Summary Table of Dental Cements
| Cement Type | Basic Composition | Key Advantages | Key Disadvantages / Considerations | Primary Bonding Mechanism |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc Oxide Eugenol (ZOE) | Zinc oxide + Eugenol | • Sedative effect on pulp • Biocompatible | • Low strength, high solubility • Eugenol inhibits resin polymerization • Primarily for temporary use | None (luting) |
| Zinc Phosphate | Zinc oxide + Phosphoric acid | • Long clinical track record • Acceptable film thickness (25µm) • Easy excess removal | • Low initial pH (~2.0) can cause pulpal irritation • No chemical adhesion | Mechanical interlock (luting) |
| Zinc Polycarboxylate | Zinc oxide + Polyacrylic acid | • Good biocompatibility (large acid molecules) • Bonds to tooth structure | • Short working time (<3 min) • Technique sensitive (viscous) • Lower strength than phosphate | Chemical (Chelation to calcium) |
| Glass Ionomer (GIC) | Fluoroaluminosilicate glass + Polyacrylic acid | • Ionic bond to tooth • Anticariogenic (fluoride release) • Good biocompatibility, aesthetic | • Susceptible to water absorption/erosion during the initial set (requires protection) | Chemical (Ionic bond) |
| Resin-Modified GIC (RMGI) | GIC + Resin monomers | • Improved mechanical strength (vs. GIC) • Good bond strength • Fluoride release | • Harder to remove excess • Hygroscopic expansion (risk for some all-ceramic crowns, though debated) | Chemical (Ionic) + Micromechanical |
| Resin Cements | Resin matrix + Fillers | • Highest compressive strength • Least soluble • Excellent aesthetics • Can bond to all substrates • Special monomers (e.g., 10-MDP) create a chemical bond to metal oxides (zirconia) and dentin. | • Highly technique sensitive (moisture control) • Difficult excess removal if fully cured • More expensive | Micromechanical (acid-etch) and/or Chemical (with primers/MDP) |