Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What is a common cause for cement failure in dental procedures?

1. Increased viscosity of the cement

2. Increased temperature during curing

3. Increased solubility of the cement

4. Insufficient amount of cement used

The correct answer is: Increased solubility of the cement

Cement failure in dental procedures can often be attributed to increased solubility of the cement. When the solubility of dental cement is high, the material can dissolve or degrade in the oral environment, especially when exposed to saliva or other fluids. This degradation can lead to a loss of retention between the dental restoration and the tooth structure. When dental cements are designed, their solubility is a critical factor; ideally, they should be sufficiently insoluble to withstand the oral conditions over time while providing necessary adhesion. If a cement is overly soluble, it may not maintain its bond, resulting in the failure of the dental restoration or incomplete structure. Conversely, factors such as increased viscosity of the cement or insufficient amount of cement used can also contribute to inadequate bonding and retention but are not as directly influential on solubility-related breakdown. Increased temperature during curing may affect the setting characteristics but does not typically contribute to solubility issues, which is a primary concern in the context of cement performance in the moist oral environment.