ACTIVA BioActive : Clinical tête-à-tête with Dr Rumpa Wig
Dr. Rumpa Wig Dr Rumpa Wig maintains 2 private practices in Bhopal, India and focuses mainly on Aesthetic, Restorative, Adhesive and Minimally-Invasive...
Dr Rumpa Wig maintains 2 private practices in Bhopal, India and focuses mainly on Aesthetic, Restorative, Adhesive and Minimally-Invasive Microscopic dentistry. She is a Guest Faculty at New York University and Hong Kong University, and a Clinical Education Consultant for Pulpdent. Besides dentistry, she is a graduate in North Indian Classical Vocal music. She is a coveted speaker at the upcoming DRDCA 202 International.
1. ACTIVA and bonding agents
a) Which bonding agent should I use with ACTIVA?
Whichever you are comfortable with.
b) How can ACTIVA BioACTIVE bring about apatite formation through a bonding agent?
Bonding agents are permeable and allow the exchange and diffusion of ions.
Or search free stock images
2. How deep can ACTIVA BioACTIVE cure?
As ACTIVA is a dual cure material, it also will cure chemically, no matter how deep the restoration. If we talk only about the photocuring, ACTIVA has a 4 mm curing depth.
ACTIVA is indicated for bulk filling, being a dual cure material. But it works great if we choose to use layering technique for our restorations.
4. What are the clinical indications for ACTIVA?
ACTIVA is a very versatile material. It can be used in any of the following situations :
Posterior Restorations
Anterior Restorations
Class l, ll, lll, lV, V
Case by Dr Ted Croll
Base/Liner
Failing Crowns
Case by Dr Robert Lowe
Direct Multi-Unit Restorations with Prefabricated Matrix
Bulk Fill
Core Build-ups
Strip Crowns
Multiple restorations at a time
Pediatric Restoration
Cervical erosion
Case By Dr Rumpa Wig
Veneers
Case by Dr Rumpa Wig
Smile makeovers
Case by Dr Ray Kimsey
5. How to use ACTIVA clinically : steps ?
Step 1
Remove infected dentin.
Apply pulp protection, if indicated.
The enamel margins should be bevelled and rounded for a better marginal seal.
Step 2
Etch 10-15 seconds
Rinse and dry, but do not desiccate the tooth.
Total etch dentin & enamel for 10-15 seconds
Selective etch enamel for 15 seconds
Step 3
Apply bonding agent.
This eliminates variables related to cavity preparation, retention form, sensitivity, and wet vs. dry surfaces.
Step 4
Place the dispenser needle mix tip against the floor of the cavity.
Flow ACTIVA ahead of tip.
Step 5
Place a thin insulating layer of ACTIVA, massage into dentin for 20 seconds
Light cure before bulk filling.
This mitigates polymerization stress and exothermic reaction.
Step 6
Keep tip submerged in the material at all times to avoid air bubbles.
Maintain contact with the floor.
Step 7
Fill up the cavity
Step 8
Allow ACTIVA to self-cure at least 20-30 seconds before light curing.
Set curing light to the 20-second low-intensity setting to reduce heat and sensitivity.
Self-cure setting time is 2-3 minutes.
Before removing the matrix bands, light cure the material or allow it to self- cure for 3 minutes. If allowing ACTIVA to self- cure, covering ACTIVA with an oxygen barrier, such as glycerin, will eliminate the O2 layer.
Step 9
Adjust occlusion, finish and polish.
In case of queries, please feel free to reach out to me at :-
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[1]Lardani L, et al.. One-Year Clinical Performance of Activa Bioactive Restorative Material in Primary Molars Children (Basel). 2022. Available at: source
[2]Tohidkhah S, et al.. Marginal microleakage and modified microtensile bond strength of ACTIVA BioACTIVE Dental Materials Journal. 2022. Available at: source
Dr. Rockson Samuel is a dental surgeon, healthcare content strategist, and Founder and Chief Dentist of Indira Dental Clinic in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. He provides comprehensive general and family dental care with professional interests in endodontics, implant dentistry, clear aligner therapy, digital dentistry, preventive care and patient education. A graduate of K.G.F. College of Dental Sciences and Hospital under Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, he also has formal training in management and digital marketing. As Community Leader at DentalReach, he contributes to dental publishing, professional education, international media partnerships and the development of evidence-informed resources for dentists.
