Editor's note: In an effort to keep you informed of products that can help dental practices during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dental Economics columnist Howard Glazer, DDS, FAGD, has authored a special multipart series. In each installment, he reviews a product that can assist you during this challenging time.
Activa Presto
When a patient calls in with sensitivity due to a lost filling, I like to restore the tooth with a material that is as similar to the natural tooth as possible. I prefer to describe such materials as biomimicking instead of bioactive, since the material diffuses fluoride, calcium, and phosphate ions that fortify the saliva and helps replace essential minerals that are lost in the decay process. Activa Presto is a hydrophilic resin that can facilitate said diffusion of these ions. A highly aesthetic, light-cured resin, it contains calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions in a stackable resin matrix that holds its shape and does not slump. It is a fracture- and wear-resistant resin (especially on the thin areas of enamel bevels) that is indicated for all restorative procedures replacing dentin and/or enamel, anterior or posterior.
What is unique to this product is Pulpdent’s proprietary rubberized resin component that absorbs stress and flexes just like dentin. Activa Presto is available in a 1.2 mL syringe for easy application, meaning a special dispensing gun is no longer needed to apply the material. Consequently, placement of the resin is precise and highly adaptive to the cavity margins. Activa Presto contains no Bis-GMA, no bisphenol A, and no BPA derivatives. It is highly radiopaque (250%) so it can be easily followed on radiographs. There are eight aesthetic shades: A1, A2, A3, A3.5, B1, BW, and two darker cervical shades A4 and A6, which can be useful in geriatric patients.
If you want to add a little aesthetic magic to your restorations, Activa Presto is the right material for you.
