• Strong - 4100psi compressive strength • Protective - inhibits microbial growth and minimizes microleakage • Soothing - sedates and heals injured pulp in crown and cavity preps • Retentive • Efficient - sets hard rapidly, so it can be used as a base under amalgams • A base under amalgam, silicate, composite fillings and gold inlays • Temporarily retaining crowns and bridges • Sedation of deep sensitive cavities and crown preparations • Temporary cementation of long span permanent bridges on abutment preparations with short or inadequate retention form