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Dental cement is one of the basic materials that fulfill the function of filling cavities in teeth. Currently, cements are most often used as temporary fillings or fillers, and also when cementing veneers, bridges or crowns. What are the types of cement fillings and when are they used in dentistry and prosthetics?
What are cement fillings?
Dental offices use various materials that act as fillings (fillings). The most famous are dark-colored amalgam seals, as well as light-cured and chemically-cured composite seals. A little less often is said about cement sealswhich are often used as a base for other fillings, but can also be used as temporary fillings or fillings for milk teeth.
The dentist obtains cement filling by mixing two components – powder and water solution. In this way, he obtains a filling of the correct consistency and can use cement to fill the cavity. Characteristic for such seals is their discoloration over time. Cement materials are used in prosthetics and orthodontics because of their adhesive properties. This means that they easily connect with other surfaces, which in this case are prosthetic structures or orthodontic appliances.
Types of cement fillings
Various types of cements are used in dental and prosthetic offices. The choice of the right material depends on the needs, therefore attention is paid to the characteristics of individual cements and their suitability for various treatments.
Cements used in dentistry are created on the basis of carefully selected substances that are safe and react well in contact with tooth tissues.
Main types of cements used in dentistry have:
- glass ionomer cement – has very good properties of bonding with hard tooth tissues (dentin and enamel) and bonding with composite materials, rebuilds the enamel and reduces the formation of caries, but is susceptible to moisture and abrasion;
- resin-modified glass ionomer cement – unlike the standard version, this type of filling has a much higher resistance to moisture, thanks to which it binds effectively with the surrounding tissues;
- metal-modified glass ionomer cement – cement reinforced with gold or silver filings is more durable than other glass ionomer materials and shows higher resistance to bending and abrasion;
- polycarboxylic cement – a material safe for the tooth pulp, it naturally binds to the tissues, but due to its flexibility it is used mainly as a base, as well as for fixing metal elements (orthodontic appliances, splints) and prosthetic restorations;
- zinc-phosphate cement – a popular material used for cementing prosthetic restorations due to the fact that it is resistant to compression, but it can irritate the tooth pulp due to its low pH;
- eugenol cement – has a soothing effect, therefore it is most often covered with the dental pulp, which gives symptoms of soreness and sensitivity (dressing before root canal treatment), and also used as a temporary filling;
- compomer cement – it is a hybrid material that combines a composite with a glass ionomer cement; it is a light-cured cement supplemented with fluorine, thanks to which it allows for precise filling of cavities and protection against decay; additionally, it is used to attach composite and ceramic crowns.
Zinc-phosphate, polycarboxylic and glass ionomer cements can act as fillers. All three materials also allow the tooth shaft to be rebuilt when such a procedure is required prior to crown placement. However, glass-ionomer cement (glass ionomer filling) and compomer cement are of the greatest importance in tooth filling procedures.
Most dental cements will self-harden over time. In the case of a hybrid material such as a compomer, it is necessary to use light-curing lamps. The dentist should advise the patient how long after applying the cement filling should not eat and drink.
When are cement fillings used?
Cement fillings are not the most popular – in this competition they lose to composite, i.e. plastics, the color of which can be matched to the color of the teeth. In terms of durability, on the other hand, amalgam fillings stand out, but they are mainly used to fill cavities in molars that are exposed to high pressures. Additionally, the amalgam is dark, so it is not used in the front part of the dental arches.
The main application of cement fillings is the treatment of cavities in milk teeth, i.e. in children. In this case, seals with the addition of fluorine, i.e. glass ionomer fillings, are recommended. They strengthen the enamel and limit the process of its demineralization. In addition, they hinder the growth of bacteria within the dentition, thus protecting against caries and the appearance of new cavities. Dental cement can also be used as temporary fillings or dressings. The dentist always chooses the material that will have the right properties and work best for a specific patient.
Due to the ability to connect with dental tissues and other surfaces, they are widely used cementy adhezyjne (glass ionomer, compomer). They are used during procedures that require the attachment of prosthetic restorations, including crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays or inlays and onlays. It is important to choose materials that will not disturb the aesthetics of the teeth with a clearly distinguishable color.