Are you Cementing Zirconia Crowns the Wrong Way?
Kingsport, TN
As zirconia crowns increase in popularity, many dental practitioners are switching from conventional PFM crowns. Zirconia crowns are extremely durable and provide natural smile aesthetics that can last the patient’s lifetime with proper care. Unfortunately, since zirconia crowns are a relatively new treatment, many dentists refrain from using them or learning how to cement them properly. Fortunately, our dental lab experts at Premier Dental Arts share on the blog today how to properly cement zirconia crowns so that the procedure is a success and your patient is happy.
Zirconia Crown Cementation
- Prepare the Restoration
Several dental techs recommend sandblasting the restoration at 2.5 bars or 20-25 psi with 20 microns of aluminum oxide so that the bonding surface is rougher yet invisible to the naked eye. Be sure to avoid the adhesive bridge dummy or the outside of a veneer. Our dental lab technicians advise dentists to apply some form of colorant to the area needing sandblasting. As the color disappears during sandblasting, it is easy to check that the surface is abraded. Sandblasting done in the lab before try-in requires you to clean the saliva with NaOCI and rinse it with water, but do not use phosphoric acid to clean the restoration. Finally, clean the restoration with alcohol and allow it to air dry.
- Pretreat the Tooth
First, remove the patient’s provisional restoration and mechanically clean the tooth with pumice paste. Next, our expert lab techs advise dentists to remove all residue like desensitizers, disinfectants, temporary cement, or astringents from the tooth’s surface for better adhesion. Then, dispense a tiny amount of cement onto a mixing pad to ensure the cement is mixed perfectly, and inject the cement directly into the crown. Finally, firmly seat the crown by adding pressure with your finger.
- Clean Up
Control curing time using an LED curing light for one to two seconds. Going beyond the recommended time could create a challenge while cleaning up. Then, our professional dental lab advises dentists to use a scaler to remove excess cement while holding the crown. Next, light cure the restoration for 20 seconds per surface, or you can wait six minutes. Finally, polish the restoration, so it shows a natural sheen.
How to Avoid Complications During Cementation
Sometimes dental procedures fail to go smoothly, and complications can arise. Our professional lab techs share below a few common complications that you may encounter and solutions you may use while cementing zirconia crowns.
- Avoid contact between the zirconia restoration and phosphoric acid during cementation. Phosphate ion in the acid dramatically reduces adhesion possibilities.
- Avoid cleaning restorations with prophy paste. Emollients and fluoride in the paste may cause the crowns to come off. Therefore, use flour of pumice and water for an effective result.
- Use Ivoclean or another proprietary solution to remove phosphate from the zirconia restoration. Apply the solution to the crown for 20 minutes before rinsing with water. Then, air-dry the crown before bonding.
Premier Dental Arts
Cementing zirconia crowns can be a simple process when you follow this step-by-step method. In some patient cases, you may experience complications and need expert assistance. Therefore, our professional dental lab, Premier Dental Arts, is available to discuss your case and offer solutions. Please call our office at (888) 732-5221 to ask questions about zirconia crowns or the cementation process.