Dental materials and radiology: calcium hydroxide: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Dental materials and radiology: calcium hydroxide

Sample item

A deep cavity in a young molar exposes a pinpoint area of vital pulp. Which material placed directly on the exposure stimulates reparative dentine?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Calcium hydroxide

Calcium hydroxide has a high pH, which causes superficial necrosis and stimulates formation of a dentine bridge. Mineral trioxide aggregate is also used for pulp capping.

Option by option

  • A. Calcium hydroxide (correct)

    Correct. Its alkaline pH stimulates a reparative dentine bridge.

  • B. Zinc phosphate cement

    Zinc phosphate is acidic and irritates the pulp when applied directly.

  • C. Gutta-percha

    Gutta-percha is a root canal filling material.

  • D. Amalgam

    Amalgam is a restorative material and not a pulp capping agent.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Dentistry questions

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is A, Calcium hydroxide. Calcium hydroxide has a high pH, which causes superficial necrosis and stimulates formation of a dentine bridge.

Why is "Zinc phosphate cement" not the answer?

Zinc phosphate is acidic and irritates the pulp when applied directly.

Why is "Gutta-percha" not the answer?

Gutta-percha is a root canal filling material.

Why is "Amalgam" not the answer?

Amalgam is a restorative material and not a pulp capping agent.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Dental materials and radiology: calcium hydroxide in Dentistry. Mineral trioxide aggregate is also used for pulp capping.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Dental materials and radiology: calcium hydroxide?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.