Cementation

Cementation refers to the clinical procedure of attaching a prosthetic dental restoration—such as a crown, bridge, veneer, inlay or onlay—to a prepared tooth using a dental cement. The process can be temporary or permanent and normally involves cleaning and preparing the tooth, selecting an appropriate cement based on the restoration and tooth condition, careful seating of the restoration and removal of excess material to achieve a close, sealed fit.

Different cements are available, including resin-based, glass ionomer, resin-modified glass ionomer and temporary zinc-oxide or eugenol materials, and the choice depends on factors such as required adhesion, aesthetics, moisture tolerance and whether future removal is likely. After cementation patients may experience short-term sensitivity or notice the restoration feeling different as it settles; regular dental review and good oral hygiene help monitor the restoration for issues such as debonding, marginal leakage or staining.