Final answer:
Dental cements can indeed be used as surgical dressings in dental surgeries. They protect the wound site, have antibacterial properties, and provide insulation and mechanical protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, dental cements can be used as surgical dressings, specifically in dental surgeries. Dental cements have several applications, one of which includes acting as a protective layer over a dental surgery site. They can cover and protect exposed areas within the mouth while healing occurs, functioning similarly to how surgical dressings are used in general medical practice. There are various types of dental cements, such as zinc oxide eugenol and glass ionomer cements, each having unique properties that lend themselves to different clinical situations.
Dental cements’ primary use is for luting, or cementing, various types of dental prosthetics like crowns, bridges, and inlays. However, they also possess antibacterial properties and provide thermal insulation and mechanical protection, which are essential when they are used as a temporary dressing to protect the site after a dental procedure.