Before You Cement: Zirconia’s Critical Steps

Cementation Protocol for Zirconia Crowns (3Y/4Y/5Y/6Y)

I. Laboratory Preparation (Prior to Clinical Appointment)

1. Sandblasting (Air Abrasion)

   • Indicated for:

     • 3Y and 4Y zirconia only

   • Procedure:

     • Sandblast the intaglio surface at 2 bar pressure using 50 µm aluminum oxide particles.

   • Contraindicated for:

     • 5Y and 6Y zirconia (high-translucency types) – avoid sandblasting due to increased risk of surface microcracks and fracture.

2. Ultrasonic Cleaning

   • Place the crown in an ultrasonic cleaner with distilled water or ethanol for 10 minutes to remove residual particles and contaminants.

II. Clinical Procedure (Chairside at the Office)

1. Try-In Phase

   • Seat the crown on the tooth to check:

     • Occlusion (static and dynamic contacts)

     • Proximal contact points

     • Fit and marginal adaptation

2. Decontamination of the Intaglio Surface

   • Remove contamination from saliva and phosphate ions (which inhibit bonding):

     • Use a zirconia-compatible ceramic cleaner (e.g., Ivoclean or similar).

     • Apply as per manufacturer’s instructions, then rinse and dry thoroughly.

3. Application of Functional Monomer

   • Apply a primer containing 10-MDP (10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate):

     • Promotes chemical adhesion to the zirconia surface.

     • Allow to dwell per manufacturer’s instructions before air-drying.