Dental products: Zinc eugenol cement MCQs With Answer

Dental products: Zinc eugenol cement MCQs With Answer provide B.Pharm students with focused practice on composition, setting chemistry, clinical uses, and formulation variables. This introduction covers key concepts: zinc oxide and eugenol roles, setting reactions, physicochemical properties (solubility, compressive strength, pH), indications like temporary luting and cavity liners, and modifications such as reinforced ZOE (IRM). Understanding interactions with resin materials, biocompatibility, and contraindications is essential for safe pharmaceutical and dental applications. These MCQs emphasize practical pharmacology, formulation science, and clinical decision-making to prepare you for exams and pharmacy practice. Now let’s test your knowledge with 50 MCQs on this topic.

Q1. What are the primary components of traditional zinc eugenol cement?

• Zinc oxide powder and eugenol liquid
• Zinc phosphate and eugenol
• Calcium hydroxide and resin
• Polycarboxylate and acrylic monomer

Correct Answer: Zinc oxide powder and eugenol liquid

Q2. Which reaction describes the setting mechanism of zinc eugenol cement?

• Acid-base reaction between zinc oxide and eugenol
• Polymerization of methacrylates
• Oxidation of metallic zinc
• Hydrolysis of esters

Correct Answer: Acid-base reaction between zinc oxide and eugenol

Q3. What therapeutic property is eugenol primarily responsible for in ZOE?

• Analgesic and obtundent effect
• High compressive strength
• Radiopacity
• Permanent adhesion to enamel

Correct Answer: Analgesic and obtundent effect

Q4. Which clinical use is most appropriate for zinc eugenol cement?

• Temporary luting of crowns and provisional restorations
• Permanent adhesive luting of ceramic inlays
• Direct composite restoration
• Final root canal sealer for obturation

Correct Answer: Temporary luting of crowns and provisional restorations

Q5. Reinforced ZOE (IRM) typically contains which additive to improve mechanical properties?

• Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or other resins
• Calcium phosphate
• Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles
• Silane coupling agent only

Correct Answer: Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or other resins

Q6. Which property of ZOE limits its use under composite restorations?

• Eugenol inhibits polymerization of resin composites
• Excessive radiopacity
• High pH causing tooth bleaching
• Strong adhesion to dentin

Correct Answer: Eugenol inhibits polymerization of resin composites

Q7. The working time of zinc eugenol cement is mainly influenced by:

• Powder-to-liquid ratio and temperature
• Ambient humidity only
• Light curing intensity
• pH of the storage solution

Correct Answer: Powder-to-liquid ratio and temperature

Q8. Which physical property of ZOE is generally low compared to resin cements?

• Compressive strength
• Thermal conductivity
• Solubility in water
• Antibacterial activity

Correct Answer: Compressive strength

Q9. What effect does increasing the powder-to-liquid ratio have on ZOE cement?

• Increases strength and reduces setting time
• Decreases strength and increases solubility
• Has no effect on properties
• Turns the cement radiolucent

Correct Answer: Increases strength and reduces setting time

Q10. Which chemical role does zinc oxide play in ZOE?

• Reactant forming zinc eugenolate chelate
• Initiator of free radical polymerization
• Plasticizer to improve flow
• Pigment for color stability

Correct Answer: Reactant forming zinc eugenolate chelate

Q11. ZOE is contraindicated under which permanent restorative material without a barrier?

• Composite resin restorations
• Amalgam restorations
• Glass ionomer cement
• Porcelain veneers

Correct Answer: Composite resin restorations

Q12. Which property of ZOE provides relief from pulpal irritation?

• Obtundent action of eugenol
• High compressive modulus
• Strong covalent bonding to enamel
• Alkaline pH buffering

Correct Answer: Obtundent action of eugenol

Q13. Eugenol chemically belongs to which class of compounds?

• Phenolic compound
• Carboxylic acid
• Amine
• Ether

Correct Answer: Phenolic compound

Q14. Which test is commonly used to evaluate the setting time of dental cements like ZOE?

• Gillmore needle test
• Tensile strength test
• Spectrophotometry
• Thermogravimetric analysis

Correct Answer: Gillmore needle test

Q15. How does moisture affect the setting of zinc eugenol cement?

• Excess moisture can increase solubility and weaken the cement
• Moisture accelerates polymerization and strengthens cement
• Moisture has no effect on ZOE
• Moisture converts ZOE to glass ionomer

Correct Answer: Excess moisture can increase solubility and weaken the cement

Q16. Which modification increases the strength and durability of ZOE for temporary restorations?

• Adding resin reinforcement (e.g., IRM)
• Adding extra eugenol to liquid
• Replacing zinc oxide with magnesium oxide
• Storing under ultraviolet light

Correct Answer: Adding resin reinforcement (e.g., IRM)

Q17. The solubility of zinc eugenol cement in oral fluids is primarily due to:

• Unreacted components and weak matrix
• Complete conversion to insoluble polymer
• Hydrophobic crosslinking reactions
• Inclusion of metallic fillers

Correct Answer: Unreacted components and weak matrix

Q18. Which property makes ZOE suitable as a temporary luting cement?

• Relatively low adhesion allowing easy removal
• Permanent chemical bonding to dentin
• Resistance to long-term oral fluids
• High tensile strength for permanent retention

Correct Answer: Relatively low adhesion allowing easy removal

Q19. What is the typical pH of freshly mixed zinc eugenol cement?

• Approximately neutral to slightly acidic
• Strongly alkaline (pH >12)
• Strongly acidic (pH <2)
• Exactly pH 7.0 at all times

Correct Answer: Approximately neutral to slightly acidic

Q20. Which adverse reaction is most associated with eugenol in sensitive patients?

• Allergic contact dermatitis
• Systemic hypertension
• Renal failure
• Hyperglycemia

Correct Answer: Allergic contact dermatitis

Q21. How does particle size of zinc oxide powder affect ZOE properties?

• Smaller particles increase surface area, accelerating reaction and strength
• Particle size has no effect on cement properties
• Larger particles always produce higher strength
• Particle size only affects color, not mechanics

Correct Answer: Smaller particles increase surface area, accelerating reaction and strength

Q22. Which test assesses the compressive strength of ZOE formulations?

• Universal testing machine compressive test
• pH titration
• UV-visible spectroscopy
• Flame photometry

Correct Answer: Universal testing machine compressive test

Q23. Which interaction should be avoided when using ZOE with impression materials?

• Eugenol interferes with vinyl polysiloxane curing
• ZOE enhances alginate setting
• ZOE increases gypsum expansion beneficially
• No interactions occur with any impression material

Correct Answer: Eugenol interferes with vinyl polysiloxane curing

Q24. Which shelf storage condition helps preserve the stability of ZOE powder?

• Dry, cool environment away from light
• High humidity and warmth
• Direct sunlight on the packaging
• Open containers on the bench

Correct Answer: Dry, cool environment away from light

Q25. What is the main reason for adding fillers or modifiers to zinc oxide powder?

• To improve mechanical strength and reduce solubility
• To increase eugenol vaporization
• To convert ZOE into a permanent luting agent
• To accelerate enamel remineralization

Correct Answer: To improve mechanical strength and reduce solubility

Q26. Which analytical method can determine eugenol content in a ZOE liquid?

• Gas chromatography (GC)
• Atomic absorption spectroscopy
• X-ray diffraction
• Karl Fischer titration only

Correct Answer: Gas chromatography (GC)

Q27. What clinical advantage does eugenol-containing cement offer after tooth preparation?

• Pain relief due to sedative action on pulp
• Permanent sealing of dentinal tubules forever
• Transformation into composite resin under light
• Promotion of extensive remineralization

Correct Answer: Pain relief due to sedative action on pulp

Q28. Which is a limitation of using ZOE as a definitive luting cement?

• Low long-term mechanical strength and solubility
• Excessive corrosion of metal restorations
• Incompatibility with amalgam only
• Causes tooth erosion in minutes

Correct Answer: Low long-term mechanical strength and solubility

Q29. In formulations, substitution of eugenol with eugenol derivatives aims to:

• Reduce interference with resin polymerization and alter volatility
• Make the cement edible
• Increase ionic conductivity drastically
• Produce magnetic properties

Correct Answer: Reduce interference with resin polymerization and alter volatility

Q30. Which factor most directly affects the film thickness of a luting ZOE cement?

• Mixing technique and powder-to-liquid ratio
• Presence of fluorescent dye
• Color of the powder
• Ambient light intensity

Correct Answer: Mixing technique and powder-to-liquid ratio

Q31. ZOE exhibits some antibacterial activity primarily due to:

• Eugenol’s phenolic action on bacterial cell membranes
• Zinc oxide acting as an oxidizing agent
• High alkalinity killing bacteria
• Release of fluoride ions

Correct Answer: Eugenol’s phenolic action on bacterial cell membranes

Q32. Which compatibility concern exists between ZOE and resin-based adhesives?

• Eugenol inhibits radical polymerization of resin adhesives
• ZOE enhances bond strength of resin adhesives
• They form a covalent interphase improving adhesion
• No known compatibility issues

Correct Answer: Eugenol inhibits radical polymerization of resin adhesives

Q33. What is IRM in the context of zinc eugenol cements?

• Intermediate restorative material: reinforced ZOE with resin
• Immediate resin material: a light-cured composite
• Inorganic restorative mix: glass ionomer variant
• Insulating resin matrix: composite adhesive

Correct Answer: Intermediate restorative material: reinforced ZOE with resin

Q34. Which clinical scenario favors using ZOE as a cavity liner?

• When pulp is near and sedative effect is desired
• Deep esthetic anterior restoration under composite
• Permanent cementation of all-ceramic crowns
• Direct bonding to resin veneers

Correct Answer: When pulp is near and sedative effect is desired

Q35. Which storage precaution is essential for eugenol liquid to maintain quality?

• Seal tightly to prevent evaporation and oxidation
• Store in open containers to aerate
• Keep at high temperature to maintain fluidity
• Expose to sunlight to sterilize

Correct Answer: Seal tightly to prevent evaporation and oxidation

Q36. Which laboratory parameter indicates the reaction completion in ZOE?

• Hardness and lack of tackiness on the surface
• Change to fluorescent color under UV
• Production of gas visible bubbles
• Rise in temperature above 100°C

Correct Answer: Hardness and lack of tackiness on the surface

Q37. Which safety concern should pharmacists consider when handling eugenol?

• Potential skin sensitization and mucosal irritation
• Immediate systemic toxicity by inhalation in trace amounts
• Radioactive contamination
• Spontaneous combustion on bench

Correct Answer: Potential skin sensitization and mucosal irritation

Q38. Which property is improved by adding zinc acetate to some ZOE formulations?

• Control of setting reaction and accelerated hardening
• Conversion to thermoplastic material
• Increased translucency for esthetics
• Generation of fluoride release

Correct Answer: Control of setting reaction and accelerated hardening

Q39. Which is a common laboratory test to assess ZOE solubility?

• Immersion in distilled water and measuring weight loss
• Measuring electrical conductivity in air
• Gas chromatography of solid samples
• Determination of radioactivity

Correct Answer: Immersion in distilled water and measuring weight loss

Q40. How does eugenol concentration in the liquid affect the cement?

• Higher eugenol may increase plasticity and reduce initial set speed
• Eugenol concentration has no effect on cement properties
• Lower eugenol always increases solubility drastically
• Higher eugenol converts ZOE into glass ionomer

Correct Answer: Higher eugenol may increase plasticity and reduce initial set speed

Q41. Which clinical property makes ZOE useful as a temporary dressing for root canals?

• Antiseptic and sedative properties with ease of removal
• Permanent hermetic seal for long-term obturation
• High adhesion to gutta-percha creating permanent seal
• Promotes dentin regeneration within hours

Correct Answer: Antiseptic and sedative properties with ease of removal

Q42. Which test would evaluate thermal properties of ZOE?

• Thermal conductivity measurement
• pH meter reading
• Infrared spectroscopy for eugenol only
• Colorimetric assay for zinc

Correct Answer: Thermal conductivity measurement

Q43. What is a likely consequence of overmixing ZOE cement?

• Increased heat generation and faster set with potential brittleness
• Conversion into a viscous resin with adhesive properties
• Loss of zinc oxide into solution
• Complete prevention of setting reaction

Correct Answer: Increased heat generation and faster set with potential brittleness

Q44. Which regulatory consideration is relevant for pharmacy compounding of dental ZOE?

• Use of pharmaceutical-grade materials and documentation of sources
• Compounding without documentation is acceptable
• Any industrial-grade eugenol is permitted without testing
• No expiry labeling is required for mixed batches

Correct Answer: Use of pharmaceutical-grade materials and documentation of sources

Q45. Why is radiopacity important for cement used in dentistry and how does ZOE rank?

• ZOE has limited radiopacity; radiopaque fillers may be added for visibility
• ZOE is highly radiopaque naturally and needs no additives
• Radiopacity is irrelevant in dental cements
• ZOE dissolves under X-rays making it invisible intentionally

Correct Answer: ZOE has limited radiopacity; radiopaque fillers may be added for visibility

Q46. Which laboratory precaution reduces variability when testing ZOE samples?

• Standardize powder-liquid ratio, mixing time, and environmental conditions
• Use any mixing ratio as long as color is consistent
• Mix under variable humidity for real-world data only
• Keep temperature uncontrolled to simulate clinic

Correct Answer: Standardize powder-liquid ratio, mixing time, and environmental conditions

Q47. What is a pharmacological concern when ZOE is swallowed in significant quantity?

• Gastrointestinal irritation due to eugenol absorption
• Immediate hypoglycemic coma
• Instant hepatic necrosis in trace amounts
• No systemic effects are possible

Correct Answer: Gastrointestinal irritation due to eugenol absorption

Q48. How can residual eugenol on dentin be removed before resin bonding?

• Rinse and use antioxidant agents like sodium hypochlorite or alcohol wipe
• Leave it as eugenol enhances resin bond
• Apply additional eugenol to neutralize effects
• Polish with fluoride toothpaste only

Correct Answer: Rinse and use antioxidant agents like sodium hypochlorite or alcohol wipe

Q49. Which eco-toxicological issue is associated with disposal of ZOE waste?

• Release of phenolic compounds (eugenol) into waterways
• Production of heavy metal radiation
• Spontaneous polymerization in landfills creating plastic
• No environmental concerns at all

Correct Answer: Release of phenolic compounds (eugenol) into waterways

Q50. In formulation development, what is a key aim when improving ZOE-based cements for modern dentistry?

• Enhance mechanical properties and reduce eugenol-related interference with resins
• Increase eugenol content to maximum for flavor
• Remove zinc oxide entirely to make pure eugenol paste
• Make the cement water-soluble on purpose

Correct Answer: Enhance mechanical properties and reduce eugenol-related interference with resins

G S Sachin

I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.

Mail- Sachin@pharmacyfreak.com