CCA CCA Prosthetic Maintenance & Repair 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which instrument is most appropriate for trimming thin excess silicone during a chair-side prosthesis adjustment?
- Standard scissors
- Razor blade or scalpel (Correct answer)
- Rotary grinding wheel
- Sandpaper
Correct answer: Razor blade or scalpel
A razor blade or scalpel allows precise, clean cuts on thin silicone edges without the tearing that scissors can produce in compliant materials.
Question 2: What is the recommended storage condition for a silicone facial prosthesis when not in use?
- In direct sunlight to prevent microbial growth
- In a cool, dry container away from UV light (Correct answer)
- Submerged in saline solution
- Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap
Correct answer: In a cool, dry container away from UV light
UV light is a primary accelerant of silicone degradation and color fading, so storage in a cool, dark, dry container maximizes prosthesis longevity.
Question 3: A patient returns with a cracked acrylic orbital prosthesis framework. What material is typically used to repair cracks in acrylic prosthetic bases?
- Silicone sealant
- Autopolymerizing (self-curing) acrylic resin (Correct answer)
- Epoxy putty
- Zinc phosphate cement
Correct answer: Autopolymerizing (self-curing) acrylic resin
Autopolymerizing acrylic repair resin chemically bonds to existing acrylic bases and provides a durable, color-matched repair for cracked prosthetic frameworks.
Question 4: What is the clinical significance of a prosthesis with a poor marginal seal against the skin?
- Improved retention through suction effect
- Risk of moisture ingress, skin irritation, and odor (Correct answer)
- Better aesthetic camouflage at the prosthesis margins
- Reduced adhesive consumption during wear
Correct answer: Risk of moisture ingress, skin irritation, and odor
A poor marginal seal allows moisture, bacteria, and debris to accumulate beneath the prosthesis, creating conditions for skin irritation, infection risk, and odor.
Question 5: How should a patient clean the abutment sites of an implant-retained auricular prosthesis?
- Using a firm-bristle toothbrush with toothpaste
- Gentle brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush and mild soap around the abutments (Correct answer)
- Soaking the entire implant area in antiseptic mouthwash
- No cleaning is required for osseointegrated implant sites
Correct answer: Gentle brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush and mild soap around the abutments
Gentle soft-bristle cleaning with mild soap removes debris and plaque around abutments without damaging implant components or peri-implant tissue.
Question 6: Which factor most commonly leads to color mismatch when attempting to repair an aged silicone prosthesis?
- Using the original silicone batch from fabrication
- UV-induced color change in the existing prosthesis (Correct answer)
- Using identical pigment ratios from the original formula
- Patient changes in skin tone from weight loss
Correct answer: UV-induced color change in the existing prosthesis
UV exposure causes the original silicone to fade and shift in hue over time, so the original color formula no longer matches the aged prosthesis during repair.
CCA CCA Prosthetic Maintenance & Repair 2
Which instrument is most appropriate for trimming thin excess silicone during a chair-side prosthesis adjustment?