National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the National Dental Assisting Exam with comprehensive quiz questions, including multiple choice and detailed explanations. Equip yourself for success!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is another name for a desensitizer in dental procedures?

Base
Primer
Filler
Cement

The correct answer is: Primer

A desensitizer is a material used in dental procedures primarily to alleviate sensitivity in teeth, especially when dealing with dentin or during restorative treatments. The term "primer" is often used in this context as it relates to the application of certain bonding agents or materials designed to prepare the tooth surface for subsequent treatment. Primers help improve the adhesion of restorative materials to the tooth structure and can also have desensitizing properties. They work by sealing the dentinal tubules, which reduces the transmission of stimuli that can cause discomfort or pain. In contrast, a base typically refers to a material placed under a restoration to protect the pulp from thermal or chemical irritation. Filler relates to substances added to composites to enhance strength or aesthetic properties. Cement often refers to materials used for luting restorations in place. While these options have their specific roles in dental procedures, they do not serve the same purpose as a desensitizer, which is specifically aimed at reducing sensitivity.