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Temporary Dental CementEdit

Temporary dental cement is a class of luting agents used to secure temporary restorations while a permanent solution is prepared. These cements are formulated to balance ease of removal with adequate retention, protect prepared tooth surfaces, and minimize irritation to the surrounding tissues during the interim period. They are a standard component of modern restorative dentistry, enabling clinicians to protect tooth structure, maintain function, and manage esthetics when a definitive restoration is pending.

Temporary cements are typically chosen based on the clinical scenario, including the type of temporary restoration (for example, provisional crown, inlay or onlay), the anticipated duration of use, and whether any final cementing steps will involve resin- or glass ionomer-based materials. In general, temporary cements are designed to be removable with minimal damage to tooth structure and to provide sufficient marginal seal to prevent bacterial ingress during the interim period. Their behavior in the mouth, including solubility, tensile strength, and ease of cleaning, is a key consideration for clinicians.

Types

  • Zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) cements

    • ZOE-based temporary cements have a long history of use due to their soothing effect on the dental pulp and pleasant handling characteristics. They tend to be easy to place and remove and can provide a mild antimicrobial environment. However, the presence of eugenol can interfere with the polymerization of resin-based final cements, so many clinicians avoid ZOE when the final restoration will rely on resin luting agents. For these reasons, ZOE is often favored for short-term temporaries or when resin bonding is not planned for the final restoration. See zinc oxide eugenol.

  • Zinc oxide non-eugenol (ZON) cements

    • ZON products are designed to avoid the potential interference of eugenol with resin polymerization while preserving the favorable handling traits of traditional ZOE materials. They are commonly used when a temporary cement needs to be compatible with resin-based final cements. See zinc oxide non-eugenol.

  • Resin-based temporary cements

    • These cements are polymerizable and can provide higher initial retention and improved marginal seal compared with traditional cements. They are especially useful when the interim period is extended or when a final restoration will be cemented with a resin-based luting agent. They may require more careful cleanup and isolation during placement and removal. See resin-based cement.

  • Glass ionomer cement-based temporary cements

    • Glass ionomer cements (GIC) combine fluoride release with chemical bonding to dentin and enamel. GIC-based temporaries can contribute to caries prevention and marginal integrity but may offer different retention characteristics and solubility compared with resin-based or ZOE cements. See glass ionomer cement and fluoride release.

  • Other contemporary formulations

    • Additional materials marketed as temporary cements may blend properties of the above categories, including hybrids that aim to maximize ease of removal, fluoride provision, and biocompatibility. See dental luting agent for a broader context of materials used to lute teeth and restorations.

Indications and contraindications

  • Indications

    • Provision of temporary retention for provisional crown, inlay, and onlay.
    • Protection of prepared tooth surfaces between appointments.
    • Interim management of occlusion, esthetics, and function while final restorations are fabricated.
    • Scenarios where short-term pulp protection or antibacterial milieu is desired (in some formulations), though this is not a universal goal of all temporary cements. See provisional restoration.

  • Contraindications

    • When the final restoration will be cemented with a resin-based luting agent that can be inhibited by eugenol-containing cements; in these cases a non-eugenol or resin-based temporary cement may be preferred. See bonding and luting agent for related considerations.
    • Situations requiring exceptionally high final-retention demands or very long interim periods may favor provisional techniques or materials designed specifically for extended temporization.

Properties and performance

  • Retention and retrievability

    • Temporary cements are designed to provide enough retention to prevent dislodgment during the interim period, while also allowing removal without damage to tooth structure. The balance of these properties varies among products, with resin-based temporaries generally offering higher retention and ZOE-based temporaries offering easier removal.

  • Solubility and margins

    • Solubility in oral fluids is a key factor; lower solubility helps minimize cement loss between visits but can make removal more difficult. Margin integrity is important to limit microleakage and protect against sensitivity or bacterial ingress.

  • Biocompatibility and esthetics

    • Most temporary cements are formulated to minimize pulp irritation and discoloration. Esthetic considerations are relevant for anterior teeth, where translucency and color stability matter.

  • Interaction with final restorations

    • The choice of temporary cement can influence the bonding protocol for the final restoration. For example, eugenol-containing cements can interfere with resin polymerization if residual material remains at the margin, hence the preference for non-eugenol formulations in many cases. See bonding protocols.

Clinical considerations

  • Application technique

    • Isolate the tooth, clean the preparation, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing, seating time, and removal. Excess cement should be promptly wiped away to prevent interfered seating of the final restoration. See tooth isolation and caries prevention.

  • Removal and cleanup

    • Removal methods depend on the cement type; careful instrumentation and, when appropriate, the use of solvents or explorers help minimize damage to tooth structure and marginal areas. See dental instrumentation.

  • Interactions with final restorations

    • When planning a resin-based final restoration, clinicians often choose non-eugenol temporary cements to avoid interference with polymerization. This consideration is part of the broader decision-making process in restorative dentistry. See polymerization and luting agent.

Controversies and debates

  • Eugenol-containing vs non-eugenol systems

    • A recurring debate centers on whether residual eugenol from ZOE temporary cements can affect the polymerization and bond strength of resin-based final cements. Proponents of non-eugenol systems argue that avoiding eugenol reduces risk of compromised bonding, especially for long-term temporization. Others note that, in typical clinical scenarios, the amount of residual eugenol may be limited and can be effectively removed with appropriate cleanup. See eugenol and bond strength.

  • Fluoride release and long-term caries prevention

    • Some discussions emphasize the potential caries-preventive advantages of fluoride-releasing temporary cements, particularly in high-risk patients. Critics point out that the temporary nature of these materials and the variable duration of temporization may limit the practical impact on long-term outcomes. See fluoride and caries prevention.

  • Cost, accessibility, and practice patterns

    • As with many dental materials, there is debate about cost-effectiveness, especially in fee-for-service settings versus broader access models. Clinicians weigh the benefits of higher-retention, more durable temporaries against the added time and material costs. See health economics and dental materials.

See also