Tooth cement is a dental material used to bond restorations, such as crowns, in place. The spelling of this word can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The first part, "tooth," is pronounced /tuθ/, with a voiced dental fricative sound. The second part, "cement," is pronounced /sɪˈmɛnt/, with an unvoiced dental fricative sound followed by a nasal sound. The spelling of tooth cement is straightforward, and is spelled exactly as it sounds using the English alphabet.
Tooth cement refers to a dental material utilized in various dental procedures to affix or bond artificial materials, such as dental crowns, bridges, or veneers, to natural teeth. It is a type of dental adhesive designed to securely attach these dental restorations in place, ensuring longevity and stability.
Tooth cement typically comprises a combination of various materials, such as glass ionomer, resin, or zinc oxide, which provide specific properties to the cement. The formulation may vary based on the intended use and specific requirements of the dental procedure. The cement is commonly available in a paste-like consistency that can be easily manipulated by dental professionals during the application process.
The primary purpose of tooth cement is to create a strong and durable bond between the artificial dental restoration and the natural tooth structure. This adhesive quality ensures that the restoration remains firmly in place, withstanding the forces of biting, chewing, and other activities performed by the mouth. Additionally, tooth cement may possess other desirable characteristics, such as resistance to moisture, temperature changes, and chemical degradation, further enhancing its performance and durability.
Proper application of tooth cement involves the dental professional carefully cleaning and preparing the tooth surface, applying the cement onto the restoration, and then firmly seating the restoration onto the tooth. Any excess cement is removed and the cement is typically light-cured to hasten the hardening process. This ensures a secure and reliable bond, which contributes to the restoration's stability and functionality.
In summary, tooth cement is a dental adhesive used to bond artificial dental restorations, like crowns and bridges, to natural teeth. It provides durability, stability, and resistance to various oral conditions, ensuring the longevity and performance of dental restorations.
Substantia ossea.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "tooth cement" combines the words "tooth" and "cement".
The term "tooth" comes from the Old English word "toð", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "tanth" or "tunth". This ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root "*dent-" which means "tooth".
The word "cement" comes from the Latin word "caementum", which originally referred to a specific type of building material - a powdered substance that could be mixed with water and gravel to create a mortar or concrete-like substance for construction. Over time, the term "cement" has also been used more broadly to refer to any adhesive substance.