Product Evaluation

Product Evaluation Update
DPS revisits the evaluation of BISCO’s CORE-FLO DC, checking in with current users and reporting on long-term strength and durability

BISCO

CORE-FLO DC Evaluation

A dual-cured core build-up and dentin replacement material with excellent physical properties and high strength for predictable and long-lasting restorations

When deciding which core build-up material to purchase, dentists have plenty of options. But according to a group of DPS evaluators, the ideal core material should be easy to use with a convenient delivery system and favorable handling properties, while having the durability and strength to withstand forces for many years. Luckily for these dentists, BISCO’s CORE-FLO DC dual-cured flowable core build-up and dentin replacement material satisfies all these requirements and more. Delivered with an automix dual-syringe dispenser, CORE-FLO DC is a high strength, esthetic material suitable for core buildups, post cementations, and as a dentin replacement material—making it a versatile solution for direct and indirect restorations.

In a 2012 product review, a team of evaluators awarded CORE-FLO DC with a Best Product rating, calling it “one of the best build-up materials I have ever used due to its ease of placement and excellent handling properties.” Other doctors complimented the “excellent delivery system,” “less waste,” and the material’s ability to “cure to a very hard set very quickly, making it immediately cuttable after light curing.” Now, several years later, DPS checks in with some clinicians to see how their CORE-FLO DC restorations have held up over time.

Versatility & Indications

For the last 3 years, Kevin Anderson, DMD, has relied on CORE-FLO DC for “a variety of core buildup procedures ranging from very large defects to blocking out small undercuts and sealing dentin in more conservative indirect restorations.” He also pointed out that it works well with many different types of materials. “CORE-FLO DC certainly plays nice with a variety of dual-cure compatible bonding systems, resin-based cements, luting cements, ceramic- and metal-based restorations, composites, and glass fiber posts,” Dr. Anderson said.

The material’s excellent compressive and flexural strength allows clinicians to cement the post and build up the core with one application, according to BISCO. “At times, I cement the post and do the build-up all together, and then I use CORE-FLO DC to cement the post,” reported Dr. Chet Klos, who has been using CORE-FLO DC since its inception years ago and likes having the flexibility to use the material with or without a resin cement. In some instances, Dr. Klos uses CORE-FLO DC with BISCO’s BisCem, a dual-cure, self-adhesive resin cement. For example, he said he uses both materials when “he needs to cement the post separately and then do the build-up separately, or if the post hole is narrow and long.”

Delivery, Handling, & Preparation

The radiopaque material is available in 2 esthetic shades (Natural/A1 and Opaque White) to meet all direct and indirect restorative treatment needs. It’s dispensed with an automix dual syringe using a dispenser gun to extrude material from the tip. “The delivery system is excellent!” stated Dr. Alex Gerskowitz. “I love the choice of tips and was able to fully fill the post space in the canal prior to placing the post.”

With ideal physical properties, CORE-FLO DC will not slump, is easy to prepare, and has low shrinkage, according to BISCO. “It has great handling characteristics and is highly stackable on itself, so it can be used to build up a badly broken-down tooth,” shared Dr. Charles Crowl. “It completely cures with a 40-second light cure time and cuts like dentin.” Noting that the material feels like a natural tooth, Dr. Klos said, “I have minimal difficulty ensuring that the margin extends past the build-up material thanks to the color of CORE-FLO DC.”

According to Dr. Anderson, “COREFLO DC is the most stackable and least slumping dual- or self-cure core material I’ve ever had the pleasure of using. We waste much less material by a more precise placement, it keeps gingiva healthy, and it maintains preparation form, which cuts down significantly on our final preparation time.”

Final Restoration & Strength

With a previous light-cured build-up material, Dr. Crowl said it took a long time to cure multiple layers of composite, which increased procedure times. Using COREFLO DC solved that problem, he said, because he could fill in a single increment. “And, since it has a dual-cure action I was assured of a complete cure even though I used my curing light.”

CORE-FLO DC’s high compressive and flexural strength, combined with low water sorption, ensure predictability and longevity of the restoration, according to BISCO. The material exhibits high bond strength to dentin and fiber posts, and Dr. Klos said he had no problem with retention. According to both Dr. Anderson and Dr. Crowl, the material’s strength passed the test for long-term durability. Both doctors reported no failed restorations—ever.

"To date, I haven't had any failures related to the CORE-FLO DC material."
-Charles Crowl, DDS
Louisville, KY

Overall Satisfaction

“CORE-FLO DC has never given me any problems with gouging and always maintains smooth margins at the restorative interface,” noted Dr. Anderson. “To this day, I have not had any sensitivity, de-bonds, bond failures, or discolored restorations with cores or indirect restorations completed with CORE-FLO DC.” Dr. Crowl agreed and said, “To date, I haven’t had any failures related to the CORE-FLO DC material. It seems to adhere well to substrates and has great durability when put into service.”

Takeaways

• A dual-cured flowable material for core buildups, post cementations, and dentin replacement
• Precise delivery with an automix dual-syringe dispenser
• High compressive and flexural strength and low water sorption ensure predictability and longevity of restoration
• Radiopaque material in 2 esthetic shades— Natural/A1 and Opaque White
• CORE-FLO DC will not slump, is easy to prepare, and has low shrinkage