CCA CCA Prosthetic Maintenance & Repair 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How frequently does a silicone facial prosthesis typically require replacement in clinical practice?
- Every 6 months
- Every 1–2 years (Correct answer)
- Every 5 years
- Only when it structurally breaks
Correct answer: Every 1–2 years
Silicone facial prostheses typically require replacement every 1–2 years due to color fading, edge deterioration, and material stiffening from UV exposure and adhesive use.
Question 2: What is the most common cause of edge breakdown in silicone facial prostheses during daily wear?
- Over-humidification of the skin
- Repeated adhesive application and removal at the margins (Correct answer)
- Exposure to cold temperatures
- Patient weight changes affecting the prosthetic bed
Correct answer: Repeated adhesive application and removal at the margins
The repetitive mechanical stress of daily adhesive application and removal at thin feathered margins causes progressive edge thinning and tearing over time.
Question 3: Which adhesive type is most appropriate for an anaplastology patient who swims regularly?
- Standard latex-based adhesive
- Medical-grade silicone adhesive (Correct answer)
- Zinc oxide eugenol cement
- Cyanoacrylate
Correct answer: Medical-grade silicone adhesive
Medical-grade silicone adhesives provide superior water resistance for patients who swim or perspire heavily compared to standard latex-based options.
Question 4: What is the recommended method for removing prosthetic adhesive from patient skin?
- Scrubbing with a dry cloth
- Applying adhesive remover solvent, then gently lifting (Correct answer)
- Soaking in hot water for 10 minutes
- Using acetone to dissolve the residue
Correct answer: Applying adhesive remover solvent, then gently lifting
Adhesive remover solvent safely loosens the bond without traumatizing fragile or reconstructed skin, unlike mechanical scrubbing or harsh solvents.
Question 5: When a patient reports that their implant-retained prosthesis has become loose, what is the appropriate first clinical step?
- Fabricate a new prosthesis immediately
- Evaluate the retention clips or magnets for wear and replace if needed (Correct answer)
- Instruct the patient to use additional adhesive to compensate
- Advise the patient to press harder during placement
Correct answer: Evaluate the retention clips or magnets for wear and replace if needed
Loose implant-retained prostheses are most often caused by worn retention clips or magnets, which can be replaced without fabricating an entirely new prosthesis.
Question 6: What is the purpose of applying a protective coating to an extrinsically colored silicone prosthesis?
- To add structural weight to the prosthesis
- To seal surface pigments and extend color life (Correct answer)
- To improve osseointegration at the implant site
- To change the opacity of the silicone base
Correct answer: To seal surface pigments and extend color life
Protective coatings seal extrinsic pigments against UV degradation and mechanical abrasion, helping maintain color fidelity and extending prosthesis lifespan.
CCA CCA Prosthetic Maintenance & Repair 1
How frequently does a silicone facial prosthesis typically require replacement in clinical practice?