Covers the uses of calcium hydroxide cement as a pulp-protecting liner and temporary luting agent, then its two-paste composition, with a table listing each paste's components. It explains the alkaline chemistry, the setting reaction involving salicylate, and the set cement's properties in a table, including strength, pH, solubility and adhesion. It closes with the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and reparative actions on the pulp.
Topic 5 of 52 in the MU Sofia syllabus for Dental Materials (Dental Medicine, Year 1). The free AceMed note covers it in 6 sections, about 295 words (3 min of reading), with 13 flashcards.
In this note
Introduction
Composition
Preparation
Setting
Properties
Biological action
Introduction
Calcium hydroxide cement is a liner with strong biological activity and minimal toxicity. It is used to protect the pulp in very deep cavities and when the pulp has been accidentally opened. It is also used for temporary cementing of fixed prostheses.
Composition
It usually comes as two pastes, for hand mixing or for automatic mixing in a mixing tip.
The active ingredient is calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)₂, or slaked lime. Its solutions reach a pH of about 12.5, which kills bacteria. It reacts with carbon dioxide in the air to form inactive calcium carbonate, so the pastes must be kept closed.
Single-component light-curing cements also exist, but they contain only 3 to 5% calcium hydroxide. The rest is urethane dimethacrylate, a photoinitiator, barium sulfate and fillers.
Preparation
Put equal lengths of the two pastes on glossy paper or a dry glass slab.
Mix with a metal spatula for no more than 10 to 15 seconds, until the color is even and the mix is creamy.
Apply a very thin layer, up to 0.5 mm, only to the dentin closest to the pulp.
Cover it with a stronger cement.
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