There is nothing more embarrassing than a patient coming in again the very next day with loose dental cement that came off after a restoration. The fuss that comes with substandard dental supplies can be avoided. There are more than a few types of dentistry cements (a.k.a luting agents) that you can pick from, depending on your needs and preferences. As you proceed with the article, you will be informed of the categories of luting agents, how each one differs from the other, and which one is most suitable for you. Let us begin with the best types of dental cement for temporary and permanent crowns.
About Dental Cements and Their Types
Luting agents come in handy when, after a dental restoration is performed on a patient, the new crown or inlay needs to be fitted in. The cement assures that the restored part does not fall off and becomes a cause of further complications. Even though it is a textbook procedure and a dentist’s walk in the park, it comes down to the cement and its reliability of use.
The types of luting agents are different with respect to their consistency and chemical composition. Dentists also consider cements, from the ones mentioned below, which would best comply with the restoration you went through.
Zinc phosphate
Longest in the dental game, zinc phosphate dental cement has been used since the first time metal-supported crowns and bridges were introduced. They can also be used as basing material, in temporary restoration, or when cementing orthodontic bands. Findings have shown that patients have reported post-operative sensitivity when zinc phosphate was the luting agent.
However, as its employment has seen the course of time, it is a dentist’s first choice for a luting agent. Applying zinc phosphate cement is the final and permanent step in a dental restoration process.
Glass ionomer
Glass ionomer (GIC) debuted in the late 1960’s. A new kind of dental cement, the chemical composition of glass ionomer was a combination of fluoro-aluminosilicate glass powder and polyacrylic acid’s liquid solution. The powder-liquid form is mixed manually, and if wrongly executed, the thickness can be reverted by shaking/warming the bottle it comes in. More importantly, It offers an anti-cariogenic action.
The main purpose of glass ionomer was luting of indirect restoration, both metal and metal-ceramic ones. The glass ionomer can secure orthodontic bands and brackets. This dental cement also acts as a pit and fissure sealant.
Resin-based cement
Another great alternative for their administration in restorative dentistry is resin-based cements that have excellent mechanical and aesthetic properties. Incorporating nanofillers with the cement mixture can be carried out to strengthen the bonds and improve flexural modulus. It is to be noted that large fractions of nanoparticles would ultimately increase the cement thickness.
The resin-modified glass ionomer composition is self-adhesive (i.e., they do not require moisture). It was specifically created for tooth-coloured restoration, and if you are inclined to buy this dental cement, check out Evercem Dual Cure Resin Cement at our site.
Polycarboxylate
Lastly, we have polycarboxylate cement, which is known for its “true adhesion to tooth structure” quality. The powder is primarily made up of zinc oxide, and the liquid is polyacrylic acid, like zinc phosphate — that also leads to its pH being comparable to the latter. With brilliant biological characteristics, this luting agent is a viable option for all restoration procedures.
Polycarboxylate cement does have relatively low tensile strength. There isn’t any significant fluoride release nor a modest intraoral solubility when using this dental cement. Still, you can always strategise by good practices of tooth preparation to ensure long-lasting restoration.
Choosing the Right Dental Cement: A Break Down
Dentists who genuinely care about their patients want to make sure that they are not forced to revisit due to complications that arise after a dental procedure. In the case of restoration, one of the possibilities of difficulty the patients can face is with the luting agent. Therefore, when it comes to purchasing luting agents, you have to take regard of certain aspects such as the one discussed below:
Biocompatibility and Resistance
The mouth is a very sensitive area to work with, so dentists have to be extra careful with what they do with your teeth and gum. Taking heed of this, it is very important for the dental cement one uses to be non-toxic. Irritating the dental pulp could lead to serious issues, damaging the tissues in the mouth. Moreover, A high tensile strength would be sufficient to prevent dislodging the restored part. If the patient is a younger person, then they would be more careless while they are eating and chewing. Hence, dentists should put their good money into those dental cements with impressive resistance to mouth mechanisms.
Shelf Life and Viscosity
For this, one should be wary of the effectiveness of the luting agent even after storing it for a certain period. The longer shal-life is also an indicator of cost-effectiveness; an expensive luting agent that loses its restoring properties after a few days is a disappointing sight. The viscosity and thickness depend on the chemical composition of the luting agent purchased. The measure also comes in during the mixture of the powder and liquid states, and whether they were according to the ratio or not. The best dental cement is pretty thin when it is applied and does not ruin the fit of the restoration.
Anticavity
Patients have high expectations from dentists who perform expensive procedures. Once they fall short in any detail, it is the dentist who has to hear the end of it. Especially during restoration, if there is a cavity making its big appearance again, the consequences are disconcerting — which is why the luting agent must have anti-cavity properties, too.
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Final Verdict
Choosing your dental cement according to the requirements of the patient you are attending is the first step to ensuring a successful restoration treatment. Zinc phosphate, glass ionomer, polycarboxylate, and resin-based cement are your usual options, but before buying a product, confirm that it meets the standards of an adequate dental supply.