Basic studies on hydroxy apatite cement: I. Setting reaction.

Self-setting cements, alpha D-Cement and alpha DT-Cement, were prepared. They consisted of only the calcium phosphates alpha-TCP, TTCP and DCPA. These cements reacted and hardened in a moist environment at 37 degrees C. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns were taken to examine the conversion of their reactions as a function of time. The cements reacted and produced hydroxyapatite. The optimum powder/liquid ratio of alpha D-Cement was 2.0 and that of alpha DT-Cement was 1.8. The initial setting time of alpha D-Cement was 87.5 m and that of alpha DT-Cement was 107.5 m. The component and the product of these cements are calcium phosphates which are the putative minerals in teeth and bones. Therefore, these cements are useful for oral surgery as bone-filling materials.