Comparison of a local made temporary cement (P-cem), with an imported brand (Temp Bond) using ISO 3107 criteria

The local made eugenol-free temporary cement (P-cem) has been used by considerable number of Iranian dentists. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physical properties of this cement and compare it with Temp Bond of Switzerland using ISO 3107 criteria. In this laboratory investigation we used 6 samples of each cement type, in order to test and determine the average setting time, compressive strength, film thickness, as well as solubility and disintegration rate according to ISO 3107 standards. After conducting data analysis, Student T-test was used for detection of significance level. The average setting time was 4.57 and 4.03 for P-cem and Temp Bond respectively. The average compressive strength for P-cem was 5.7 Mpa and 9.6 Mpa for Temp Bond. The average film thickness for P-cem was 20.16 μm and 5.83 μm for Temp Bond. The 24-hour solubility and disintegration rate for P-cem was %1.03 and %0.9 for Temp Bond. Analysis of data showed significant statistical difference between the two cements with regards to setting time, compressive strength and film thickness (P<0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the two cements in relation to solubility and disintegration rate, although the values for both cements were within the standard range according to specifications of ISO 3107. Based on the findings of this study, both cements can provide valuable clinical applications, although biocompatibility test for P-cem is highly recommendable.