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!

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What material is commonly used to fill the canals during a root canal therapy procedure?

Gutta percha
Composite resin
Amalgam
Dentin bonding agent

The correct answer is: Gutta percha

Gutta percha is the most commonly used material for filling the canals during a root canal therapy procedure. This biocompatible substance is favored for its properties that include adequate sealing ability, inertness within the body, and resistance to moisture absorption. The characteristics of gutta percha allow it to provide an effective barrier against re-infection after the canal has been cleaned and shaped, thus ensuring the long-term success of the treatment. Other materials such as composite resin and amalgam are primarily used for restoring cavities in posterior teeth and do not possess the same properties required for filling root canal systems. Dentin bonding agents are specific to bonding restorative materials to tooth structure and are not suitable for use within the confines of the root canal. Therefore, gutta percha is recognized as the standard choice for this important component of endodontic therapy.