Bonding and Beer

What does it really mean when a dental material is called biocompatible and does that mean it can’t be toxic?

In Episode 49 of Bonding and Beer, Rolando Nuñez breaks down the difference between toxicity and biocompatibility, why those terms are often confused, and what they actually mean in clinical dentistry.

In this episode, we discuss:
 - What biocompatibility means in dentistry
 - How toxicity is different from biocompatibility
 - Why pulpal health and direct pulp contact matter
 - Why resin-based materials can show cytotoxicity in laboratory studies
 - The difference between in vitro findings and clinical performance
 - How polymerization, technique, and case selection can influence outcomes
 - Why understanding a material’s proper indication is critical for clinical success

Just because a material may demonstrate toxicity under certain experimental conditions does not automatically mean it is unsafe or inappropriate for clinical use. Understanding how the material is intended to be used, and following the proper clinical protocol is essential when interpreting the research.

Want to learn more? Read BISCO's blog on TheraCal LC and toxicity: https://www.bisco.com/blog/adhesion/is-theracal-lc-toxic-to-pulp-heres-what-the-science-actually-shows/
Bonding and Beer is a dental podcast, hosted by Dr. Rolando Nuñez , where adhesive restorative dentistry meets craft beer reviews 🎙️ Join Ro every 3 weeks as he uncorks a new beer and dives into the world of dental bonding, sharing insights and answering your questions.

Visit our website! It's the perfect place to submit questions, suggestions, and learn more about the show: https://info.bisco.com/bonding-and-beer-landing

Follow us on Instagram to stay updated with everything Bonding and Beer!

Check out the video version of the Podcast on YouTube and subscribe!

Have a question for Rolando? Submit it to bondingandbeer@gmail.com to have your question answered on the show!

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How much should scientific literature actually influence your clinical decisions—and how do you know which dental research to trust?

In Episode 48 of Bonding & Beer, Dr. Rolando Nuñez explores how scientific literature shapes clinical decision-making in dentistry, from understanding evidence-based dentistry to recognizing the important differences between in vitro research and clinical studies.

With new research constantly being published, and studies sometimes reaching conflicting conclusions, knowing how to evaluate the evidence can be just as important as finding it in the first place.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How scientific literature influences everyday clinical decisions
• What evidence-based dentistry really means
• In vitro research vs. clinical studies—and why the difference matters
• How to approach conflicting research and potentially misleading narratives
• What dentists should look for when evaluating a clinical study
• Why one study rarely tells the entire story
• How evidence, clinical expertise, and patient circumstances work together
• Why safety and efficacy should remain at the center of material selection
The key takeaway? Evidence-based clinical decision-making isn't about finding one article that supports a conclusion. It's about identifying the clinical question, searching the literature, critically evaluating the evidence, applying it alongside your clinical expertise and the patient's circumstances, and evaluating the outcome.
Want to put this into practice?

Visit the BISCO website: https://hubs.li/Q04bcX4Q0 and find a product you want to learn more about. Explore the educational resources available for that product, then take a closer look at the scientific references behind those resources.
Bonding and Beer is a dental podcast, hosted by Dr. Rolando Nuñez , where adhesive restorative dentistry meets craft beer reviews 🎙️ Join Ro every 3 weeks as he uncorks a new beer and dives into the world of dental bonding, sharing insights and answering your questions.

Visit our website! It's the perfect place to submit questions, suggestions, and learn more about the show: https://info.bisco.com/bonding-and-beer-landing

Follow us on Instagram to stay updated with everything Bonding and Beer!

Check out the video version of the Podcast on YouTube and subscribe!

Have a question for Rolando? Submit it to bondingandbeer@gmail.com to have your question answered on the show!

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In Episode 47 of Bonding & Beer, Rolando Nunez breaks down 3 key characteristics that make an adhesive a good adhesive: convenience, compatibility, and water content.

When it comes to dental adhesives and universal bonding agents, convenience doesn't always mean better performance. Compatibility can determine whether your adhesive works predictably with other dental materials. And water content can influence both the chemistry of the adhesive and its resistance to hydrolytic degradation over time.

In this episode, we discuss
• Convenience in dental adhesives - What makes an adhesive easy to use? What are the tradeoffs?
• Adhesive compatibility - Open architecture and closed architecture adhesives
• Water content in dental adhesives - Why do dental adhesives contain water and why does water content matter?
• Examples of universal adhesives and dental boding agents that we believe nail the most important aspects of an adhesive. 
Bonding and Beer is a dental podcast, hosted by Dr. Rolando Nuñez , where adhesive restorative dentistry meets craft beer reviews 🎙️ Join Ro every 3 weeks as he uncorks a new beer and dives into the world of dental bonding, sharing insights and answering your questions.

Visit our website! It's the perfect place to submit questions, suggestions, and learn more about the show: https://info.bisco.com/bonding-and-beer-landing

Follow us on Instagram to stay updated with everything Bonding and Beer!

Check out the video version of the Podcast on YouTube and subscribe!

Have a question for Rolando? Submit it to bondingandbeer@gmail.com to have your question answered on the show!

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In Episode 45 of Bonding & Beer, Rolando Nunez breaks down the science behind chemical bonding and why it's one of the most important factors in achieving predictable, long-lasting restorations. From enamel and dentin bonding to indirect restorations like zirconia, lithium disilicate (e.max), metal, and composite, you'll learn how different functional monomers create durable chemical adhesion, and why choosing the right chemistry matters.

In this episode, we discuss
• What chemical interaction is and why it's essential for successful adhesive dentistry
• The differences between monomers like PENTA, BPDM, GPDM, and why MDP stands in a league of its own
• When to use MDP, silane, or dedicated primers for the most predictable results on zirconia, glass ceramics, metal, composite, and 3D printed resins
 • Practical clinical tips to improve the longevity of your direct and indirect restorations
Bonding and Beer is a dental podcast, hosted by Dr. Rolando Nuñez , where adhesive restorative dentistry meets craft beer reviews 🎙️ Join Ro every 3 weeks as he uncorks a new beer and dives into the world of dental bonding, sharing insights and answering your questions.

Visit our website! It's the perfect place to submit questions, suggestions, and learn more about the show: https://info.bisco.com/bonding-and-beer-landing

Follow us on Instagram to stay updated with everything Bonding and Beer!

Check out the video version of the Podcast on YouTube and subscribe!

Have a question for Rolando? Submit it to bondingandbeer@gmail.com to have your question answered on the show!

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In this episode of Bonding & Beer, we continue our conversation on mechanical retention by shifting our focus from the restoration to the tooth structure itself. We break down why mechanical retention is one of the most important factors in achieving predictable, long-lasting bonds, and why understanding the differences between enamel and dentin can make or break your restorative success. From the history of acid etching to modern techniques like sandblasting and self-etching, we explore how proper surface preparation creates the foundation for optimized bonding.

In this episode, we discuss:
• What mechanical retention really is
• Why mechanical retention is essential for predictable bonding
• The differences between enamel and dentin as bonding substrates
• Creating proper mechanical retention with: phosphoric acid etching, sandblasting, and self-etch techniques

How serious are you about creating mechanical retention? Let us know if the comments!
Bonding and Beer is a dental podcast, hosted by Dr. Rolando Nuñez , where adhesive restorative dentistry meets craft beer reviews 🎙️ Join Ro every 3 weeks as he uncorks a new beer and dives into the world of dental bonding, sharing insights and answering your questions.

Visit our website! It's the perfect place to submit questions, suggestions, and learn more about the show: https://info.bisco.com/bonding-and-beer-landing

Follow us on Instagram to stay updated with everything Bonding and Beer!

Check out the video version of the Podcast on YouTube and subscribe!

Have a question for Rolando? Submit it to bondingandbeer@gmail.com to have your question answered on the show!

Powered by BISCO