Q&A: Prepare

Anatomical Matrix System | ICB Brush | InterGuard | Seek & Sable Seek | Ultracare

Anatomical Matrix System
- thickness

?>ICB Brush
- sterilization

InterGuard
- reuse/sterilization
- sizes

Seek & Sable Seek
- biocompatibility
- crack detection
- dye content
- effects on bonding
- low mineral content identification
- mechanism of function
- permeability detection
- porosity detection
- root canal identification
- Seek vs. Sable Seek
- stain removal from clothing

Ultracare
- anesthetic effect, duration of
- sweetener

Technical Q&A

What is the thickness of the ANATOMICAL MATRIX BAND?
It is 0.0015", which is equivalent to the green-colored Omni-Matrix.

Back to top

Are ICB BRUSHES sterilizable by cold techniques, dry heat or steam and chemical autoclave?
ICB Brushes are sterilizable by all techniques except dry heat.

Back to top

Can the INTERGUARD be sterilized and reused?
InterGuards are autoclavable and can be used several times, depending on how many scratches they get.

Back to top

Why are there two different sizes of INTERGUARD?
The two sizes are useful in different situations. Use 4.0 mm for low (ideal for pedo ) and 5.5 mm for high anatomical crowns to get full access to the approximal preparation.

Back to top

Are SEEK and SABLE SEEK biocompatible?
Yes. They contain organic dyes.

Back to top

Can SEEK or SABLE SEEK be used to detect cracks in the root?
Yes. Seek will detect cracks and even micro-cracks in the enamel and exposed root surface. If the clinician decides not to repair the cracks, sodium hypochlorite will remove the Seek. Sable Seek may also be used, but most root surfaces are pretty dark, so the Sable Seek will be more difficult to see.

Back to top

Do you have any information relative to the toxicity of SEEK dyes on pulp?
We do not have any studies available on the toxicity of dyes on pulp. However, do remember that the dyes used in Seek are FD&C dyes (food, drug and cosmetic). They have been approved by the FDA in the United States for use in these types of products. We ingest these dyes with our food on a daily basis.

Back to top

Does the use of SEEK or SABLE SEEK negatively affect bonding?
No.

Back to top

Why is it important to identify and remove not only carious dentin, but dentin lacking in mineral content?
Dentin that is lacking in mineral content is a poor substance to bond to and will affect the integrity of the bond for the entire restoration. You can't bond to what you can't etch. You can only etch mineral dentin.

*Many doctors leave some soft dentin behind rather that removing it all. Ultradent agrees to leave a tiny amount of non-mineral dentin when working directly over pulp, but it is important to have solid mineral dentin for bonding. Seek is a tool that helps make sure this happens.

Back to top

How does SEEK work?
The dyes in Seek selectively attach themselves to substances of high organic content. Seek also stains highly permeable, porous materials.

Back to top

How does red SEEK identify calcified canal openings? Does SEEK also indicate higher than normal mineral levels?
A slightly open canal that is difficult to locate will be more visible as the Seek penetrates the small orifice. Additionally, the tiny amount of organic content in the canal center will stain.

Back to top

Is there any difference between SEEK and SABLE SEEK besides color?
Sable Seek is more absolute in identifying non-mineral dentin. Both products are glycol based.

Back to top

How can SEEK and SABLE SEEK stains be removed from clothing?
Keep a small spray bottle of white vinegar around your office for PRE-TREATING organic stains, such as Seek and Sable Seek, that may get on clothing. Spray the area with white vinegar and gently rub or sponge with a clean cloth. For stubborn stains, sandwich the area between two absorbent cloths and saturate with white vinegar until the stain is completely gone.

Back to top

How long will ULTRACARE'S anesthetic effect last?
Anesthesia usually lasts 8-10 minutes.

Back to top

Does ULTRACARE contain sugar?
No, our topical gel does not contain sugar; it contains an artificial sweetener.

Back to top

Updated 01/19/2006