ZINC EUGENOL

Treatment Restoration. The most frequent use of zinc oxide and eugenol is as a treatment restoration. It
helps prevent pulpal irritation when set in place for treatment of fractured teeth, lost restorations,
advanced caries, or pulpitis. This dental material also exerts a palliative effect on the pulp.
Temporary Cementing Medium. Zinc oxide and eugenol is used as a temporary cementing medium for
crowns, inlays, and fixed partial dentures. These fixed appliances may later be permanently cemented
with zinc phosphate cement.
Intermediate Base. Zinc oxide and eugenol is used as an intermediate base. This material provides
insulation between metallic restorations and vital tooth structure. Because of the low crushing strength, its
use is sometimes contraindicated. The dental officer will often require that a zinc phosphate cement base
be placed over the zinc oxide and eugenol to better support a metallic restoration.
Pulp Capping. This material is used in pulp capping for near and direct exposures of the pulp, but this use
is declining. Calcium hydroxide is now preferred for pulp capping.
Surgical Packing or Dressing. This material is used as a surgical packing or dressing after certain
periodontal surgical procedures. An example of this is the surgical dressing applied and adapted over the
gingival area after a gingivectomy. This dressing protects the area and makes the tissue less sensitive.