DANB CDA Dental Instruments and Equipment Flashcards

Which instrument is used to transfer restorative materials to the preparation site?

Answer: Plastic instrument

A plastic instrument (also called a composite placement instrument) is used to carry and place restorative materials such as amalgam or composite without bonding to them.

What is the primary purpose of a burnisher in restorative dentistry?

Answer: To smooth and polish amalgam restorations

A burnisher is used to smooth and polish amalgam restorations and to adapt margins of metallic restorations to tooth structure.

Which hand instrument is used to remove soft dentin and debris from a cavity preparation?

Answer: Spoon excavator

A spoon excavator has a rounded, spoon-shaped working end specifically designed to scoop out soft carious dentin and debris from cavity preparations.

The autoclave sterilizes instruments using which combination of factors?

Answer: Steam, heat, and pressure

An autoclave uses saturated steam under pressure (typically 121°C at 15 psi) to achieve sterilization of dental instruments.

What is the correct order of instrument processing before sterilization?

Answer: Clean → package → sterilize

Instruments must be cleaned first to remove debris and bioburden, then packaged, and finally sterilized so the steam or heat can penetrate the packaging.

Which instrument is used to condense amalgam into a cavity preparation?

Answer: Condenser (plugger)

A condenser (plugger) is used to pack and condense amalgam into all areas of the cavity preparation to eliminate voids and adapt the material.