Temporary dental cements are materials used to secure temporary crowns, bridges, and restorations until the definitive treatment is completed. Modern products are designed to provide reliable retention while allowing easy removal when needed.
📌 Recommended Article :
Dental Article 🔽 Why Formocresol Is No Longer Recommended in Pediatric Pulp Therapy: Evidence-Based Risks and Modern Alternatives ... Current evidence raises serious concerns regarding systemic toxicity, mutagenicity, and potential carcinogenic effects, prompting professional organizations to reconsider its use.Today, non-eugenol temporary cements are the preferred choice in many dental practices because they are compatible with modern adhesive systems.
Advertisement
✅ Introduction
When a tooth receives a temporary crown or bridge, it needs a cement that holds the restoration securely but can still be removed without damaging the tooth.
Several types of provisional cements are available, ranging from traditional zinc oxide formulations to modern resin-based products. The choice depends on treatment duration, retention requirements, and the final cementation protocol.
📌 Recommended Article :
Dental Article 🔽 Zinc Oxide Eugenol in Dentistry: Is It Still Used in Modern Clinical Practice? ... However, advances in dental materials science and adhesive dentistry have raised an important question: Is zinc oxide eugenol still relevant in contemporary dental practice?✅ Most Common Temporary Cements Used Today
1. Non-Eugenol Zinc Oxide Cements
These are currently among the most widely used temporary cements worldwide.
Popular brands:
▪️ TempBond NE® (Kerr)
▪️ RelyX Temp NE® (3M)
▪️ Provicol® (VOCO)
▪️ TempoCem NE® (DMG)
Advantages:
▪️ Compatible with resin cements
▪️ Easy removal
▪️ Good marginal seal
▪️ Reliable retention
2. Eugenol-Containing Zinc Oxide Cements
Although less common today, they are still used in selected cases.
Popular brands:
▪️ TempBond® (Kerr)
▪️ RelyX Temp E® (3M)
Advantages:
▪️ Soothing effect on sensitive teeth
▪️ Easy clean-up
▪️ Long history of clinical success
Limitation:
▪️ Eugenol may interfere with resin bonding procedures.
3. Resin-Based Temporary Cements
These provide stronger retention and are often selected for long-term provisional restorations.
Popular brands:
▪️ Premier Implant Cement™ (Premier Dental)
▪️ DentoTemp® (Itena)
▪️ Temp-Bond Clear® (Kerr)
Advantages:
▪️ Higher retention strength
▪️ Improved stability
▪️ Better performance for extended temporization
✅ Comparison of Common Temporary Cement Types
| Temporary Cement Type | Retention | Resin Compatibility | Ease of Removal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Eugenol Zinc Oxide | Moderate | Excellent | Excellent |
| Eugenol Zinc Oxide | Moderate | Limited | Excellent |
| Resin-Based | High | Excellent | Moderate |
| Calcium Hydroxide-Based | Low–Moderate | Variable | Good |
The shift toward adhesive dentistry has increased the popularity of non-eugenol temporary cements. Since many final restorations are bonded with resin cements, avoiding eugenol helps ensure optimal adhesion.
Products such as TempBond NE® and RelyX Temp NE® have become standard choices because they combine adequate retention, easy removal, and compatibility with modern restorative materials.
Resin-based temporary cements are also gaining popularity, especially in implant and long-term provisional cases where additional retention is beneficial.
📌 Recommended Article :
Dental Article 🔽 Why Hydrogen Peroxide Should Not Be Used in Modern Endodontic Treatment: Evidence-Based Clinical Justification ... This article explains why hydrogen peroxide is no longer recommended in endodontic treatments, supported by contemporary scientific evidence.🎯 Recommendations
▪️ Choose non-eugenol temporary cements when final adhesive cementation is planned.
▪️ Consider resin-based provisional cements for long-term temporaries.
▪️ Use eugenol-containing products only when resin bonding is not anticipated.
▪️ Follow manufacturer instructions for mixing, placement, and cleanup.
✍️ Conclusion
Non-eugenol zinc oxide cements remain the most commonly used temporary dental cements today. Brands such as TempBond NE®, RelyX Temp NE®, Provicol®, and TempoCem NE® are widely recognized for their reliability, ease of use, and compatibility with modern adhesive dentistry. For cases requiring stronger retention, resin-based temporary cements provide an effective alternative.
📚 References
Rosenstiel, S. F., Land, M. F., & Fujimoto, J. (2022). Contemporary fixed prosthodontics (6th ed.). Elsevier.
Shillingburg, H. T., Sather, D. A., Wilson, E. L., Cain, J. R., Mitchell, D. L., Blanco, L. J., & Kessler, J. C. (2020). Fundamentals of fixed prosthodontics (5th ed.). Quintessence Publishing.
Anusavice, K. J., Shen, C., & Rawls, H. R. (2013). Phillips' science of dental materials (12th ed.). Elsevier.
Powers, J. M., & Wataha, J. C. (2024). Dental materials: Properties and manipulation (12th ed.). Elsevier.
📌 More Recommended Items
► CTZ Paste in Primary Teeth Pulp Therapy: Indications, Benefits and Clinical Protocol
► Calcium Hydroxide in Pediatric Dentistry: Benefits and Limitations
► Glass Ionomer Cement in Pediatric Dentistry: Benefits, Uses, and Step-by-Step Application Guide