Silicate Cements

Silicate cements, though widely used earlier, are rarely used these days. Its adverse effects are mainly because of the prolonged acidity due to phosphoric acid, even 24 hours after the setting of the cement; and to some extent because of the release of fluoride. The pH of silicate cement at the time of insertion into the cavity is less than three and it remains below seven even after seven months. Fluoride ion concentrations of 15-25 gm/ml are also known to reduce cell growth.