Clinical Evaluations
GC FujiCEMâ„¢ 2
Consultants’ Comments
- “The fluoride release is reassuring.”
- “No post-op sensitivity.”
- “Easy to clean excess cement.”
- “Excellent retention!”
- “GC FujiCEM 2 is our go to cement for all restorations that do not require esthetic cementation.”
- “Faster setting time would be an improvement.”
- “Include narrow intraoral tips for post cementation.”
Description
GC FujiCEM 2 is a resin modified glass ionomer luting cement. Compared to original GC FujiCEM, it has increased bond strength to tooth structure and restorative materials. GC FujiCEM 2 is indicated for permanent cementation of all types of metal-, resin-, alumina- and zirconia-based inlays, onlays, crowns, bridges, and endodontic posts. Working time is two minutes 15 seconds, and intraoral setting time is four minutes and 30 seconds. It is available in a light yellow shade and comes packaged with one 13.3g GC Paste Pak cartridge, 20 mixing tips and one GC FujiCEM 2 Dispenser. Refills are also available with either two cartridges and 44 mixing tips in an automix package or two cartridges and a mixing pad for the hand mixing package. GC FujiCEM 2 was evaluated by 33 consultants over a two-month period. This product received a 96% clinical rating.
Clinical Observations
Instructions/Packaging
Full written instructions accompany GC FujiCEM 2, and an explanation of the clinical procedures are presented. A brief technique card is also included. The cement cartridges, mixing tips and dispenser are all pink and are packaged in a pink box. This color coordination makes it easy for the dental assistant to confirm that proper components are being used together.
Delivery System/Mixing
The GC Paste Pak cartridge is easy to load in the plastic GC FujiCEM 2 Dispenser by twisting to lock it in place. Dispensing the material is accomplished by pushing the plunger until the desired amount of cement is expressed. The cement may be extruded through an automix tip or it may be dispensed onto a pad for hand mixing. The mixing tips are unique to GC products and attach by aligning a pin and tab onto the cartridge. A firm push is necessary to click the tip into place. The tip locks into place, and some dental assistants found it difficult to place and remove them.
Viscosity/Handling
GC FujiCEM 2has a creamy consistency and spreads to a low film thickness that allows complete seating of restorations with little pressure. Working time is adequate for multi-unit restorations. Setting time was rated average for self-curing cement. Many consultants noted that they would like a faster setting time.
Removal of Excess Cement
Excess cement is easiest to remove if allowed to fully set. Many consultants liked cleaning the tooth at about a minute and a half when the cement had a soft set. After the full setting time, cement at the margins peels off cleanly with an explorer. The majority of consultants rated removal of excess cement as excellent.
Esthetics
The color of the cement is an opaque, light ivory shade that is visible during clean-up. Esthetics was not considered critical since this cement is not indicated for use under translucent all-ceramic crowns.
Retention
No failures of cemented restorations were noted during the evaluation period. Laboratory testing by THE DENTAL ADVISOR found a significantly stronger bond of GC FujiCEM 2 to dentin compared to GC FujiCEM.
Summary
GC FujiCEM 2 is an excellent cement for many types of indirect restorations. Fifty-two percent of consultants rated it better than other resin modified glass ionomer cements they had used and 39% rated it equivalent. Seventy percent would switch to GC FujiCEM 2 and 91% would recommend it.
Clinical Tips
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For optimal adhesion apply GC Fuji PLUS CONDITIONER to the tooth for 20 seconds, rinse and blot dry before cementing the restoration with GC FujiCEM 2. This step is optional.
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The GC FujiCEM 2 Dispenser is not intended for use with other GC Paste Pak products.