Solubility of zinc oxide-eugenol and calcium hydroxide cements in simulated dentinal fluid

The solubility of four dental cement bases was measured in simulated dentinal fluid and distilled water to evaluate the relevancy of the American Dental Association solubility test for cement bases in contact with vital dentine. A simulated dentinal fluid was formulated utilizing glucose, distilled water, and sterile human plasma. Cement-base samples were immersed in either distilled water or simulated dentinal fluid at 37 degrees C in a shaker water-bath for 1, 2, or 3 months. Weight loss values were compared utilizing a three-way analysis of variance. Zinc oxide-eugenol cements were significantly more soluble in simulated dentinal fluid than distilled water, while the calcium hydroxide cement bases were significantly more soluble in distilled water than simulated dentinal fluid.