Post on 27-Apr-2015
Calcium Hydroxide Cement
Overview
What is Calcium Hydroxide Cement?
Calcium Hydroxide cements is a dental material that finds extensive use in
dentistry and is primarily used to fill up dental cavities. This dental
material (cement) is provided in form of two pastes that will be discussed
later in the article.
General Usage:
Calcium Hydroxide cements find wide application in dentistry and it’s sub-
branches. Its anti-microbial properties make it an excellent candidate as filler
during a root canal treatment. Also, calcium hydroxide is known to have beneficial
effects on bone regeneration. Hence it is used in paste form for dental restoration.
Calcium Hydroxide cements also alter the physical properties of dentin by causing
a change in the organic matrix.
Composition:
The calcium hydroxide cement is a low strength base that is used as a liner, a
base and a pulp-capper.
Cement consists of two pastes: a base and a catalyst containing a mixture of
calcium hydroxide and zinc oxide.
Working Mechanism:
The actual working mechanism is unclear however it has been speculated that
calcium hydroxide may act as a local buffer against the acidic reactions by
neutralize the lactic acid secreted by osteoclasts, and this may stop further
degeneration of mineralized tissue.
Also, calcium hydroxide might exert a mitogenic and osteogenic effect that in turn
changes the pH and hence modifying the enzymatic pathways.
Among other suggestions, it is thought that the calcium ions decrease the
permeability of new capillaries and in turn increase the concentration of calcium
ions at the mineralization site. As a result, the concentrations of the inhibitory
pyrophosphate ions are reduced. This ultimately coincides with an increase in
levels of calcium-dependent pyrophosphatase and result in uncontrolled
mineralization of the pulp tissue.
Applications in Dental Pathology and Endodontics:
Calcium hydroxide has a tissue hardening effect. This cement/paste has long-term
anti-bacterial effect and retains these properties for about two months before
degrading to calcium oxide and other simple compounds. Apart from anti-
bacterial effects, Calcium hydroxide is used in dental linings, pulp cupping, root
dressing, root canal sealant and apical closure. The action mechanism of calcium
hydroxide demonstrates biological compatibility of calcium hydroxide.
Calcium hydroxide when combined with Zinc Oxide Eugenol and Iodoform proves
to be an almost ideal root canal filling for primary teeth.
Application in Restorative Dentistry:
Calcium hydroxide preparations are readily available for use in restorative
dentistry and associated applications. Again the therapeutic properties combined
with the dentine pulpal response and antibacterial action of calcium hydroxide,
are the primary properties of concern here.
References:
1. http://www.reference.md/files/D002/mD002126.html
2. www.csi.edu/facultyAndStaff_/webTools/sites/Bowcut58/courses/552/
ch45.ppt
3. http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S1678-
77572004000400007&script=sci_arttext
4. http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/5733968.html