PTFE - Clinical Applications
PTFE - Clinical Applications
PTFE - Clinical Applications
InInbrief
brief
Compares the use of plumbers tape to existing Provides clinicians of all experience levels with Outlines the use of a simple, cost effective and
dental materials and discusses potential areas exposure to an alternative dental material along with readily available material to enhance restorative
where it can be used as an alternative to assist in some techniques for its use. dental procedures, further expanding the clinicians
restorative dental procedures. armamentarium.
Restorative dental procedures are ever developing; one reason for this can be attributed to newer materials with better
handling properties and our ability to manipulate them more effectively. As a result various techniques have been described to
aid clinicians in obtaining predictable results in restorative dental procedures. This article aims to review the use of plumbers
tape to assist in adhesive, endodontic and implant related dental procedures, when compared to other available materials.
Introduction surfaces and manipulated without the risk of PTFE has a high melt viscosity (approximately six
being destroyed.6 Despite the material being times that of most fluoropolymers) which allows
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a polymeric available in thin sections (30120m) it does the tape to be sterilised for dental purposes in
material that has common uses outside of not significantly lose its shear strength (Fig.1). an autoclave (Fig.2).4,7 These qualities suggest a
dentistry. Its applications include incorporation In addition to excellent insulating properties, number of potential uses in restorative dentistry.
into cookware and building materials as well as
within circuitry and components for computers.
In dentistry it has been used for purposes of
guided tissue regeneration, the coating of instru-
ments to improve handling properties and clear-
based matrices.1,2 More recently the use of PTFE
for purposes of screw access channel filling has
been described.3
PTFE is relatively inert; as such it is capable
of resistance to solvents and acids, therefore will
not degrade when used with dental etchants.4
PTFE also has a low static and kinetic coefficient
of friction (0.1) ensuring a non-stick application
and removal without leaving behind a residue.5,6
Due to PTFEs high break elongation it is capable
Fig. 1 Spools of PTFE tape purchased from a local hardware store. The white casing
of being stretched up to 400% of its original represents a thinner gauge used for sealing water pipe threads. The yellow case below has a
length without tearing. As such the material double thickness tape, which is utilised for sealing gas pipe threads
can be stretched and adapted closely to different
1
General Dental Practitioner, Grants Dental Practice, 52
High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett, Swindon, SN4 7AQ;
2
Specialty Dentist in Prosthodontics; 3Consultant in Restora-
tive Dentistry, Department of Restorative Dentistry and
Traumatology, Kings College Dental Hospital, Denmark Hill,
London, SE5 9RS
*Correspondence to: Mohammad Sattar
Email: msattar13@gmail.com
promote bone tissue formation. This quality 6. Block-out material for impression making
can be developed further for clinical scenarios Recovery material
7. Trial seating of extra-coronal restorations
in restorative dentistry. When managing dental
materials and their interface with hard or soft
tissues PTFE has some useful applications espe- the intended restoration. However, due to their between contacts that are difficult to negotiate, a
cially when cementing or bonding restorations. shape memory clear matrices can be difficult to wedge or flat plastic instrument can be used to
stabilise and may cause matrix malformation temporarily separate the teeth. A micro brush
Adhesive dentistry of the material during placement, resulting in or sable-hair brush will help to remove folds or
The restoration of anterior teeth with the direct suboptimal contour.11 Clear plastic matrices creases that may occur during placement and
bonding of composite for aesthetic or tooth are typically manufactured in a gauge of 0.002 stretching through the interdental contact area,
surface loss purposes is well established.8,9 inches, which may inhibit the formation of an ensuring close adaption to the dry tooth surface
Metal and plastic matrices are a common optimal proximal contact, the complete seating (Figs 4 and 5). When restoring posterior teeth
method of interdental separation in bonding of a resin bonded bridge retainer or adhesive PTFE may assist in the adaption of the matrix to
procedures. Using a separating medium onlay during cementation.12 the tooth along with establishing an anatomical
ensures the proximal surfaces of the adjacent The rigidity of clear plastic matrix systems tooth contour. Where a large embrasure exists
teeth are not etched and bonded; thus prevent- also interfere with the use of customised tooth PTFE can be compacted into the proximal space
ing iatrogenic bonding within the contact area. mould indices made from either polyvinyl- to contour the matrix to achieve the desired
This can create a nidus for plaque retention siloxane putty, clear polyvinylsiloxane bite shape (Fig. 6).
and impede the patients ability to clean registration material or clear vacuum formed The application of PTFE tape will not
inter-proximally. polyvinyl acetate. These useful adjuncts along interfere with a tooth mould index or the
Common interproximal matrices include with a diagnostic wax-up can aid the clinician seating of an indirect adhesive restoration, and
clear Teflon and cellulose acetate strips. These when restoring worn teeth with composite so aid correct positioning and seating. These
strips are advantageous as they allow for the resin (Fig.3).13 features enable its use as a separating medium
photo-activation of the resin through the When stretched PTFE tape can provide a during composite restoration placement
clear matrix.10 The clear matrix also allows the thin interdental separator and the formation whether free-hand or under a tooth mould
operator to contour the restorative material to of a well-approximated restorative contact index or when cementing an adhesive restora-
the desired shape without losing visual access of area.11,12 To facilitate placement of the PTFE tape tion (Fig.7).
Fig. 5 (a) Tooth 21 an unaesthetic incise-edge composite restoration; (b) PTFE tape draped over the adjacent teeth; (c) The finished
restoration (note the well-adapted contact)
Fig. 6 (a) Tooth 24 disto-occlusal cavity preparation for restoration with composite material. Note the resulting wide bucco-palatal
embrasure after loss of the marginal ridge; making matrix adaption challenging; (b) PTFE tape is packed between the sectional matrix and
adjacent tooth to achieve an anatomical tooth contour; (c) The completed restoration.
Fig. 7. (a) Tooth 36 isolated for the adhesive cementation of a ceramic onlay, PTFE tape is twisted a passed inter-dentally to block out the
interdental embrasure; (b) The adjacent teeth are draped with PTFE tape teeth to protect from the etching and bonding procedures; (c)
Etching of the tooth surface; (d) Application of the bonding agent; (e) Ceramic Onaly post-cementation after removal of excess cement
Fig. 8 (a) A lab model implant abutment with a sub-gingival finish line; (b) PTFE tape draped around the collar of the implant abutment;
(c) Occlusal view of implant abutment seated (note the circumferential finish line visible with PTFE overlaying the soft tissues); (d) Implant
crown fully seated (e) Occlusal view showing implant crown seated. (Lab model courtesy of Carl Abbott, Head of Restorative Dental
Technology, Morriston Hospital)
it has also been shown around implant apically and entrapment of the cord.20 The cord not to trap the PTFE tape into the fit surface
abutments for cement retained implant itself consisting of multiple interwoven cotton of the restoration during cementation, which
prostheses, where the peri-implant tissues strands can become impregnated with cement may impede full seating of the restoration
capacity to respond to plaque is reduced.15 The resulting in difficulty with removal from the (Figs8 and 9).
retention of set radiolucent resin cements in sulcus. PTFE is comparatively impregnable
the gingival sulcus can elicit a chronic soft without strands or filaments. Protecting implant abutment screw
tissue inflammation or mucositis, which in PTFE tape can provide an atraumatic barrier heads during sealing of screw access
turn may result in the eventual progression to to protect peri-implant tissues during cemen- channels
peri-implantitis, the irreversible loss of bone tation, with added advantage of ease of retriev- Screw-retained implant restorations have the
around dental implants.16 ability. PTFE tape is available in a thickness of advantage of retrievability for maintenance
Methods to prevent infiltration of cement 50m providing a thin barrier and preventing procedures such as replacement of compo-
subgingivally have been described.17 Extra- aggressive retraction of the gingival sulcus nents and hygiene purposes when compared
oral cementation for implant prosthesis has causing trauma to peri-implant tissues. to cement retained restorations.21
been suggested, using a duplicate core and die By stretching PTFE tape around the implant The potential for bacterial infiltration via the
spacer to act as the cement space; however this abutment to form a protective bib it is possible screw access channel has been shown in-vitro.22,23
method is time consuming and requires the to create a physical barrier to prevent apical A method of reducing this bacterial penetration
use of cement with a long working time.18 The migration of cement.5,20 The tape can then is to seal the screw access channel. However, it
use of retraction cord has been discouraged be teased out without causing damage to the is important to keep in mind the sealing res-
around peri-implant tissues due to the risk peri-implant tissues (Fig.7). The application toration does not to compromise access to the
of exceeding the peri-implant tissue capacity of PTFE as a barrier may also be extrapolated abutment screw for future deconstruction of the
to resist the placement pressure, leading to to tooth borne crowns to aid in the removal of implant restoration. Therefore, placement of a
damage to the biological seal around the any cement flash when cementing temporary well-adapted passive material deep in the screw
implant.19 The potential increase in gingival of definitive crowns with subgingival margins, access channel over the abutment screw head
sulcular space caused by the compaction of whereby the tape is placed circumferentially minimises the risk of screw head damage during
cord may result in the down flow of cement below the gingival margin. Care must be taken the retrieval procedure.
Various materials have been proposed to frustrating for the operator. Acrylic resin wool; that is more likely to tear on withdrawal.
protect screw heads during the restoration can flow into the screw head proving difficult The fibrous structure of cotton wool provides
of screw access channels including; the use to remove and risking damage to the screw an ideal niche for bacteria to grow and cultivate
of cotton wool pellets, polyvinylsiliconase head. The manufacture of lab-made custom when compared to PTFE. Furthermore, it
(PVS) material, gutta percha, acrylic resin cover screws is expensive and may not be cannot be compacted to the same density as
or utilising custom-made cover screws.24,25 readily available. The use of PTFE tape as a PTFE and so may also provide dead space
Cotton wool pellets are filamentous and have barrier between screw heads and restorative between the filaments where bacteria may
the ability to harbour bacteria; consequently material has been suggested as a simple and thrive. As such it seems more practical to use
they are associated with malodour during cost effective alternative (Fig.10).3 PTFE for screw access holes to reduce bacterial
screw access. PVS material and gutta percha PTFE is non-filamentous which enables it presence within the chamber and for ease of
can prove difficult to remove and become to be removed whole more easily than cotton retrievability.
may also prevent access to implant screws by restorations can potentially fracture if unfa- illustrated are not exclusive to restorative proce-
obstructing the screw access channel (Fig. 12). vourable removal forces are applied. dures and the versatility of the material allows it
A method to avoid such a situation is to Various removal procedures have been to be applied into other areas of clinical dentistry.
block-out undesirable voids by using pliable proposed to overcome the difficulty in removing
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