Which material is commonly used as a temporary cement in pediatric dentistry?

Which material is commonly used as a temporary cement in pediatric dentistry?

• A. ZOE
• B. RMGI
• C. Glass Ionomer
• D. Resin Cement

Answer: (A)

Zinc oxide eugenol is favored as a temporary cement in pediatric dentistry because the eugenol provides a soothing, sedative effect on the pulp, which can help anxious or sensitive young patients. It is easy to place and, importantly, easy to remove when the provisional stage is over, reducing the risk of damaging the tooth structure during later restoration. While it works well for temporary cementation of primary teeth and provisional crowns, it’s not ideal if a resin-based material is planned later, since eugenol can inhibit resin polymerization. Other cements like glass ionomer or resin-modified glass ionomer release fluoride and bond to dentin, but they are generally less forgiving for quick, reversible provisional cementation in kids, which is why ZOE remains the common choice.

Zinc oxide eugenol is favored as a temporary cement in pediatric dentistry because the eugenol provides a soothing, sedative effect on the pulp, which can help anxious or sensitive young patients. It is easy to place and, importantly, easy to remove when the provisional stage is over, reducing the risk of damaging the tooth structure during later restoration.

While it works well for temporary cementation of primary teeth and provisional crowns, it’s not ideal if a resin-based material is planned later, since eugenol can inhibit resin polymerization. Other cements like glass ionomer or resin-modified glass ionomer release fluoride and bond to dentin, but they are generally less forgiving for quick, reversible provisional cementation in kids, which is why ZOE remains the common choice.