National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

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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!

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What is one of the primary purposes of a sedative base in dental procedures?

To enhance aesthetic appeal
To provide thermal insulation
To soothe the pulp
To prevent decay

The correct answer is: To soothe the pulp

The primary purpose of a sedative base in dental procedures is to soothe the pulp. Sedative bases are used in restorative dentistry to help alleviate sensitivity and discomfort in the pulp of the tooth. When a tooth is prepared for a restoration, especially if the cavity is deep or extends close to the pulp, there may be increased sensitivity due to irritation. Sedative materials often contain calming ingredients that create a barrier and provide a soothing effect, helping to reduce pain and discomfort for the patient. The other options, while relevant in other contexts, do not pertain directly to the primary purpose of a sedative base. Enhancing aesthetic appeal is typically associated with the choice of materials for visible restorations, thermal insulation may be a property of certain materials used in dentistry but is not the main function of a sedative base, and preventing decay relates to preventive measures rather than the immediate purpose of a sedative base in managing sensitivity and discomfort during restorative procedures.