Four Great Reasons For Prep Scrubs

May 30, 2018 Lee Ann Brady DMD

One of the most common questions I get is about the use of a category of materials we refer to as prep scrubs, prep wetting agents or desensitizers.  The question is usually do they actually make a difference, and are they worth the cost. The answer is “yes” and “yes”.

There are 4 things we are trying to accomplish: prevent sensitivity, antimicrobial activity, moisten dentin for bonding, reduce bond degradation over time. The prevention of sensitivity is caused in two ways. The first is the inclusion of HEMA in products like Gluma from Kulzer. The HEMA occludes the dentinal tubules and prevents fluid movement that triggers a pulpal response. The second is the anti-microbial activity of either glutaraldehyde (GLUMA) or chlorhexidine (Consepsis by Ultradent). Fewer bacteria left behind int he dentin means lower chances of a pulpitis that causes sensitivity or the ultimate need for a root canal.

Both chlorhexidine and glutaraldehyde also minimize the production of MMP’s (Matrix Metal Proteinases) the biologic process responsible for bond degradation. This means our bonded restorations last longer before we see marginal breakdown, leakage and secondary caries. The last function is to moisten the dentin to allow optimal penetration of the primer in our dentin adhesives. This means better hybrid zone development and better bonds and sealing of dentinal tubules.

So the answer to do they have benefit is a resounding yes. I have used Gluma on every tooth I have prepared for many years. I consider it extremely cost effective as I am not sure how to put a price on greater restorative longevity and less patient dissatisfaction due to sensitivity or post operative issues. The true cost should be about $2 a prepared tooth if dispensed properly, so that’s hard to argue with.

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E3: Restorative Integration of Form & Function

DATE: March 30 2025 @ 8:00 am - April 3 2025 @ 2:30 pm

Location: The Pankey Institute

CE HOURS: 41

Dentist Tuition: $ 7400

Single Occupancy with Ensuite Private Bath (per night): $ 345

THIS COURSE IS SOLD OUT Understanding that “form follows function” is critical for knowing how to blend what looks good with what predictably functions well. E3 is the phase of…

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Lee Ann Brady DMD

Dr. Lee Ann Brady is passionate about dentistry, her family and making a difference. She is a general dentist and owns a practice in Glendale, AZ limited to restorative dentistry. Lee’s passion for dental education began as a CE junkie herself, pursuing lots of advanced continuing education focused on Restorative and Occlusion. In 2005, she became a full time resident faculty member for The Pankey Institute, and was promoted to Clinical Director in 2006. Lee joined Spear Education as Executive VP of Education in the fall of 2008 to teach and coordinate the educational curriculum. In June of 2011, she left Spear Education, founded leeannbrady.com and joined the dental practice she now owns as an associate. Today, she teaches at dental meetings and study clubs both nationally and internationally, continues to write for dental journals and her website, sits on the editorial board of the Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry, Inside Dentistry and DentalTown Magazines and is the Director of Education for The Pankey Institute.

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5 Dentists Share Favorite Materials

October 21, 2017 Pankey Gram

Curious what dental materials the Pankey community is currently raving about? 

Sometimes, when you feel bored or uninspired at the practice, you could benefit from trying out new materials. This type of change can simultaneously up your clinical game and get you excited about work again.

Check out the suggestions from 5 Pankey dentists below for inspiration:

Materials Pankey Dentists Love

Dr. Mark Kleive

“My favorite new material is the air abrasion hand piece from Groman Dental – Etchmaster. It’s simple, no big equipment, still a bit of mess, but very precise.”

Dr. Mike Crete 

“My favorite new ‘tool’ in my toolbox is CBCT. In the last two years, I have had a major shift in my diagnostics and treatment planning by using 3D imaging. Although I do not have a scanner in my own office, the specialists that I have a great working relationship with do have them and it has become a great adjunct to our diagnostic and treatment planning process.

I see this technology making huge strides in the coming years and predict it will become the standard of care in dentistry. 2D imaging will become a thing of the past!”

Dr. Lee Ann Brady

“My recent favorite is Cervitec Plus, Chlorhexidine varnish. It is an incredible antimicrobial adjunct for high caries risk patients. It reduces the bacterial count for 3-5 months and is applied at their hygiene visits. It is also great for around temporaries to create fabulous tissue health when seating restorations.”

Dr. Jennifer Davis

“My top two favorite materials lately:

(1) Not a new thing, but it still amazes me. Use of MicroPrime, a Gluma product,  after etching my composite preps. The amount of post-operative sensitivities and/or root canal procedures that come from my office now is amazingly low. Wish I had the foundation for a research study.

(2) I am loving using products to stain provisionals to custom match a tooth to the dentition. I use Protemp as my provisional material most times. They make such limited shades, though. Therefore, I stain with either Cosmodent tints, Creative Color, or Kerr-Kolor in white.”

Dr. Michelle M. Lee

“Not a material, but my mind has been blown with microscopes in the last month from the training I’ve been getting at Penn. It’s just been such a great experience and taken dentistry to the next level in terms of detail, finish, and marginal integrity. I have been loving learning more about this, as well as the integration of microscopes and dentistry with digital workflow! Fun stuff!”

What new or old favorite material are you excited about? We’d love to hear from you in the comments! 

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DATE: May 8 2025 @ 8:00 am - May 10 2025 @ 2:00 pm

Location: The Pankey Institute

CE HOURS: 25

Dentist Tuition: $ 3195

Single Occupancy with Ensuite Private Bath (per night): $ 345

Embracing Digital Dentistry This course will introduce each participant to the possibilities of complex case planning utilizing 100% digital workflows. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding how software can…

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