HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is the purpose of a cement base in dentistry?

1. Material used over fillings to ensure durability

2. Material used under a filling to replace lost tooth structure

3. A barrier for tooth sensitivity

4. A finishing material for tooth whitening

The correct answer is: Material used under a filling to replace lost tooth structure

The purpose of a cement base in dentistry is primarily to provide support and protect the tooth structure underneath a filling. When a tooth has undergone decay or has been significantly compromised, it may lose a considerable amount of its original structure. In such cases, the cement base serves as a restorative material that not only replaces the lost structure but also reinforces the area before a filling is placed. This helps in re-establishing the integrity of the tooth, offering a stable foundation that contributes to the overall longevity and effectiveness of the filling itself. While other options represent useful materials and techniques in dentistry, they do not specifically address the role of a cement base. For example, materials that ensure durability over fillings relate more to sealants or protective coatings. A barrier for tooth sensitivity refers to desensitizing agents often used after treatment to reduce discomfort, and finishing materials for tooth whitening involve other applications altogether not associated with the structural support of fillings. Thus, the focus of a cement base on replacing lost tooth structure makes it vital in restorative dentistry.