Dental materials: glass ionomer: 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: glass ionomer

Sample item

Which property is a practical advantage of glass-ionomer cement in a high-caries-risk restoration?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Fluoride release and chemical adhesion to tooth structure

Glass-ionomer cements chemically bond to tooth structure and release fluoride, useful in selected high-caries-risk or cervical applications. They have lower strength and polish than many resin composites.

Option by option

  • A. Superior polish to all composites

    Composites generally provide better polish and esthetics.

  • B. Complete resistance to fracture in large load-bearing cavities

    They are not ideal for all large high-load restorations.

  • C. Fluoride release and chemical adhesion to tooth structure (correct)

    Correct. Fluoride release and ionic bonding are key advantages.

  • D. No moisture sensitivity during setting

    Glass ionomers are sensitive to early moisture contamination and dehydration.

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 C, Fluoride release and chemical adhesion to tooth structure. Glass-ionomer cements chemically bond to tooth structure and release fluoride, useful in selected high-caries-risk or cervical applications.

Why is "Superior polish to all composites" not the answer?

Composites generally provide better polish and esthetics.

Why is "Complete resistance to fracture in large load-bearing cavities" not the answer?

They are not ideal for all large high-load restorations.

Why is "No moisture sensitivity during setting" not the answer?

Glass ionomers are sensitive to early moisture contamination and dehydration.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Dental materials: glass ionomer in Dentistry. They have lower strength and polish than many resin composites.

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: glass ionomer?

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.