1. DPS Jan-Feb 08 Tried & True and Corp 1/23/08 12:22 PM Page 102
TRIED & TRUE
PRODUCTS
Expasyl
Because of the minimal amount of pressure required when applying Expasyl,
the risk of rupturing the epithelium attachment is greatly reduced and patient
comfort is increased.
R
estorative dentistry inherently presents obtaining a great impression is clear, well-defined
many challenges for the cosmetic dentist. marginal detail. Inherent to obtaining the necessary
Most of the time, the focus is on how seam- marginal detail in an impression is the management
lessly a restoration blends with natural dentition or of soft tissue. Sufficient gingival retraction is required
whether the final look meets the expectations of the to capture subgingival detail as well as the relation-
patient. With all the attention on the cosmetic look ship between hard and soft tissue within the final
of indirect restorations, fit and tissue management impression.1 A high-quality impression that provides
can be overlooked. If a restoration comes back the necessary marginal detail is not only required for
from the lab and looks great on the model, it is not good fit, but also for optimal esthetic results.2
a guarantee that it will fit perfectly and look beau- Gingival retraction was traditionally managed
tiful in the mouth. with retraction cord to expose the margins of a
preparation; however, there was still the issue of
Making a Good Impression managing a clean, dry field to ensure the best detail
Virtually every dentist will agree that one of the in the impression as well as the issue of carefully
keys to receiving an ideal restoration from a lab is a managing delicate soft tissue. Dentists now have a
great impression, and that a significant factor for selection of methods available to provide gingival
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2. DPS Jan-Feb 08 Tried & True and Corp 1/23/08 12:22 PM Page 103
TRIED & TRUE PRODUCTS
retraction, including Expasyl, a hemo- the second cord placement.1 um model that was published in the
static paste with a clay-like consistency The high viscosity of Expasyl com- International Journal of Endodontics,
that provides the versatility of effective bined with the clay-like consistency of it was found that Expasyl alone or in
retraction combined with a proven the material, displaces gingival tissue combination with Statis was the most
hemostatic agent, aluminum chloride. through increasing mechanical pressure efficient of the tested agents in control-
Healthy gingival tissue is essential as it is correctly dispensed directly into ling bleeding in bony defects.4
for effective and productive restorative the sulcus of the tooth or teeth to be
dentistry not only to ensure that esthet- restored.3 Many clinicians prefer to fur- Safe Delivery
ics are optimized, but also to ensure ther improve gingival retraction by hav- The Expasyl Temporary Gingival
adequate control of bleeding and fluids ing patients gently occlude on cotton Retraction System consists of capsules
during the impression and cementation applicator caps for a few minutes to with 1 g of material each, applicator
phases of the treatment. The restorative assist in the physical displacement of tips, and an applicator gun. The materi-
process is traumatic to even healthy soft the sulcus laterally.1 Patient comfort is al is dispensed directly into the sulcus,
tissue, so it is essential that any peri- of significant concern during the retrac- left for 2 minutes, and then rinsed, leav-
odontal issues a patient may have are tion process and Expasyl succeeds with ing behind a dry field and retracted gin-
effectively managed before restorative maintaining a level of comfort even gival tissue. The method of delivery is
treatment begins.3 It is important that when this bite technique is used. one of the things that makes Expasyl not
gingival tissue is treated gently and with only an effective and efficient material to
minimal trauma to ensure not only use, it also makes it a safer material for
patient comfort, but also quick healing
This versatile material the gentle treatment of thin or delicate
and a great final esthetic result. Expasyl can be used as a gingival tissue as retraction is achieved
is extruded with a syringe rather than substitute for with minimal pressure applied directly
pressed into the sulcus. As a result, it is to soft tissue.—Monica Roy-Smith
retraction cord or
not only very gentle, but also minimizes
the danger of rupturing the epithelial used in conjunction References
contact.2 The material is left to sit for a with retraction cord. 1. Cranham JC. Tips from the lab: predictable
impressioning. Dental Equipment and Materials.
few minutes and then is rinsed away 2003:46-48.
2. Ho CC. Making great impressions: a fast, safe
with water and the preparation site is Ideal not only for ensuring a well-
and simple retraction technique using Expasyl.
dried before the impression is taken. defined margin and a clean, dry field Australasian Dental Practice. 2007:2-6.
for impressions, Expasyl is also highly 3. Shannon A. Expanded clinical uses of a novel tis-
sue-retraction material. Compend Contin Educ
Expasyl: 7 Years of Success recommended for quick, easy, and gen- Dent. 2002;23(1 Suppl):3-6.
Launched to the dental market in tle retraction during the placement of a 4. von Arx T, Jensen SS, Hänni S, et al. Haemo-
static agents used in periradicular surgery: an
2000, Expasyl now has 7 years of suc- prosthetic. For many dentists, Expasyl experimental study of their efficacy and tissue
cessful clinical history with numerous has replaced retraction cord altogether reactions. Int Endod J. 2006;39:800-808.
clinical and continuing education arti- because of its ease of use and clinical
cles published on its effective use. This success.
Expasyl
versatile material can be used as a sub- Kerr Corporation
stitute for retraction cord or used in Hemostatic Effect a division of Sybron Dental Specialties
conjunction with retraction cord. When When excessive bleeding needs to be 1717 West Collins
deeper retraction is required, a double- controlled, Expasyl can be applied for Orange, CA 92867
800.537.7123
cord technique is typically used; howev- an initial hemostatic effect and then
www.kerrdental.com
er, the benefits of using Expasyl can still additional material placed for retrac- Reader Service 164
be obtained when it is used to replace tion.2 In a study using a rabbit calvari-
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