RE-GEN™ Products Add Bioactivity to Composite Restorations

Michael A. Miyasaki, DDS, of Sacramento, Calif., has been practicing and teaching dentistry for more than 30 years, not to mention growing up with a father who was also a dentist. One thing he has noticed through the decades is that the updates and product evolution in dentistry are constant.

"Dentistry has changed unbelievably since I graduated dental school over 30 years ago. I can't think of anything I do or material I use today that we used back then," Miyasaki says. "This also means our treatment has evolved for the better. Our diagnostic equipment is better today, and we're able to see more. In our practice, for the past 30-plus years, we have invested in the training, equipment, and materials to keep our patients' oral health optimized."

In that vein, Miyasaki recently added to his armamentarium the RE-GEN^™ product line from Vista Apex, which features Bioglass 45S5 as an active ingredient. Backed by more than 50 years of medical use and supported by a myriad of scientific research, according to Vista Apex, studies have shown Bioglass to form a hydroxyapatite-like surface, which promotes the regeneration of healthy tooth structure. Bioglass is also osteoinductive, meaning it can stimulate bone cells toward a path of regeneration and self-repair.

"Bioglass 45S5 was developed decades ago and is well-documented for its use to heal the body, and it has been used in toothpastes to reduce tooth sensitivity," explains Miyasaki, whose practice is dedicated to general, family, and cosmetic dentistry. "Bioglass creates an alkaline environment, which reduces bacteria's ability to colonize, and it attracts and releases calcium and phosphate. When combined in the RE-GEN adhesives and restorative materials, Bioglass has been shown to do the same: reduce the acidity and create a zone of inhibition that decreases demineralization and attracts calcium and phosphate to create hydroxyapatite, which can be deposited at the restoration margins."

These antimicrobial properties promote healing and prevention of caries. Miyasaki adds, "Since we began using RE-GEN in 2019, we don't see sensitivity, and now, two years out, our margins are looking great."

The RE-GEN product line includes a universal adhesive, self-etch adhesive, flowable composite liner, and pit-and-fissure sealant. "RE-GEN represents new thinking that makes it a more effective total package," Miyasaki submits. "Instead of sealing the dentinal tubules with a conventional, non-bioactive adhesive and placing bioactive material on top of that, RE-GEN adhesive is applied into the tubules, so it can help the tooth heal. Next, I place the RE-GEN flowable composite liner with the open-sandwich technique so it is exposed at the gingival floor margin, where restoration breakdowns most commonly occur. This lining material acts as a reservoir of Bioglass for healing, neutralizing, and regenerating. The Bioglass-containing RE-GEN material is placed where it is needed, into the tubules and at the gingival floor and margin."

Clinicians can then apply their restorative composite of choice. Miyasaki then uses SeamFree from Vista Apex, a composite wetting resin that "allows me to ideally shape my composite before curing," he says. "SeamFree minimizes my contouring and polishing time."

"Effectiveness and efficiency are important in our office," the clinician/educator affirms. RE-GEN products are effective in helping us prevent sensitivity, combat bacterial proliferation and acidic attack, and attract ions to repair margins. These bioactive products from Vista Apex help us improve the quality of our restorations."

Vista Apex
877-418-4782
Vistaapex.com/re-gen