Dental News - Treat pulpotomies with TheraCal PT

Fred Michmershuizen / DTA

Mon. 27 May 2019

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CHICAGO, Ill., USA: BISCO has introduced TheraCal PT — a biocompatible, dual-cured, resin-modified calcium silicate designed for pulpotomy treatment. It’s the latest product in BISCO’s “Thera” family of products that also includes TheraCem self-adhesive resin cement and TheraCal LC pulp capping liner. All three products feature resin-modified calcium silicate technology with calcium releasing abilities.

During an interview conducted at the 2019 American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry meeting in Chicago, Katherine Steyer, product marketing manager at BISCO Dental Products, explained that TheraCal PT maintains tooth vitality by performing as a barrier and protectant of the dental pulpal complex.

Steyer said that when a primary tooth is compromised, it is important to save it because it is important for speech, for mastication and for guiding adult teeth. Steyer explained that TheraCal PT is particularly helpful in treating children because it can be used for immediate restoration.

What’s more, TheraCal PT does not require mixing like MTA, Steyer said. And further, unlike calcium hydroxide, it is moisture tolerant, she said. Another plus, Steyer said, is that it is radiopaque, allowing for easy identification and differentiation from recurrent decay and other restorative materials.

“What’s great about this product is an easy application with its direct syringe,” Steyer said. “We have a working time of minimum 45 seconds and a setting time of maximum five minutes, so the child in the chair is not waiting and wiggling around. It’s fast and easy.”

“It is dual cured, so you’ll be able to hit it with a light for 10 seconds, and then go ahead and immediately do the restoration without having the patient come back,” she said.

“It has a great feature of calcium release and an alkaline pH, and it is a biocompatible product, which is important because previous pulpotomy treatment type materials weren’t always biocompatible,” Steyer said.

According to BISCO, TheraCal PT’s chemical formulation consists of synthetic Portland Cement calcium silicate particles in a unique hydrophilic matrix. TheraCal PT’s physical properties resist breakdown and degradation leading to a durable seal, the company said. The new product is also indicated for direct and indirect pulp capping (liner) and as a base.