Consultants’ Comments
- “This composite makes core buildups easy.”
- “When I used x-tra fil with a sectional matrix, the interproximal contacts were excellent.”
- “A very good posterior composite.”
- “Life-like polish.”
- “It would be good to have a second shade.”
Description
x-tra fil is a light-cured, radiopaque composite for direct posterior restorative procedures, including core buildups. The material is 70% filled by volume with hybrid filler particles intended to limit polymerization shrinkage with increased depth of cure (up to 4-mm increments). x-tra fil is compatible with LED and halogen lights, with a curing time of 10 seconds for lights with an intensity of >800 mW/cm2. The manufacturer recommends Futurabond NR as the bonding agent of choice, although x-tra fil may be used with any bonding agent. It is available in a single, universal shade and in both 0.25g unit-dose capsules and 5-g syringes. Twenty-four clinical consultants used x-tra fil unit-dose capsules in over 400 restorations. This product received a 92% clinical rating.
Product Features
Consultants reported that the translucency of the single shade of x-tra fil aided in blending of restorations with the surrounding enamel in most situations. The angle of the unit-dose capsule tip is ideal for placement of the material into posterior preparations. The material handles well during dispensing, adaptation to cavity walls and sculpting. The viscosity of x-tra fil makes it easy to pack, and final interproximal contacts were rated very good. Finishing and polishing are easily accomplished, resulting in very smooth surfaces. The ability to bulk fill preparations and light cure in 10 seconds results in fast core buildups and fillings, which was viewed as an advantage by most consultants. While the high translucency of x-tra fil is a plus for speed, depth of cure and its chameleon effect, it also contributes to a high sensitivity to ambient light and a possible gray appearance to the filling. The radiopacity of x-tra fil is excellent. Sixty-three percent of consultants felt that x-tra fil is equivalent to or better than their current composites, 83% would recommend x-tra fil to a colleague.
Clinical Tips
- Reduce overhead illumination while placing x-tra fil to prevent premature curing.
- Use an opaquer to mask darkly stained dentin before placing x-tra fil.
