Calcium aluminate cement: a study on the effect of additives for dental applications

Recent dental material advancements have sparked increased interest in dental cements due to their natural tooth-like appearance, biocompatibility and stability. These cements hold potential for dental fillings, enamel and root protection, and connecting dental implants. However, no single cement fulfils all application needs, necessitating multiple types. Ideal dental cements require resistance to degradation, strong bonding, high strength, fracture toughness and optical transparency for imaging. The solid-state method reaction was used for the synthesis of calcium aluminate (C₃A) cement powder and the effects of the addition of 10 wt% and 20 wt% zirconia (ZrO₂), bismuth oxide (Bi₂O₃) and zinc oxide (ZnO) were examined. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, radiopacity evaluation and tests for setting time and compressive strength, were performed for characterisation and property evaluations. With the formation of a new phase (C₃ZA₂), the compressive strength was increased by up to 275% by reducing the porosity and stabilising phase transitions during hydration. The results showed that bismuth oxide and zirconia additives led to high radiopacity (7 and 3.5 millimetres of equivalent aluminium, respectively), good biological properties and a significant impact on strength in dental applications.