Practice tip: Here is how you effectively clean preparations and cavities before adhesive cementation

Thorough cleaning of tooth preparations and cavities is one of the crucial factors for ensuring optimum performance of the adhesive luting system. Read in this piece of practice advice how to proceed correctly.

Insufficient cleaning may cause problems

Inadequate cleaning may give rise to a number of disadvantages, such as

• reduced bonding surface area,
• irregularities in the adhesive layer, and
• incomplete sealing of the dentin tubules.

The following consequences may ensue: postoperative complaints and reduced bond strength.

The trick: use a polishing brush and cleaning paste

Once you have removed the temporary, clean the preparation or cavity using only a polishing brush together with oil-/fluoride-free cleaning paste (e.g. Proxyt fluoride-free). Do not apply pressure and use low speed while cleaning. Once you have completed the cleaning procedure, rinse off the paste thoroughly. 

Note: Not all cleaning agents are the same!

Cleaning agents that contain certain ingredients may lead to undesirable effects. Possible effects include:

• reduction and loss of function of some adhesives and self-adhesive luting cements,
• abrasions,
• exposure of dentin tubules, and
• postoperative complaints.

For this reason, avoid the following as much as possible:

• alcohol-containing cleaning agents,
• cleaning agents containing H2O2 or other oxidative agents,
• alkaline air polishing powder (e.g. Prophy Pearls),
• chlorhexidine (CHX) containing phenolic substances (e.g. eugenol), and
• pumice paste.

The Cementation Navigation System will support you in the selection of the suitable cementation system in virtually every situation where cementation on natural tooth structure or implant abutments is required.

 
Proxyt is a registered trademark of Ivoclar Vivadent AG. The availability of certain products may vary from country to country.