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Eugenol Resin Interaction — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateDental MaterialsEugenol Resin InteractionORE Part 1

A tooth is temporarily cemented with zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) cement before placement of a resin-bonded restoration. What is the principal concern when the definitive restoration is cemented?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: AReduced polymerisation of the resin cement

Explanation lettering: E = shown as B · B = shown as D · D = shown as E

A is correct. Eugenol-containing provisional materials can interfere with free-radical polymerisation of resin-based materials and may reduce the effectiveness of subsequent adhesive resin cementation. Therefore, ZOE is generally avoided where a resin-bonded restoration is to be definitively cemented, or meticulous removal is required. B and C describe possible general limitations of some temporary cements, but neither is the key issue specific to later resin bonding. D is incorrect: ZOE does not normally cause irreversible pulpal damage when appropriately used. E is also incorrect; permanent tooth staining is not the principal recognised disadvantage of ZOE in this setting.

Reference: Paul SJ, Schärer P. Effect of provisional cements on the bond strength of various adhesive bonding systems on dentine. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 1997. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23841789/