Zinc oxide eugenol
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Zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) is a material created by the combination of zinc oxide and eugenol (contained in oil of cloves) which can be used as a filling or cement material in dentistry.[1][2] It is often used in dentistry when the decay is very deep or very close to the nerve or pulp chamber. Because the tissue inside the tooth, i. e. the pulp, reacts badly to the drilling stimulus (heat and vibration), it frequently becomes severely inflamed and precipitates a condition called acute or chronic pulpitis. This condition usually leads to severe chronic tooth sensitivity or actual toothache and can then only be treated with the removal of the nerve (pulp) called root canal therapy. The placement of a ZOE “temporary” for a few to several days prior to the placement of the final filling usually prevents the sensitivity or toothache and therefore, most times, precludes the need for the expensive and time consuming root canal procedure. It is classified as an intermediate restorative material and has anaesthetic and antibacterial properties. It is sometimes used in the management of dental caries as a "temporary filling". ZOE cements were introduced in the 1980s.
Zinc oxide eugenol is also used as an impression material during construction of complete dentures and are used in the mucostatic technique of taking impressions.
Zinc oxide eugenol is also used as an antimicrobial additive in paint.
[edit] Composition
The chemical composition of ZOE is typically:
- Zinc oxide, 69%
- White rosin, 29.3%
- Zinc stearate, 2% (acts as accelerator)
- Zinc acetate, 0.7% (improves strength)
- Eugenol
ZOE impression pastes are dispensed as two separate pastes. One tube contains zinc oxide and vegetable or mineral oil; the other contains eugenol and rosin. The vegetable or mineral oil acts as a plasticizer and aids in offsetting the action of the eugenol as an irritant.
Oil of cloves, which contains 70% to 85% eugenol, is sometimes used in preference to eugenol because it produces less burning sensation for patients when it contacts the soft tissues. The addition of rosin to the paste in the second tube facilitates the speed of the reaction and yields a smoother, more homogenous product.
Canada balsam and Peru balsam are often used to increase flow and improve mixing properties. If the mixed paste is too thin or lacks body before it sets, a filler (such as a wax) or an inert powder (such as kaolin, talc, or diatomaceous earth) may be added to one or both of the original pastes.
[edit] References
- ^ Jack L. Ferracane, Materials in Dentistry: Principles and Applications, 2001, 2d Edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, ISBN 0781727332
- ^ Richard van Noort, 2002, Introduction to Dental Materials, 2d Edition, Elsevier Health Sciences, ISBN 0723432155
