Below are three questions posed to our Faculty Club Corporate Advisory Board. Our corporate partners do not have access to our boards and the questions are moderated by me for our Faculty Club members.

Enjoy!!

Question One:

There was discussion about radio opacity of the cement. Which cement in the 3M ESPE line up scores best in its radiopacity?

Answer from Peter Golden of 3M ESPE:

“All of our Rely X branded cements are radiopaque, to various degree , somewhat based on film thickness. We don't have data for the mostradiopaque of the bunch-- most likly Rely X Luting.”

Question Two:

I have been hearing that it is better to cure scotch bond ultimate bondingresin in the restoration and on the tooth prior to seating the restorationto achieve the strongest bond. However I have also heard that because it hasa thick film thickness it is best not to cure prior to cementation. What isthe current research recommend?

Answer from Peter Golden of 3M ESPE

“While we do present the user with the option of curing ON THE TOOTH (dentin) surface in our instructions, this is based on a couple of factors that theclinician should consider. Higher immediate bond strength is increased slightly when the adhesive is light cured on the tooth-- true with most bonding agents. The film thickness is very low-- approx. 13 mm, so pooling should not be an issue if the tooth is scrubbed with adhesive for 10 seconds, as required, and then air dried. Any deep cavities on the preparation should be checked for excess adhesive prior to light curing. Immediate bond strength may be important whenthe prep is short or conical (not retentive) There is research that this light cure also "seals" the dentin; and may work to reduce post op sensitivity. We do not recommend cuing the Ultimate Adhesive on the restoration surface-- it provides no retentive advantage there, and can pool in a crown if the operator is not careful; think "bole" “

Question Three:

Please clarify the best way to use RelyX Ultimate cement. Should we cure the adhesive in the crown and on the prep or not. There has been a lot of discussion as to whether or not debonds and or sensitivity are occurring because of not curing especially with Lava. However my concern is the film thickness of the adhesive.

Answer from Peter Golden of 3M ESPE

“The cement is syringed within the internal (intaglio), thoughrowly covering this. The tooth is then seated, and a very brief "tack" light cure is accomplished after seating, with excess cement removed from the margins at this time. Final light cure is then done. At no time is the cement cured PRIOR to complete seating of the restoration.“