The Bioactivity v Amalgam debate

As we begin a new year, we’re taking an in-depth look at one of the long running debates in dentistry. In this surgery focused edition of our January newsletter, Lucy Gabbitas shares her expertise and perspective on on The Bioactivity v Amalgam debate.

The issue

With the EU banning the use of Amalgam in all member states from 1^st of January 2025 – 5 years earlier than expected – it’s time for the UK to take notice. Health and environmental issues associated with amalgam use have long been championed outside the UK, leading to the development of highly intuitive alternatives. At Prestige we have been talking about Bioactivity and the products that have successfully harnessed this technology for well over 5 years.

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What is it?

Bioactivity is the modern approach to restorative dentistry using bioactive materials. These resins are moisture friendly and adapt intimately to tooth structure, supporting the natural remineralization process and neutralising conditions that cause dental caries.

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The impressive alternative

Introduced in 2013 by Pulpdent, Activa Bioactive has proven, impressive long-term results. It was the first bioactive restorative with an ionic resin matrix which mimics the physical and chemical properties of natural teeth. It delivers all the benefits of glass ionomers and has the aesthetics, strength, and durability of composites. It’s also available for paediatric dentistry. Here’s more of the science:

ACTIVA BioACTIVE White Paper – A Closer Look

https://www.prestige-dental.co.uk/news/resource-category/surgery-product-details/

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For more benefits

Extremely easy to use, this product delivers better patient outcomes in less time. It’s faster than traditional heavy body composites, integrates and chemically bonds to tooth structure eliminating tooth voids and sensitivity, delivering both aesthetic and durable restorations. Watch the ‘So easy to use’ demo by Dr Rumpa Wig below…

With this type of benefit and proven success, both industry and public awareness will continue to increase, so adopting bioactive products, particularly ahead of the competition, could really help build reputation and differentiate one practice from another. Click below to hear this dentists view of using ACTIVA BioACTIVE in practice….

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Lucy’s final comments

“Why we have been so slow in the uptake of this phenomenal advancement remains a frustration to me. While traditional composites are passive in nature and have no bioactive potential, Activa Bioactive materials play a dynamic role in the mouth. Moisture friendly and able to react to pH changes in the oral environment, it stimulates apatite formation at the material-tooth interface. This natural remineralization/regenerative process, knits the material and the tooth together, penetrates and fills micro-gaps, guards against secondary caries, and seals margins against microleakage and failure.

I feel we should be embracing these products as the real game changers they are – using it in restorative dentistry to the benefit of our patients. The images below show just how successful using Activa Bioactive can be ….”