1-11. CHARACTERISTICS OF ZINC PHOSPHATE CEMENT
a. History. More than 100 years ago, a French architect proposed the use of
zinc oxide as a stopping medium for carious teeth. Zinc phosphate cement has
progressively advanced from the original wall plaster that induced its development over
a century ago.
b. Clinical Uses. Zinc phosphate cement is used both as an intermediate base
and as a cementing medium.
(1) Intermediate base. A thick mix of zinc phosphate cement is used as an
intermediate base beneath a permanent metallic restoration. This layer of cement
protects the pulp from sudden temperature changes that may be transmitted by the
metallic restoration.
(2) Cementing medium. Zinc phosphate cement is used to permanently
cement crowns, inlays, and fixed partial dentures upon the remaining tooth structure. It
is also used to hold splints, orthodontic appliances, and other appliances in place. This
cement is used to cement facings to fixed partial dentures and certain types of artificial
teeth to artificial denture bases. A creamy mix of cement is used to seat the restoration
or appliance completely into place. The cementing medium does not cement two
objects together. Instead, the cement holds the objects together by mechanical
interlocking, filling the space between the irregularities of the tooth preparation and the
cemented restoration.
(1) Powder. The primary ingredients of zinc phosphate cement powder are
zinc oxide and magnesium oxide.
(2) Liquid. The liquid used with the powder is phosphoric acid and water in
the ratio of two parts acid to one part water. The solution may also contain aluminum
phosphate and zinc phosphate. The water content of the liquid is critical and must be
carefully controlled by the manufacturer to provide a satisfactory setting time. Liquids
exposed in open bottles will absorb moisture from the air in high humidity. The liquids
will lose moisture if humidity is low. Water gain hastens setting; water loss lengthens
setting time. Liquid that has been left unstoppered for a long period or is discolored or
is the last 25 percent portion remaining in the bottle should be discarded. Since the
manufacture of zinc phosphate cement is a carefully controlled process, satisfactory
results can seldom be achieved by mixing the powder of one brand of cement with the
liquid of another.
MD0502
1-11