Restorative dentistry: 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 · Restorative dentistry

Sample item

What is the principal purpose of acid etching enamel before resin bonding?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Create microscopic surface roughness for micromechanical retention

Acid etching selectively demineralizes enamel prisms to create microporosities into which resin can flow and polymerize for strong adhesion.

Option by option

  • A. Increase the tooth's fluoride content immediately

    Fluoride concentration is not the immediate bonding mechanism.

  • B. Dissolve the entire enamel layer

    Controlled etching does not remove all enamel.

  • C. Sterilize the pulp chamber

    Etching does not sterilize the pulp chamber.

  • D. Create microscopic surface roughness for micromechanical retention (correct)

    Correct: microporosities provide mechanical interlocking for resin.

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, Create microscopic surface roughness for micromechanical retention. Acid etching selectively demineralizes enamel prisms to create microporosities into which resin can flow and polymerize for strong adhesion.

Why is "Increase the tooth's fluoride content immediately" not the answer?

Fluoride concentration is not the immediate bonding mechanism.

Why is "Dissolve the entire enamel layer" not the answer?

Controlled etching does not remove all enamel.

Why is "Sterilize the pulp chamber" not the answer?

Etching does not sterilize the pulp chamber.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Restorative dentistry in Dentistry. The correct option holds because: Correct: microporosities provide mechanical interlocking for resin.

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 Restorative dentistry?

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.