Materials
Dental cement
Dental cement is the glue-like material a dentist uses to hold a crown, bridge, or similar restoration onto a prepared tooth.
Dental cement fills the tiny gap between a restoration and your tooth. It holds the piece in place and seals the edge against germs and saliva. Several kinds exist, such as glass ionomer, resin, and zinc-based cements. A review in the NIH library says cementation aims to bond the prosthetic restoration to the prepared enamel or enamel and dentine. A dentist may use a weaker cement for a temporary crown so it can be removed later. The choice depends on the material, such as zirconia or porcelain, and on how much tooth is left. If a crown feels loose, call the office. See glass ionomer and our dental crown page.