CCA Prosthetic Maintenance & Repair Flashcards

Which instrument is most appropriate for trimming thin excess silicone during a chair-side prosthesis adjustment?

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.

What is the recommended storage condition for a silicone facial prosthesis when not in use?

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.

A patient returns with a cracked acrylic orbital prosthesis framework. What material is typically used to repair cracks in acrylic prosthetic bases?

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.

What is the clinical significance of a prosthesis with a poor marginal seal against the skin?

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.

How should a patient clean the abutment sites of an implant-retained auricular prosthesis?

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.

Which factor most commonly leads to color mismatch when attempting to repair an aged silicone prosthesis?

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.