Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

Which crown cement is best to use for a patient with a short crown?

1. Zinc phosphate cement

2. Resin cement

3. Glass ionomer cement

4. Polycarboxylate cement

The correct answer is: Resin cement

Resin cement is considered the best choice for cementing a crown in a patient with a short crown due to its superior bonding capabilities and high adhesive strength. Short crowns can be more difficult to retain, as they have less surface area for the cement to bond to and may also be subjected to various stresses during function. Resin cements, particularly those that are light-cured or dual-cured, form strong chemical and mechanical bonds to both the tooth structure and the crown material. This helps improve retention and overall stability of the restoration. The use of a resin cement is particularly beneficial when dealing with short clinical crowns, as it can effectively resist dislodgement and ensure a successful long-term outcome. Other types of cements, while useful in different contexts, may not provide the same level of retention as resin cement. For instance, zinc phosphate cement, while strong, does not bond as effectively to the crown or the tooth structure itself. Glass ionomer cement, while it has favorable properties, may not provide the same level of retention for short crowns due to lower compressive strength and bonding capabilities. Polycarboxylate cement also offers a decent bond but is generally less effective than resin cement in providing the required retention for short crowns. Therefore, resin