Dental materials: zinc oxide eugenol: 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: zinc oxide eugenol

Sample item

Which material has a soothing (obtundent) effect on inflamed pulp and is used as a temporary restoration or dressing?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Zinc oxide eugenol

Eugenol has an analgesic, antibacterial effect on the pulp, so zinc oxide eugenol is used as a sedative dressing and temporary filling. It must not be used under composite because eugenol inhibits resin polymerisation.

Option by option

  • A. Zinc phosphate cement

    Zinc phosphate sets with an acidic phase that can irritate the pulp.

  • B. Composite resin

    Composite is a permanent aesthetic restoration, not a sedative.

  • C. Dental amalgam

    Amalgam is a permanent metal restoration.

  • D. Zinc oxide eugenol (correct)

    Correct. Eugenol soothes the pulp.

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.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is D, Zinc oxide eugenol. Eugenol has an analgesic, antibacterial effect on the pulp, so zinc oxide eugenol is used as a sedative dressing and temporary filling.

Why is "Zinc phosphate cement" not the answer?

Zinc phosphate sets with an acidic phase that can irritate the pulp.

Why is "Composite resin" not the answer?

Composite is a permanent aesthetic restoration, not a sedative.

Why is "Dental amalgam" not the answer?

Amalgam is a permanent metal restoration.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Dental materials: zinc oxide eugenol in Dentistry. It must not be used under composite because eugenol inhibits resin polymerisation.

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: zinc oxide eugenol?

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.