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.

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.

3. Is ACTIVA a bulk fill material?

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

Base/Liner
Failing Crowns

Direct Multi-Unit Restorations with Prefabricated Matrix
Bulk Fill
Core Build-ups
Strip Crowns
Multiple restorations at a time

Pediatric Restoration
Cervical erosion

Veneers

Smile makeovers

5. How to use ACTIVA clinically : steps ?

Also read: Restoring Class 3 caries along the midline in rotated teeth

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