Removing glass ionomer cement from a band or crown can be very difficult and time-consuming. In the past, it has either been removed by sandblasting the cement from the band or crown, or by using a handpiece to slowly and carefully remove the cement without damaging the band or crown. Both of these techniques take time and sensitivity in order to not damage the band or crown.
A very simple way to remove the cement is by lightly heating the band or crown with a Bunsen burner or torch and quenching it in water. This will crystallize the cement and allow it to be simply flaked out of the band or crown. Please use the following steps when using this technique.
1) Have proper ventilation available before heating up the band or crown.
2) Have a bowl of water ready to quench the heated part.
3) Slowly heat the band or crown with a Bunsen burner or torch.
4) Be sure not to overheat the band or crown. The part should never become cherry red.
5) Quench the part in water.
6) Flake away the cement with a pick or spatula.
7) Clean the part in distilled water and wire brush after it has dried.
8) Sandblast the inside of the band or crown, and it is ready to reseat.
This process takes less than 2 minutes to complete.
