zinc oxide + eugenol

Zinc oxide + eugenol (commonly abbreviated as ZOE) is a combination dental material formed by mixing powdered zinc oxide with liquid eugenol (derived from clove oil). The mixture undergoes an acid-base reaction to form a chelate called zinc eugenolate. ZOE is widely used in dentistry as a temporary filling material, dental cement for crowns and bridges, root canal sealer, impression material for dentures, and periodontal dressing. It is valued for its sedative effect on the dental pulp due to the anti-inflammatory and local anesthetic properties of eugenol. Zinc oxide provides antimicrobial action and acts as an obtundant (pain-relieving agent). While it has low mechanical strength compared to permanent cements or restorative materials, it is biocompatible when applied on dentin but can be cytotoxic at high concentrations or if placed directly on pulp tissue. Modified versions with additives like EBA or polymers have improved mechanical properties but retain the basic mechanism of action[1][2][3][5][7][8].

Other names

ZOEzinc oxide-eugenol cementzinc eugenolate