Restorative & Materials · single question
Which of the following dental materials is radiolucent and can obscure caries or pathology on a radiograph?
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Correct answer: C. Silicate cement, composite resin, and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2)
- A. Amalgam is highly RADIOPAQUE — it appears bright white on radiographs and creates scatter artifacts, but does NOT appear as a radiolucency.
- B. ZOE is mildly radiopaque (zinc component) — less diagnostic confusion than silicate.
- C. Correct. Radiolucent dental materials: silicate cement (historical, highly radiolucent — major diagnostic limitation), composite resin (mildly radiolucent to slightly radiopaque depending on formulation), and calcium hydroxide liner (radiolucent). These can appear similar to caries or secondary decay on radiographs, potentially causing misdiagnosis.
- D. Gutta-percha is radiopaque (contains barium sulfate) — appears clearly on radiographs as an obturating material.
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