Clinical Evaluation of Novel Temporary Cement: Excess-Cement and Remnant Removals

Objectives: Desirable handling characteristics of dental cements are of significant importance to the dentists. This study investigated several key properties of a novel experimental temporary cement (EXPTC, 3M) delivered via a new automix system, including speed of excess cement clean-up as well as cement visibility and ease of abutment cleaning after crown removal. EXPTC is a multi-dose paste/paste system offered in Opaque and Translucent shades that provides a tack light-cure option for easier/faster excess cement removal.
Methods: 41 dentists that utilized different cements in their practice were asked to evaluate several handling and clinical characteristics associated with the new cement in a field trial. The cement was used according to manufacturer’s directions. Dentists were given the choice on the cement excess clean-up by 5 sec tack-light-cure of the cement on each side. Dentists rated performance criteria for excess cement removal and the speed of abutment remnant clean-up.
Results: Responses were analyzed for each characteristic and summarized in tables below. 95% confidence intervals were determined for each response. Additional data showed an overall satisfaction greater that 95% with visibility of the 2 shade system during excess cement removal.
Conclusions: Majority of practitioners stated a strong preference for the ease (92.6 %) and speed of excess cement clean-up (87.8%) associated with tack light-cure option. 85.4% of dentists deemed the cement remnant clean-up easy/very easy after crown removal. Corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were 83-99%, 76-97%, and 73-96%.