Restorative and Prosthodontic Dental Materials Practice Questions
20 free Restorative and Prosthodontic Dental Materials practice questions for the CDA. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Which material is commonly used for direct restorations due to its esthetics and ability to bond to tooth structure?
- A Amalgam
- B Composite resin
- C Gold foil
- D Zinc phosphate cement
Correct answer: Composite resin
Composite resin offers excellent esthetics and adheres to tooth structure through bonding systems. It is widely used for anterior and posterior restorations.
Which dental material expands slightly as it sets, helping produce a tight seal in amalgam restorations?
- A High-copper amalgam
- B Glass ionomer
- C Composite resin
- D Zinc oxide eugenol
Correct answer: High-copper amalgam
High-copper amalgam has reduced creep and marginal breakdown. Its slight expansion helps produce a well-sealed restoration.
Glass ionomer cement is unique because it:
- A Releases fluoride over time
- B Has very high compressive strength
- C Requires light curing to set
- D Is used mainly for veneers
Correct answer: Releases fluoride over time
Glass ionomer releases fluoride, helping prevent recurrent caries. It also bonds chemically to dentin and enamel.
Which property of composite resin improves with a higher filler content?
- A Polymerization shrinkage
- B Color stability
- C Strength and durability
- D Curing speed
Correct answer: Strength and durability
Higher filler content increases composite strength and reduces wear. It also reduces polymerization shrinkage.
Which dental cement is commonly used as a temporary restoration due to its soothing effect on the pulp?
- A Zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE)
- B Resin-modified glass ionomer
- C Zinc phosphate
- D Polycarboxylate cement
Correct answer: Zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE)
ZOE contains eugenol, which has sedative and antibacterial properties. This makes it ideal for temporary restorations and liners.
Which impression material is known for excellent accuracy and dimensional stability?
- A Alginate
- B Polyether
- C ZOE impression paste
- D Compound impression material
Correct answer: Polyether
Polyether materials are extremely stable and precise, making them ideal for crown and bridge impressions. They resist deformation well.
Which type of crown provides the best esthetics?
- A Full metal crown
- B Porcelain-fused-to-metal crown
- C All-ceramic crown
- D Stainless steel crown
Correct answer: All-ceramic crown
All-ceramic crowns provide the most natural appearance due to their translucency. They are preferred for anterior esthetics.
Which material is used to make the metal framework in removable partial dentures?
- A Cobalt-chromium alloy
- B Gold alloy
- C Nickel-titanium alloy
- D Titanium alloy
Correct answer: Cobalt-chromium alloy
Cobalt-chromium alloys offer high strength and rigidity with minimal bulk. They are standard for partial denture frameworks.
Which restorative material requires acid etching before placement?
- A Amalgam
- B Glass ionomer
- C Composite resin
- D ZOE cement
Correct answer: Composite resin
Composite resin requires etching of enamel and dentin to create micro-mechanical retention. This step is essential for bonding.
Which material has the highest compressive strength among conventional restorative materials?
- A Zinc oxide eugenol
- B Amalgam
- C Composite resin
- D Glass ionomer
Correct answer: Amalgam
Amalgam has excellent compressive strength, making it durable for posterior restorations. It performs well under heavy occlusal forces.
Which material is often used as a base under restorations due to its thermal insulating properties?
- A Glass ionomer
- B Zinc phosphate cement
- C ZOE cement
- D Polycarboxylate cement
Correct answer: ZOE cement
ZOE provides thermal insulation and has a soothing effect on the pulp. It is often placed as a base or temporary material.
Which impression material must be poured immediately because it loses accuracy over time?
- A Polyvinyl siloxane
- B Polyether
- C Alginate
- D Condensation silicone
Correct answer: Alginate
Alginate undergoes syneresis and imbibition, causing dimensional changes. It must be poured promptly for accuracy.
Which prosthodontic material is used for denture teeth due to its durability and natural appearance?
- A Zinc oxide
- B Porcelain
- C Polyurethane
- D Stainless steel
Correct answer: Porcelain
Porcelain denture teeth offer excellent esthetics and wear resistance. They maintain their luster better than acrylic teeth.
Which material is commonly used for pit and fissure sealants?
- A Amalgam
- B Resin-based sealant
- C Glass ionomer cement
- D Composite resin
Correct answer: Resin-based sealant
Resin-based sealants bond to enamel and protect pits and fissures from caries. They provide durable, long-term protection.
Which cement chemically bonds to both enamel and dentin?
- A Zinc phosphate cement
- B Polycarboxylate cement
- C ZOE cement
- D Resin cement
Correct answer: Polycarboxylate cement
Polycarboxylate cement adheres chemically to tooth structure with minimal pulpal irritation. It is often used for long-term cementation.
What is the main advantage of resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) over conventional glass ionomer?
- A Improved strength and durability
- B Reduced fluoride release
- C Eliminates the need for bonding
- D Requires no light curing
Correct answer: Improved strength and durability
RMGIs combine the benefits of glass ionomer with added resin properties. They are stronger and more resistant to moisture contamination.
Which type of dental material uses an exothermic reaction when setting?
- A ZOE cement
- B Amalgam
- C Acrylic resin
- D Glass ionomer
Correct answer: Acrylic resin
Acrylic resin generates heat during polymerization. Denture processing must be properly controlled to avoid distortion.
Which metal is commonly used in high-noble casting alloys for crowns and bridges?
- A Chromium
- B Nickel
- C Gold
- D Aluminum
Correct answer: Gold
High-noble alloys contain a large percentage of gold, which offers excellent biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. These alloys are ideal for long-term restorations.
Which dental ceramic provides the highest strength for crowns and bridges?
- A Feldspathic porcelain
- B Zirconia
- C Lithium disilicate
- D Composite ceramic
Correct answer: Zirconia
Zirconia is extremely strong and fracture-resistant. It is used for posterior crowns and multi-unit bridges due to its durability.
Which material is used to create custom impression trays?
- A Acrylic resin
- B Alginate
- C Zinc oxide eugenol
- D Composite bonding agent
Correct answer: Acrylic resin
Acrylic resin is used to fabricate rigid custom trays that provide uniform support for impression materials. This improves accuracy for prosthodontic work.