EFDA Restorative & Preventive Dental Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of using a wedge during a Class II amalgam restoration?
- To prevent moisture contamination
- To separate teeth and prevent matrix band overextension gingivally (Correct answer)
- To hold the matrix band in place occlusally
- To burnish the final restoration
Correct answer: To separate teeth and prevent matrix band overextension gingivally
Wedges separate the teeth slightly to compensate for matrix band thickness and prevent an open gingival margin.
Question 2: A patient undergoing sealant placement shows a white chalky appearance on the enamel after acid etching. This indicates:
- Over-etching and enamel damage
- Proper etching has occurred (Correct answer)
- Contamination with saliva
- Insufficient etching time
Correct answer: Proper etching has occurred
A frosty white appearance after etching confirms adequate microporosity has been created for sealant bonding.
Question 3: Which property of zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) cement makes it contraindicated under composite resin restorations?
- It is too thick for thin layers
- Eugenol inhibits polymerization of resin-based materials (Correct answer)
- It dissolves in composite bonding agents
- It is not strong enough as a base
Correct answer: Eugenol inhibits polymerization of resin-based materials
Free eugenol from ZOE inhibits the free-radical polymerization process, preventing composite resin from fully curing.
Question 4: During a coronal polish, a patient has intrinsic tetracycline staining. The EFDA should know that:
- Heavy abrasive paste will remove tetracycline stains
- Coronal polishing cannot remove intrinsic tetracycline stains (Correct answer)
- Rubber cup polishing with extra pressure removes the stain
- The stain will fade after multiple polishing sessions
Correct answer: Coronal polishing cannot remove intrinsic tetracycline stains
Intrinsic stains are incorporated within the tooth structure and cannot be removed by external polishing procedures.
Question 5: When applying topical fluoride gel in trays, the maximum recommended time for a single application is:
- 30 seconds
- 1 minute
- 4 minutes (Correct answer)
- 10 minutes
Correct answer: 4 minutes
Professionally applied fluoride gel in trays requires 4 minutes of contact time to maximize fluoride uptake into enamel.
Question 6: In a Class I composite preparation, the EFDA should bevel the cavosurface margin to:
- Increase the depth of the preparation
- Increase the surface area for enamel bonding and improve esthetics (Correct answer)
- Reduce the amount of composite needed
- Strengthen the remaining enamel walls
Correct answer: Increase the surface area for enamel bonding and improve esthetics
Beveling exposes enamel rods for improved acid etching and creates a gradual color transition for better esthetic blending.
Question 7: Which type of dental material is indicated for a Class V restoration in a high-caries-risk patient due to its fluoride-releasing properties?
- Composite resin
- Amalgam
- Resin-modified glass ionomer (Correct answer)
- Porcelain
Correct answer: Resin-modified glass ionomer
Resin-modified glass ionomer releases fluoride over time, providing cariostatic benefits ideal for high-risk patients.
EFDA Restorative & Preventive Dental Procedures 3
What is the purpose of using a wedge during a Class II amalgam restoration?