Dental Temporary Filling Materials

Temporary Filling Materials

• Temporary filling materials are used during treatment of root canal filling, inlay and onlay preparation, after pulp capping, and in pedodontics treatment.
• Requirements for temporary filling materials include:
  • Easy removal from the cavity
  • Sedative effect on the tooth
  • Reasonable strength and abrasive resistance
  • Radiopacity
  • Reasonable setting time and flow after setting

Types of Temporary Filling Materials

• Zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE)
• Zinc phosphate (ZP)
• Zinc-silico phosphate (ZSP)
• Gutta percha (G.P)

Zinc Oxide Eugenol (ZOE)

• According to ADA specification, there are four types of ZOE:
  • Type 1: temporary cementation
  • Type 2: permanent cementation of the restoration
  • Type 3: temporary filling
  • Type 4: cavity liner (base)
• Supplied as:
  • Powder: zinc oxide, zinc acetate
  • Liquid: olive oil, eugenol
  • Mixing according to manipulation instructions
  • Or as 2 pastes or 1 paste
• Properties:
  • Sedative effect on the teeth
  • Reasonable sealing of the cavity
  • Low strength
  • Low abrasive resistance
  • Low flow after setting
  • Should not be placed for more than a few days to a few weeks
• Can be improved by adding 20-40 wt% of fine polymer particles and treating the surface of zinc oxide particles with carboxylic acid (reinforced ZOE type)
• Sufficient powder should be added to the liquid to achieve putty consistency

Zinc Phosphate Cement

• Comes as powder and liquid
• Properties:
  • Higher strength and abrasive resistance than ZOE
  • Relatively low solubility in oral fluids