Restorative dentistry has seen remarkable advancements over the years, and few understand this better than Dr. Laurie St. Pierre of Montreal, Canada. A forward-thinking dentist who embraces the latest technologies, Dr. St. Pierre relies on PANAVIA V5™ – a versatile adhesive resin cement by Kuraray – as a cornerstone of her practice. In this piece, we will delve into Dr. St. Pierre’s innovative approach and explore the features of PANAVIA V5 that have made it indispensable in modern dentistry.
The Step-by-Step Restorative Process
To begin, Dr. St. Pierre assesses the condition of the tooth and the surrounding structures. The primary goal at this stage is to assess the need for intervention, diagnose any early carious lesions, and consider any patient-specific factors (occlusion, function, esthetics, patient requests, etc.).
When a restoration is necessary, Dr. St. Pierre focuses on preserving tooth structure – with both enamel and dentin being excellent substrates for adhesion. With her philosophy of minimally invasive dentistry in mind, she removes only the defective or fragile tooth structure, in preparation for the ceramic restoration. This approach works beautifully for teeth that have a favorable prognosis but have weakened cusps or fracture lines.
After preparing the tooth, Dr. St. Pierre meticulously isolates the area to prevent contamination, applies immediate dentin sealing, and a resin coating. With these crucial steps completed, she takes a precise impression of the tooth to ensure a perfectly fitted restoration. Once the restoration is fabricated and successfully tried in, Dr. St. Pierre applies PANAVIA V5 Tooth Primer to the tooth and PANAVIA CLEARFIL CERAMIC PRIMER Plus to the restoration, followed by PANAVIA V5 for cementation. A final radiograph confirms marginal integrity and facilitates the complete removal of excess cement. To maximize the longevity of the restoration, Dr. St. Pierre emphasizes the importance of follow-up appointments.
The Versatility and Advantages of PANAVIA V5
The choice of cement plays a crucial role in the success of a restoration, particularly in conservative dentistry where the preparation is minimal and non-retentive. PANAVIA V5 stands out in Dr. St. Pierre’s practice for several reasons.
- High Bond Strength:
Dr. St. Pierre prefers conservative design preparation, which requires a cement with high bond strength. PANAVIA V5 excels in this area due to its inclusion of 10-MDP, a functional monomer developed by Kuraray, which chemically bonds to tooth structure (enamel and dentin), metal, and zirconia. This strong and reliable bond is essential to the longevity of restorations, particularly in cases where the ceramic thickness is minimal.
- Low Film Thickness:
For optimal adaptation of the restoration to the tooth structure, a low film thickness is crucial. PANAVIA V5 offers a low film thickness within the ISO standard of 50 microns, ensuring that the restoration fits precisely and minimizing the risk of micro-gaps or inaccurate seating.
- Radiopacity:
One of the critical factors in post-cementation evaluation is the ability to detect excess cement and assess the marginal seal of the restoration. PANAVIA V5’s high radiopacity makes it easier for Dr. St. Pierre to identify any issues on radiographs, ensuring that any excess cement is completely removed, and that the restoration is properly sealed.
- Shade Stability:
Over time, the shade stability of the cement can impact the esthetics of the restoration. PANAVIA V5’s formulation is free of tertiary amines, which can lead to discoloration. This ensures that the restoration maintains its appearance over time, providing long-term satisfaction for the patient.
- Compatibility:
According to Dr. St. Pierre, consistency in product use enhances the predictability of the bonding process – and sets patients up for long-term success. PANAVIA V5 and its associated primers and syringes form a product line designed with seamless compatibility in mind.
- Simplified Priming Procedure:
By cutting down the priming procedure to as few steps as possible, a clinician can significantly enhance clinical outcomes. PANAVIA V5’s priming procedure is straightforward and easy to adopt into practice, helping practitioners like Dr. St. Pierre reduce the likelihood of errors that could compromise the bond strength or the longevity of the restoration.
PANAVIA V5 – an Industry Game-Changer
PANAVIA V5 has played a pivotal role in Dr. St. Pierre’s stellar track record of patient outcomes. This product’s high bond strength, low film thickness, radiopacity, and shade stability make it an ideal choice for minimally invasive restorations. By incorporating PANAVIA V5 into her process, Dr. St. Pierre ensures that her patients receive durable, esthetically pleasing restorations that stand the test of time.
