Complete Guide to Permanent Dental Cement: Types, Properties, and Clinical Applications
Permanent dental cement is one of the most essential materials in restorative dentistry. Whether you’re dealing with crown cementation, inlay/onlay bonding, or prosthetic retention, choosing the right permanent cement can significantly affect the long-term success of the treatment.
In this guide, we will explore the different types of permanent dental cements, including RMGI cement, resin cement, and traditional options like zinc phosphate cement and glass ionomer cement. Our goal is to help you master the science and clinical art of permanent cement selection.
1. What Is Permanent Cement in Dentistry?
Permanent cement in dentistry is a material used for long-term retention of indirect restorations. It serves two key functions…
To understand how permanent cement fits into the broader picture of indirect restorations, read our Crown Preparation Guide for step-by-step clinical protocols.
2. Types of Permanent Dental Cement
Each type of permanent dental cement has its own chemistry and clinical indication. For an overview of material properties, refer to our Dental Material Science Index.
- Luting agent – It bonds the restoration (like crowns or inlays) to the tooth structure.
- Restorative material – It can fill lost tooth structure and restore function.
Because permanent dental cement must withstand oral fluids, thermal changes, and mechanical forces, understanding the material science behind it is essential for clinical success.
2. Types of Permanent Dental Cement
2.1 Zinc Phosphate Cement
- Mechanical retention
- Strong compressive strength
- No chemical bond to tooth
- Pulp irritation possible – use with caution
2.2 Polycarboxylate Cement
- Adheres chemically to tooth structure
- Biocompatible and gentle on the pulp
- Lower compressive strength than zinc phosphate cement
2.3 Zinc Oxide Eugenol Cement
- Contains eugenol – soothing effect
- Often used as a temporary cement
- Not ideal for long-term permanent cementation
2.4 Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC)
- Releases fluoride
- Chemically bonds to enamel and dentin
- Moisture sensitive during setting
2.5 Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement (RMGI Cement)
- Combines GIC with light-curable resin
- Stronger bond and moisture tolerance
- Fluoride releasing and radiopaque
2.6 Resin Cement
- Highest bond strength among permanent cements
- Minimal microleakage
- Technique-sensitive – isolation is critical
- Great for ceramic restorations, veneers, and zirconia crowns
3. RMGI Cement: Strong, Versatile, and Fluoride-Releasing
RMGI cement is a popular choice among modern clinicians for permanent cementation. Its hybrid nature provides the advantages of both resin and glass ionomer cements.
Key benefits of RMGI cement include fluoride release, easy handling, radiopacity, and improved moisture resistance. However, RMGI cements can still dehydrate and crack over time if exposed to dry environments.
4. Resin Cement: The Strongest Permanent Dental Cement
Resin cement offers the highest strength and esthetic potential. For detailed comparisons between resin-based ceramics, see Zirconia vs Porcelain Restorations.
Resin cement bonds chemically and micromechanically, offering unmatched retention and sealing capacity. However, it is technique-sensitive and requires proper etching, bonding, and curing protocols.
Choose between self-etch, total-etch, or self-adhesive resin cement depending on the clinical scenario.
5. Clinical Guide: Which Permanent Cement to Use?
| Restoration Type | Recommended Permanent Cement |
|---|---|
| Full metal crowns | Glass ionomer cement or RMGI cement |
| Zirconia crowns | RMGI cement or resin cement |
| Porcelain veneers | Light-cured resin cement |
| Ceramic inlays/onlays | Dual-cure resin cement |
| Post & core | Self-adhesive resin cement |
6. Final Thoughts
Want to read more about dental cement on an academic level? Check out the official article from Wikipedia.
Need product-specific protocols? 3M provides a comprehensive Resin Cement Clinical Guide you can download and study.
For evidence-based insight into RMGI performance, visit this PubMed study on RMGI cementation.
Understanding the chemistry, handling, and long-term performance of each permanent cement will help you make better clinical decisions and improve patient outcomes.
Never underestimate the power of choosing the right permanent cement. In the smallest particles lie the foundations of the strongest restorations.
