Preparation and Characterization of Zinc Oxide Eugenol (ZOE) Cement for Dental Application

Zinc oxide (ZnO) powder is a key ingredient in numerous dental formulations and is commonly blended with various liquid components to create cements such as zinc oxide eugenol, zinc polycarboxylate, and zinc phosphate. This tooth-colored inorganic metal oxide exhibits valuable characteristics including excellent biocompatibility, antimicrobial action, and strong durability. Zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) is an oil-based dental cement widely used for several clinical purposes, including temporary restorations, luting, pulp protection, endodontic sealing, cavity lining, and as a base material. Its popularity is attributed to its soothing effect on the pulp, antimicrobial activity, and effective marginal sealing]. However, some negative responses have been reported when ZOE is placed directly on exposed pulp, as eugenol may lead to persistent inflammatory reactions. In contrast, eugenol is found to be non-damaging when applied to pulp tissue that has been previously fixed with agents like form cresol. Zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) cement is generally composed of approximately 80–90% zinc oxide powder, which reacts with eugenol or a eugenol-based resin to form the remaining portion. ZOE is an acid–base reaction cement created when eugenol chemically interacts with zinc oxide, producing zinc eugenolate, a chelate compound that forms the cement matrix. A small amount of moisture is necessary for this reaction to proceed. The structural characteristics of ZnO particles have a major effect on the mechanical behavior and final properties of the cement. Compared with many other dental cements, ZOE is more biocompatible with oral tissues, contributing to its excellent sealing ability. It demonstrates antiseptic, bacteriostatic, antibacterial, sedative, and analgesic effects, largely due to the release of eugenol from the material. However, their relatively low mechanical strength restricts ZOE cements mainly to temporary restorative functions. To enhance their durability and reduce solubility, various additives can be incorporated into the formulation. Improvements in dental materials have been significantly achieved through the incorporation of inorganic fillers. Adding fibres enhances the physical, mechanical, thermal, and wear properties of resin matrices, and these enhancements are greatly influenced by silane surface treatment. Coupling agents improve the adhesion between filler particles and the organic matrix, enabling composite materials to perform much better than simple polymer matrices. Various matrix-filler combinations have resulted in modern, improved formulations. Evaluating mechanical properties—such as modulus, flexural strength, and compressive strength—is essential in dental material development. Different additives, including zirconia, tricalcium phosphate, titanium oxide, aluminum oxide, and hydroxyapatite, can significantly improve mechanical performance when dispersed fibers or particles are bonded to the matrix using a coupling agent. Glass fibers, which are fine strands made primarily from silica, are available in several types such as A-, C-, D-, AR-, S-, and E-glass, each with distinct characteristics and applications but composed of an amorphous 3-D silica-oxygen network. They are widely used in fields like dentistry and engineering, particularly in prosthodontic, restorative, and endodontic materials. E-glass fibers, the most commonly used type in dentistry, are favored due to their water resistance, electrical insulation, cost-effectiveness, favorable aesthetics, biocompatibility, insolubility, and high mechanical strength, including flexural strength, compressive strength, and fracture toughness. When added to dental materials, E-glass fibers act as load-bearing reinforcements and help protect the material from environmental degradation. This study aims to evaluate ZOE cement modified with 10 wt.% silane-treated E-glass fiber fillers, comparing its compressive strength, surface microhardness, and solubility with unmodified ZOE. The null hypothesis states that incorporating 10 wt.% silane-treated E glass fibers will have no significant effect on these properties compared with the control ZOE

OBJECTIVES: -

Zinc oxide–eugenol (ZOE) combinations have been utilized in dentistry for many years, initially introduced as dental cements and later adapted for use as impression materials. These materials share similar fundamental physical characteristics. Early research on ZOE mixtures primarily focused on optimizing their composition and investigating their setting behavior. Several researchers—including Wallace and Hansen, Molnar and Skinner, Harvey and Petch, and Paffenbarger and Caul—evaluated suitable formulations for these mixtures. Additionally, many authors explored the influence of different additives on ZOE systems to shorten setting time or enhance specific physical properties of the cement. The mechanism behind the setting reaction of zinc oxide–eugenol materials has been explained by Copeland and colleagues, as well as by Smith. More recent research on the physical properties of ZOE cements includes work by Norman and collaborators, Swartz and co-authors, and Oldham, Swartz, and Phillips, with the last two studies examining commercially available ZOE products. Investigations into the properties of ZOE impression pastes have been presented by Skinner, Cooper, and Ziehm, Asgarzadeh and Peyton, Vieira, Clark and Phillips, and Myers and Peyton. Zinc oxide–eugenol (ZOE) cements have traditionally been used primarily as temporary restorative materials during dental treatment and before placement of a permanent restoration. More recently, they have also been applied for the temporary cementation of fixed bridges and other prosthetic restorations. This temporary phase provides a useful period for evaluating the response of the teeth and surrounding tissues. Due to their soothing, non-irritating (anodyne) properties, ZOE cements are particularly advantageous compared to more irritating cements such as zinc phosphate, especially when extensive tooth preparation has exposed large areas of dentin. In cases where fixed prostheses are placed after periodontal therapy, it is often beneficial to extend the temporary cementation period for several months, or even up to a year. During this phase, the prosthesis may be periodically removed for evaluation, adjustments, and assessment of tissue health before being replaced and temporarily cemented again. Through this approach, the need for permanent cementation can be effectively delayed until optimal conditions are achieved. There are various commercially available forms of zinc oxide–eugenol (ZOE) cements, and they differ in the way they are packaged, mixed, and handled during clinical application. Their physical characteristics also vary, including differences in setting time, working consistency, and the mechanical strength of the hardened cement.

Dental Application: -

When zinc oxide is mixed with eugenol along with different additives, it forms a putty-like cohesive mass known as ZOE cement, which has proven to be highly useful in many areas of dentistry. This material shows greater biocompatibility with oral hard and soft tissues compared to most dental materials, helps in pain relief, and ensures a proper marginal seal in prepared tooth cavities. Therefore, ZOE cements are commonly used as temporary restorative fillings, soothing base materials, and as luting agents for crowns and bridges. They are also applied as periodontal and surgical dressings, used as root canal sealers in endodontics, and, when modified with additives, serve as impression pastes. However, the major drawbacks of ZOE cement include:

(1) its low mechanical strength, which may not withstand occlusal forces

(2) poor resistance to abrasion; and

(3) tendency to break down in the oral environment, thereby limiting the durability of temporary restorations.

Composition: -

Since basic mixtures of zinc oxide and eugenol tend to set very slowly, most commercial formulations include additional components. Table 1 provides the composition of commonly used ZOE cements, while Table 2 shows a typical formula for a root canal sealer. The handling properties and mechanical strength of ZOE cements are improved by adding materials such as rosin or hydrogenated rosin. Many salts can speed up the setting process; however, zinc salts—especially zinc acetate—are particularly effective accelerators. Substances like water, alcohol, and glacial acetic acid can also increase the reaction rate. It is believed that water or hydrated salts interact with zinc oxide through the following reactions:

ZnO + H?O → Zn (OH)?

Zn (OH)? + 2 C??H??O? (eugenol) → Zn(C??H??O?) ? + 2H?O

Therefore, only a small amount of water is needed to initiate the reaction because the water released during eugenolate formation continues to react with more zinc oxide.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: -

1.Zinc Oxide (ZnO)

Zinc oxide (ZnO) powder is a fine, white, and odorless inorganic substance that serves as the main base material in the preparation of zinc oxide eugenol dental cement. It is typically supplied in high-purity pharmaceutical or analytical grades to ensure safety and compatibility for dental use. The powder is composed of uniformly sized particles with controlled fineness, which assists in achieving proper mixing and desirable cement consistency. When combined with eugenol, ZnO undergoes an acid–base reaction to form a solid zinc eugenolate matrix that provides effective sealing properties and adequate mechanical strength. Modifying agents such as zinc acetate or magnesium oxide may be added to adjust setting time, working characteristics, and overall performance. To maintain stability and prevent moisture uptake, the powder is stored in tightly sealed containers.

2. Eugenol

Eugenol (4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol) is an aromatic, naturally derived compound obtained mainly from clove oil. It is a pale yellow, oily liquid with a characteristic spicy fragrance and exhibits analgesic, sedative, and antiseptic effects. In dental practice, eugenol functions as the liquid component in zinc oxide–eugenol (ZOE) cement. Upon mixing with zinc oxide powder, it reacts through a chelation process to form zinc eugenolate, which delivers a soothing and protective action to the dental pulp. Owing to its good biocompatibility and pain-relieving properties, ZOE-based cements are widely applied as temporary fillings, cavity liners, periodontal dressings, and root canal sealing materials. Its capacity to reduce discomfort and inflammation makes it an essential agent in various dental treatments.

2.1 Syzygium aromaticum Linn Is a tropical evergreen tree of the family Myrtaceae and it has small, reddish-brown flower buds. This is commonly called Laung in Hindi lavang in marathi.

Table 1 – Taxonomic Classification of Syzygium Arimaticum

In India Syzygium aromaticum is known by a variety of colloquial names Sanskrit: Lavanga, Devakusuma, Hindi: Laung, Lavang, Tamil: Kirambu, Telugu: Lavangam, Lavangalu, Kannada: Lavanga, Gujarati: Lavang, Malayalam: Grambu, Lavangam, Bengali: Labango, Marathi: Lavang, Punjabi: Laung. (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2025)

Botanical Description of Syzygium Arimaticum

The clove is a reddish-brown, aromatic dried flower bud harvested from the evergreen tree Syzygium aromaticum. Each bud consists of a long calyx that terminates in a ball-like unopened corolla. The buds are typically 1.5–2 cm in length and have a hard, woody texture with a strong, pungent aroma. The clove tree can grow up to 10–12 meters tall and begins flowering in 5 to 7 years, with optimal yield occurring after 15–20 years. Flower buds are harvested when they turn from green to bright crimson, just before blooming, and are then sun-dried for preservation (Sharma A, Verma RK, Iqbal M, 2023).  

Chemical Constituents

Major Bioactive Components:

Eugenol (70–85%) – The primary component responsible for its medicinal and aromatic properties, Eugenyl acetate, Beta-caryophyllene, Tannins, Flavonoids, Terpenoids, and Gallic acid.

Nutritional Composition (per 100g of dried buds):

Carbohydrates: 30 g, Dietary Fiber: 34 g, Protein: 6 g, Fat: 20 g (mostly essential oils), Calcium: 632 mg, Iron: 11.83 mg, Magnesium: 259 megavitamin C: 0.2 mg (USDA Database; Ayurvedic sources)

Pharmacological and Therapeutic Activities

Clove and its main component eugenol exhibit a wide range of biological activities: Analgesic – Local anaesthetic effect useful in dental applications.

Antimicrobial – Effective against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses.

Antioxidant – Protects against oxidative damage.

Anti-inflammatory – Inhibits pro-inflammatory mediators.

Antiseptic – Promotes wound healing and prevents infection.

Anticancer – Shown to induce apoptosis in certain cancer cells (in vitro).

3.Rosin/Hydrogenated rosin

In ZOE cement, rosin acts as a reinforcing and plasticizing agent that increases strength, reduces brittleness, and improves film-forming ability. It also enhances adhesion to dentin and decreases solubility, thereby contributing to longer-lasting temporary restorations. The addition of rosin improves the overall working and setting characteristics of the cement, making it more suitable for clinical dental applications such as temporary restorations, cavity liners, and root canal sealing procedures.

Procedure

1. Preparation of Mixing Area

A clean and dry glass slab was arranged on the working surface, and all instruments were properly sterilized prior to the procedure.

2. Weighing of Zinc Oxide Powder

The required quantity of zinc oxide powder was accurately weighed using an analytical balance and positioned on the center of the glass slab.

3. Measurement of Eugenol Liquid

Eugenol was measured using a calibrated dropper or weighing technique according to the predetermined powder-to-liquid ratio (1:1 w/w) suitable for dental cavity filling consistency.

4. Mixing Operation

Eugenol was slowly incorporated into the zinc oxide powder, and the components were blended with a stainless-steel spatula in a figure-eight motion for approximately 30–45 seconds until a homogeneous, putty-like mass was produced.

5. Assessment of Working Characteristics

The working time was recorded from the start of mixing until the material could no longer be effectively manipulated.

6. Insertion into Cavity

The freshly prepared ZOE cement paste was immediately transferred into the prepared tooth cavity using a cement carrier and gently condensed with a dental condenser to remove trapped air and ensure proper wall adaptation. A matrix strip was utilized when required for Class II restorations.

7. Setting Process

The cement was allowed to harden in situ under simulated oral conditions at 37 ± 1 °C. The initial set occurred within approximately 4–7 minutes, while complete setting required around 10–15 minutes depending on the mixing ratio and technique.

8. Final Shaping and Finishing

After complete setting, excess material was removed with a carving instrument, and the restoration surface was polished to obtain a smooth finish.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

1. Physical Properties

The formulated Zinc Oxide–Eugenol cement displayed a uniform, smooth, and putty-like consistency that is appropriate for temporary restorative dental procedures. The measured setting time varied between 6–12 minutes, influenced by differences in powder–liquid ratios and mixing technique. The working time was found to be approximately 3–5 minutes, ensuring sufficient manipulation and placement within the cavity.

Discussion

These findings confirm that the prepared cement demonstrates clinically acceptable handling characteristics. An increase in powder proportion resulted in faster setting, attributed to improved acid–base reaction between ZnO powder and eugenol liquid. The setting profile closely corresponds to commercially utilized ZOE cements commonly employed as temporary restorations and cavity bases.

2. Mechanical Properties

Compressive strength testing was carried out after the cement was allowed to harden for 24 hours at 37 °C.