties. The light-cured set permits immediate placement of restorative material. A creamy, spreadable consistency facilitates placement, making TheraCal LC easy to manipulate without running or slumping when undisturbed.
Syringes can be stored at room temperature, so TheraCal LC is ready in the operatory as needed. BISCO offers packs of four 1-g syringes.
State of the Art
With the trend toward minimally invasive approaches using medical models of treatment, the terms “bioactive” and “biomimetic” are becoming increasingly familiar and important in dentistry. By definition, bioactive materials cause an effect/response from living tissue. Even though TheraCal LC does not claim to be bioactive, it does promote dentin bridging stimulation and apatite formation, making it a key component of the practice’s armamentarium.
Ideal Pulp-Capping Material Found!
Mark Cannon shared his enthusiasm for TheraCal LC with DPS last year. Hear are some excerpts from his comments:
“Although both glass-ionomer cements and calciumhydroxide materials have been recommended for deep-cavity lining, their performance is less than desirable when in direct contact with pulpal tissues. MTA is difficult to place and requires a setting time that is clinically much too long.”
“Because of its thixotropic properties, TheraCal LC’s precise placement allows its use in all deep cavity preparations. And its light-cured command set permits immediate placement of restorative material. Applying TheraCal LC is so simple because it adheres well to a moist substrate. A small increment can be extruded from the syringe and teased into the deepest portion of preparations or onto any area of pulpal exposure.”
“The appearance of TheraCal LC is similar to enamel for natural looking esthetics. To date, none of my patients treated with TheraCal LC have complained of any sensitivity or other complications. In my experience, TheraCal LC may be successfully used as part of any dental adhesive regimen used in minimally invasive dentistry.”
EASE OF USE = INCREASED EFFECTIVENESS
As illustrated below, TheraCal LC is simply dispensed directly onto affected, moist tissue from a flowable syringe. No mixing, clicking, or triturating is required.
References
1. Gandolfi MG, Siboni F, Prati C. Chemical–physical properties of TheraCal, a novel lightcurable MTA-like material for pulp capping. Int Endod J. 2012;45(6):571-9.
2. ADA definitions for direct and indirect pulp capping athttps://www.ada.org/en/publications/cdt/
glossary-of-dental-clinical-and-administrative-ter
3. Gandolfi MG, Siboni F, Taddei P, et al. Apatite-forming ability of TheraCal Pulp-Capping
Material. J Dent Res. 2011;90 (Spec Iss A):abstract number 2520.
4. Sangwan P, Sangwan A, Duhan J, et al. Tertiary dentinogenesis with calcium hydroxide:
a review of proposed mechanisms. Int Endod J. 2013;46(1):3-19.
5. Savas S, Botsali MS, Kucukyilmaz E, et al. Evaluation of temperature changes in the pulp chamber during polymerization of light-cured pulp capping materials by using a VALO LED light curing unit at different curing distances. Dent Mater J. 2014;33(6):764-9.
