Problems With Permanent Dental Cement

Permanent dental cement is a bonding agent dentists use to secure dental work. It usually comes in a powder form that requires combining it with another ingredient to make cement. There are a number of permanent dental cements available. Although most are relatively safe, some problems have been reported.

Not Necessarily Suited for Use with Veneers

Certain permanent dental cement, such as antimicrobial dental cement, is not recommended for use under veneers as its bond may be compromised. However, antimicrobial dental cement, which prevents tooth decay, is generally appropriate for most other anterior composite restorations. For example, the cement is a suitable bonding agent underneath porcelain milled inlays and onlays.

Root Fractures

Dentists have reported problems with Advance permanent dental cement (also known as L.D. Caulk). Dentists claimed that patients whose crowns were permanently cemented with Advance incurred root fractures within 2.5 years of the placement of the crown. Patients with root fractures had to have the root extracted or a bridge to address the issue. The problems with root fractures were initially reported in patients seen in 1996. The manufacturer pulled the product from the market in 2000.

Tooth Sensitivities

Certain permanent cement products are linked with serious tooth sensitivities in patients after the dental work is complete. The issues have been mainly associated with a permanent cement product called Calibra (also known as Dentsply Caulk). Still, it’s difficult to know for sure whether tooth sensitivity is directly related to the permanent cement or the actual dental work, which also can cause these issues.

Allergic Reactions

Dentists treating patients with sensitivities to methylmethacrylate should not use Fynal cement, which contains this ingredient. An allergic reaction to this substance can cause the patient’s tooth enamel to erode and trigger other allergy-related symptoms.

Leakage

According to Dental Health, cemented bridgework is a common method used for multiple tooth replacement. The cement is used to secure the joints in place where the bridge attaches. However, over time with use, the cemented joint can flex and cause leakage to occur. This permits bacteria to penetrate the underlying tooth structure and cause rapid erosion.