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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Which material may be used under all types of restorative materials?

  1. Calcium Hydroxide

  2. Glass Ionomer

  3. Composite resin

  4. Dental cement

The correct answer is: Calcium Hydroxide

Calcium hydroxide is a material commonly used as a dental liner under restorative materials because of its unique properties that promote pulp health and facilitate healing. It has a high pH, which helps to stimulate the formation of secondary dentin and provides a protective barrier for the pulp against thermal, chemical, and mechanical irritants that may arise during restorative procedures. One of its significant advantages is its ability to be compatible with various restorative materials, including amalgam, composite resins, and other types of dental cements. Its bioactive nature allows it to interact positively with the tooth structure, making it an ideal choice under nearly all types of restorations. Other materials, while also useful in certain contexts, may have limitations regarding compatibility with specific restorative materials. For example, glass ionomer can bond to dentin and enamel and release fluoride, but it may not be suitable for use under every type of restoration due to its lower mechanical strength compared to other materials. Composite resin is often used as a direct restorative material and may not serve as a liner effectively. Dental cement varies widely in formulation and application, so its use as an underlining material is more specific and may depend on the type of cement used. In summary, calcium hydroxide is recognized for its