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Which properties are required for dental cements used as luting agents?
High color variability and low viscosity
Sufficient strength and biological compatibility
Low melting point and easy cleanup
High transparency and low adhesion
The correct answer is: Sufficient strength and biological compatibility
Dental cements used as luting agents must possess sufficient strength and biological compatibility to effectively bond dental restorations to tooth structures and to support the functional demands placed on them. Sufficient strength is crucial because the dental cement must endure forces from chewing and other mechanical stresses without failing. If a cement lacks strength, it can lead to loss of retention of the restoration, potentially resulting in patient discomfort, food impaction, and the need for replacement of the restoration. Biological compatibility is equally important, as the dental cement will be in contact with the tooth structure and surrounding tissues. The cement must not cause any adverse reactions in the oral environment, such as irritation to the pulpal tissue or allergic reactions in the gums. Materials that are biologically compatible help ensure a favorable response from the body and contribute to the longevity of the restoration. Other properties listed, such as color variability or low viscosity, might be relevant for specific applications, but they do not directly address the fundamental requirements for cements serving as luting agents. Similarly, attributes like transparency or ease of cleanup, while beneficial in certain contexts, are not fundamental to the primary function of retention and compatibility that are essential for luting agents.