The Benefits of Using a Split Restorative Dental Cleaner

The Benefits of Using a Split Restorative Cleaner

In the dental industry, a split restorative cleaner is an important tool used by dentists and hygienists to thoroughly clean teeth before placing fillings or other restorations. As the name suggests, these cleaners split away debris, stains, and plaque from the tooth surface to allow for a clean and robust bond between the restoration material and natural tooth structure. Using a high-quality split restorative cleaner is crucial for achieving long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing restorations. In this article, we’ll explore what exactly split restorative cleaners are, their benefits, and how to select the best option for your dental practice.

What Are Split Restorative Cleaners?

Split restorative cleaners, also known as dental evacuation cleaners, are solutions used to clean a tooth prior to placing a restoration such as a filling or crown. They work by splitting and dislodging calcified deposits, biofilm, and stain particles from the enamel and dentin surfaces. This allows the tooth to be thoroughly clean and ready for restoration placement.

These cleaners are applied using a small brush and rubbed vigorously over the tooth surface. They contain mild abrasives as well as chemicals that break up debris and dissolve it away from the tooth structure. Splitting this material away exposes a clean, microscopically roughened surface ideal for restoration bonding and preventing marginal leakage.

The Benefits of Split Restorative Cleaners

Using a high-quality split restorative cleaner prior to placing a restoration offers many advantages:

• Removes plaque and calcified deposits - These cleaners scrub away and dissolve tough plaque, calculus, and mud-like calcified deposits from the tooth surface.
• Exposes clean, fresh enamel and dentin - The splitting action reveals a clean, micro-roughened tooth surface perfect for restoration bonding.
• Creates ideal surface for bond strength - Cleaning away debris boosts bond strength between the restoration and natural tooth for enhanced longevity.
• Prevents marginal leakage - Thorough cleaning minimizes gaps between the restoration and tooth to prevent fluids and bacteria from seeping underneath.
• Improves restoration aesthetics - Cleaner teeth allow for better shade matching and blending of the restoration color.
• Removes stains - Stains from coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, and other sources are dissolved and lifted away.
• Requires less removal of natural tooth - The cleaning action decreases the amount of additional tooth structure needing removal for restoration placement.

Choosing the Best Split Restorative Cleaner

With many brands and formulations of split restorative cleaners available, it's important to choose the right option for your needs. Here are some tips for selecting an effective cleaner:

• Grit level - Look for a cleaner with a mild to moderate grit. This provides effective cleaning without over-roughening the natural tooth surface.
• Cleansing ingredients - Seek cleaners with sodium hypochlorite or other stain-dissolving chemicals to break up calcified deposits and deep stains.
• Ease of use - Choose a cleaner that is simple to dispense and apply. Syringe dispensing allows precise placement.
• Patient comfort - Ensure the cleaner has a mild scent and flavor to make the procedure pleasant for patients.
• Compatibility - Confirm that the cleaner is safe to use right before bonding procedures and won't degrade adhesive materials.
• Manufacturer reputation - Select a brand that is trusted with a long history in the dental industry.

Proper Use of Split Restorative Cleaners

To gain the full benefits of split restorative cleaners, having proper technique when using them is vital. Here are some best practices to follow:

Patient and User Precautions

• Use a rubber dam to isolate the tooth and prevent patient ingestion.
• Apply petroleum jelly to protect patient lips and cheeks.
• Avoid contact with oral tissues, skin, and eyes.
• Wear gloves when handling cleaner to prevent skin irritation.
• Use high volume suction to remove debris and excess cleaner.

Cleaning Steps

1. Remove any temporary restoration and gross debris using a hand instrument.
2. Isolate tooth with cotton rolls, dry angles, and high volume suction.
3. Dispense a small amount of cleaner onto a microbrush and scrub over tooth surfaces for 10-20 seconds.
4. Use bursts of water and suction to remove dissolved deposits.
5. Repeat scrubbing and rinsing until the tooth appears clean and rough.
6. Thoroughly rinse tooth with water and air dry completely.
7. Inspect surfaces using magnification, repeat cleaning if needed.
8. Proceed immediately with bonding procedures before recontamination occurs.

Post-Cleaning Care

• Avoid contamination of the cleaned surfaces before bonding.
• Check bond strength after initial placement.
• Have patient follow normal post-op sensitivity instructions.
• Schedule regular hygiene visits to monitor restoration margings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is etching still needed after using a split restorative cleaner?

Yes, etching with phosphoric acid is still recommended after cleaning the tooth with a split restorative cleaner. The cleaner provides a micro-roughened surface, but etching creates microporosities for optimal bond strength and micro-retention.

Do I need to buy specific cleaners for different procedures?

This isn't necessary, as most universal dental split restorative cleaners can be used prior to placing composites, glass ionomers, sealants, cements, and other materials. However, confirm chemical compatibility before use.

Can I use these cleaners on dentin as well as enamel?

Yes, split restorative cleaners are safe and effective for cleaning both enamel and dentin prior to bonding. Special care should be taken on dentin to avoid excessive tubule exposure.

Is bleaching recommended before or after using this type of cleaner?

It is ideal to perform in-office bleaching procedures first before cleaning with split restorative cleaners. Bleaching helps remove stains, allowing the cleaner to work most effectively on the tooth surface.

How long does the cleaned surface remain viable for bonding?

Research shows the cleaned tooth surface remains bondable for around 4 hours after cleaning when kept moisture and contamination free. Ideally, bonding should be performed immediately for highest bond strength.

The Takeaway

Thoroughly cleaning teeth prior to restorative work using a split restorative cleaner is a simple and effective way to improve bond strength, marginal seal, and overall restoration quality. By splitting away debris and stains from the enamel and dentin, these cleaners expose a fresh surface ideal for bonding. Careful selection and proper technique allows clinicians to gain the full benefits of these invaluable materials.

FAQs

What ingredients are in split restorative cleaners?

Most contain mild abrasives like aluminum oxide along with chemicals like sodium hypochlorite to dissolve deposits and stains.

How long does it take to clean a tooth with these products?

Cleaning each tooth thoroughly takes approximately 1-2 minutes of scrubbing time.

Is special training needed to use split restorative cleaners?

No special training is required. However, technique is important to avoid damage to oral tissues.

Can I etch with phosphoric acid first, then use the cleaner?

No, always use the cleaner first to expose a fresh surface. Acid etching after provides micro-retention.

Do split restorative cleaners kill bacteria?

The cleaners help remove bacteria but are not designed as sterilizing or disinfecting agents.