HESI General Chairside Assisting Practice Exam

For what purpose is dental cement, mixed to a luting consistency, primarily used?

1. Filling cavities

2. Cementing a crown

3. Sealing roots

4. Protecting dentin

The correct answer is: Cementing a crown

Dental cement mixed to a luting consistency is primarily used for cementing restorations, such as crowns, bridges, and veneers, onto the prepared tooth structure. This type of cement provides a strong bond, ensuring that the crown remains securely in place while also allowing for the necessary functional and aesthetic properties to be achieved. The luting consistency is specifically designed to create a thin layer of material that fills the space between the crown and the tooth, effectively sealing it and preventing microleakage. While filling cavities, sealing roots, and protecting dentin are important aspects of dental treatments, each requires different types of materials and consistency. For example, restorative materials are used for filling cavities, while root sealers are used to seal the roots in endodontics. Protecting dentin involves materials that may act as liners or bases and are formulated differently than luting agents. Thus, the specific role of luting cement centers on the secure fixation of crowns and similar restorations.