Restorative & Materials · single question
Which material is RADIOLUCENT on dental radiographs?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Methyl methacrylate (acrylic resin / PMMA)
Radiolucent = appears dark (X-rays pass through). Methyl methacrylate (PMMA/acrylic) is RADIOLUCENT — appears dark on radiographs, similar to soft tissue. Clinically important: acrylic dentures are not visible on X-rays without radiopaque additives. Zirconia is radiopaque. Amalgam is highly radiopaque.
- A. Incorrect. Modern silicate-based materials are often made radiopaque.
- B. CORRECT. Methyl methacrylate (acrylic/PMMA) is RADIOLUCENT — X-rays pass through it with minimal attenuation.
- C. Incorrect. Zirconia is RADIOPAQUE — contains heavy zirconium atoms that block X-rays.
- D. Incorrect. Amalgam is HIGHLY RADIOPAQUE — mercury, silver, tin, copper all block X-rays.
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