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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Why is Zinc Oxide Eugenol commonly used as an intermediate restoration material?

  1. It is highly aesthetic

  2. It has a soothing effect on the tooth

  3. It sets quickly

  4. It adheres strongly to tooth structure

The correct answer is: It has a soothing effect on the tooth

Zinc Oxide Eugenol (ZOE) is commonly used as an intermediate restoration material primarily due to its soothing effect on the tooth. This property is significant, especially in situations where the tooth may be sensitive or has undergone recent trauma. The eugenol component in ZOE has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for managing discomfort or irritation that might occur within the pulp or surrounding tissues of the tooth. While other materials may be chosen for their aesthetic qualities, fast setting time, or strong adhesion to tooth structure, the therapeutic attributes of ZOE, particularly its capacity to relieve pain and promote healing, make it especially valuable as a temporary option in restorative dentistry. It serves not only to protect the tooth but also to mitigate any potential discomfort during the healing process.