Which provisional cement is commonly used for temporary crowns?

• A. Zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) cement.
• B. Glass ionomer cement.
• C. Resin cement.
• D. Polycarboxylate cement.

Answer: (A)

Temporary crowns need a cement that seals and protects the tooth during the interim but does not create a difficult-to-remove, long-lasting bond. Zinc oxide-eugenol cement fits this role well. The eugenol component provides a mild soothing effect for the pulp, which can help reduce sensitivity after tooth preparation. It is easy to manipulate, sets quickly, and, crucially, has relatively weak bonding to tooth structure, so the provisional crown can be removed at the next appointment without damaging the tooth or its margins. It also cleans up readily and doesn’t leave a strong residue that would interfere with final cementation. By comparison, more adhesive cements like glass ionomer or polycarboxylate tend to bond more firmly and can be harder to remove, and resin-based provisional cements, while strong, can complicate future permanent cementation due to bonding or polymerization considerations if any eugenol remains. This combination of manageable strength, ease of removal, and pulp protection makes zinc oxide-eugenol the most common choice for temporary crowns.