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