Zinc Oxide Eugenol Cement With Zinc Phosphate Cement Compare and Contrast

Zinc Oxide Eugenol

Compare and contrast zinc oxide eugenol cement with zinc phosphate cement in all its properties.
Answer:

Comparison between Zinc Oxide Eugenol and Phosphate Cement

Properties of Phosphate Cement:

• Compressive strength:
  • Zinc oxide eugenol cement: They are relatively weak cement. The compressive strength, therefore, ranges from a low of 3–MPa up to 50–55 MPa.
  • Zinc phosphate cement: Zinc phosphate cement is stronger (103.5 MPa) than zinc oxide eugenol cement. The strength of zinc phosphate cement is sufficient when used as a base or luting agent. However, when it is exposed to the oral environment, For example, Temporary restorations, it’s brittleness and low strength cause it to fracture and disintegrate.

• Tensile strength:
  • Zinc oxide eugenol: Ranges from 0.32–5.3 MP
  • Zinc phosphate cement: The cement is weaker in tension (5.5 MPa) thus making it brittle.

• Modulus of elasticity: Zinc oxide eugenol cement—low 0.22–5.4 GP
  • Zinc phosphate cement: It is comparatively high (13.5 GPa) which makes it stiff and resistant to elastic deformation. This is necessary when it is employed as a luting agent for restorations that are subjected to high masticatory forces.

• Solubility and disintegration:
  • Zinc oxide eugenol cement: The solubility of set cement is highest among the cement (0.4% wt.) This breakdown is due to the hydrolysis of the zinc eugenolate.
  • Zinc phosphate cement: In the mouth, they show greater disintegration over a period of time. When tested according to ADA specifications it shows low solubility (0.06% wt.)

• Thermal properties:
  • Zinc oxide eugenol cement: Their thermal insulating properties are excellent and are approximately the same as for human dentin.
  • Zinc phosphate cement: Z inc phosphate cement are good thermal insulators and may be effective in reducing galvanic shock.

• Adhesion:
  • Zinc oxide eugenol cement: They do not adhere well to enamel or dentin.
  • Zinc phosphate cement: The retention of a cemented restoration is by mechanical interlocking of the set cement with a surface roughness of the cavity and restorations.

• Biological properties:
  • Zinc oxide eugenol cement (pH: 6.6–8): They are the least irritating of all cement pulpal response is mild.
    •  They inhibit the growth of bacteria and have a soothing effect on the pulp in deep cavities, reducing pain.
  • Zinc phosphate cement: Pulp response—Moderate. The acidity is high at the time of insertion due to phosphoric acid. The pH is 3.5 and it is neutralized in 24 to 48 hours. If dentin is not protected against the infiltration of this acid, a pulpal injury may occur.