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From temporary restoration to permanent fixation: How did dental cement evolve?
Dental cement plays an important role in the field of dentistry and orthodontics and has a wide range of applications. Today, dental cement is not only used for temporary tooth restorations, tooth filling materials and fixed dentures, but has also been further expanded to imaging technology for neuronal activity. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the various applications of dental cements and learn how they have evolved from temporary restorations to key materials for permanent fixes.
The desirable properties of dental cements include high biocompatibility, hyposensitivity, antimicrobial properties, and good aesthetics, which are crucial to their success in clinical applications.
Ideal Dental Cement Properties
An ideal dental cement has several important properties. For example, its high biocompatibility makes it non-allergic and can effectively protect the dental pulp. The antimicrobial properties can prevent secondary cavities, while good marginal adhesion helps prevent marginal leakage.
Types and Applications of Dental Cement
The applications of dental cements can vary depending on their composition and the materials they are mixed with, and are mainly divided into several categories, including temporary restorations, cemented restorations, and pulp protection.
Temporary fix
Cement is often used as a temporary restoration material, compared to composite resin and amalgam restoration materials. This is mainly due to the fact that its mechanical properties are not suitable for bearing occlusal loads for a long time.
Common temporary repair cements include:
- Glass ionomer cement (GIC)
- Zinc polycarboxylate cement
- Zinc oxide eugenol cement
- Resin modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC)
Adhesion repair
Cement also plays a key role in cementing repairs. Since amalgam does not bond to tooth tissue, mechanical retention is required and cement can provide additional support. Resin cement has become the material of choice for cementation repairs due to its adhesive properties.
Pulp protection
When tooth decay approaches the pulp chamber, cement must be used to protect the pulp and prevent further damage. Cement can be used as an insulating primer to protect the health of the pulp before the final restoration is made.
Composition and classification of dental cement
Dental cements are composed and classified based on their ingredients and how they are used. According to its composition, cement can be divided into water-based acid-base cement, non-water-based acid-base cement and resin-based materials. Among them, water-based acid-base cements such as zinc phosphate cement and glass ionomer cement are the most common. In addition, there are the latest generation of self-adhesive resin cement products, which usually contain silicates or other types of fillers associated in an organic resin matrix.
Resin-based cements are commonly used for permanent bonding, such as resin-bonded bridges or ceramic fillings. When selecting a material, physicians must consider the mechanical properties of the cement as well as its biocompatibility.
Challenges of dental cement
Although dental cements are widely used in clinical applications, some components may cause allergic reactions, so biocompatibility becomes an important consideration for dental materials used for long periods of time. Dental materials, including filling materials and orthodontic appliances, must meet this requirement. Additionally, the chemicals in some cements may trigger an allergic reaction in the tissues inside the mouth, with symptoms such as swollen lips or a rash.
ConclusionWith the development of dental cement technology, their application range continues to expand, from temporary restoration to permanent fixation, the quality and performance of cement become more and more important. Therefore, when selecting and using dental cement, dentists must carefully consider its properties to ensure the best treatment results. So, what characteristics do you value most when choosing dental cement?
