Zinc Phosphate Cement

Dental luting materials are judged by biocompatibility, resistance to dissolution, and resistance to thermal and chemical attack. Zinc phosphate is one of the common cement categories used for indirect restorations.

Cementation bonds an indirect restoration to prepared enamel or to prepared enamel and dentine. The cement layer also helps limit biofilm formation at the margin between the tooth and restoration.

Common alternatives include glass-ionomer, resin, zinc oxide eugenol, zinc oxide non-eugenol, and zinc polycarboxylate cements. These systems differ in their properties and clinical implications.

The cement is part of the restoration procedure rather than the visible restoration itself. Its role is to provide retention and stability after the indirect restoration is placed on the prepared tooth.

Zinc phosphate cement can release sodium, magnesium, aluminium, zinc, and phosphate ions. In a four-week test, lactate buffer was particularly erosive, while specimens stored in water showed no significant mass change.