What is a luting cement primarily used for?

A luting cement is primarily used to cement crowns, bridges, inlays, and other dental restorations to natural teeth. Its main function is to provide a strong, durable bond that securely holds these highly restored components in place, ensuring they function properly within the dental arch.

The properties of luting cements allow them to provide not only retention but also some degree of sealing against microleakage, which is essential for the longevity of the restoration and the health of the surrounding tooth structure. This ensures that the restoration is stable and can withstand the forces of chewing.

In contrast, filling cavities is typically done using restorative materials like amalgam or composite resins; repairing tooth fractures might involve bonding agents or crowns; and teeth whitening is achieved through bleaching agents or whitening treatments rather than luting cements. Each of these processes has its specific materials and purposes, distinguishing them from the function of luting cement.