,Selecting the best possible core buildup material is essential to successful restorations, not only ensuring the best possible results each time, but also to save time and make patients more comfortable during each and every procedure. Encore D/C is a dual-cure composite core buildup material that is designed to build up the coronal core or to fabricate a composite post and core that bonds to the post hole with a needle tip., ,With a light cure of just 20 seconds, the setting is accelerated and ensures the complete cure of all the material, regardless of depth or placement of the final restoration. Because it’s a nonslumping formula, it also eliminates the need for an additional matrix/ core form. The simplicity of Encore D/C is a big reason so many dentists are using it for a wide range of procedures, like placing a crown or fixing a bridge that’s become loose. It’s an ideal composite for core buildups because it flows well and fills the voids.,It comes in 2 different delivery methods:,Encore D/C MiniMix: The 0.5-mL unit dose technology eliminates waste and cross-contamination. The smaller size is more easily maneuvered inside the mouth, while the longer mixing tip enables easy application down canals in second and third molars. It’s especially comfortable for sensitive patients., ,Encore D/C Automix: The automix is the most widely used standard format with superior core buildup for curing., ,Dr. Albert Natelli practices general dentistry in Southington, CT, where his cases include bone grafting, implants, and same-day crowns. “My procedure is typically to prep the tooth, remove all the recurrent decay, bond the tooth, add Encore D/C, finalize the preparation and then impress it—whether that be through a traditional or digital impression,” he said., ,If it’s an all-ceramic restoration, he uses Encore D/C, he said, describing a patient who recently presented with a bridge out. “There was a little recurrent decay, so I placed Encore D/C in the area with the decay. I didn’t need to fully cure the material because it’s dual-cure. I just went ahead and placed it, cured it for 10 seconds, and then cemented the crown right on top of it with full confidence that the material would fully cure itself,” he said., ,Overall, Encore D/C sets up better than other materials he’s used over the years, Dr. Natelli said, and certainly preps more easily and in less time. The MiniMix is particularly appealing because it comes in unit-dose form so he can use exactly what he needs each time with no worry about additional waste., ,“The simplicity of using Encore D/C is one of the main factors that makes it a fantastic material,” he said. “I used to use composite for my core buildups, but I switched to using Encore D/C a few years ago and haven’t looked back.”
