Dental Instruments and Tray Setups Flashcards

Which instrument is used to place and condense amalgam into a prepared cavity?

Answer: Amalgam condenser

An amalgam condenser (plugger) is used to pack and condense amalgam into the prepared cavity to remove voids.

The Tofflemire matrix retainer is used in conjunction with which component to create a temporary wall during amalgam restorations?

Answer: Matrix band

The Tofflemire retainer holds the matrix band around the tooth to replace missing walls during amalgam placement.

What is the primary purpose of a wooden wedge placed interproximally during a Class II restoration?

Answer: To separate teeth and seal the gingival margin of the matrix band

Wooden wedges are placed to adapt the matrix band tightly at the gingival margin and provide slight tooth separation.

Which carving instrument is best suited for carving the occlusal anatomy of an amalgam restoration?

Answer: Hollenback carver

The Hollenback carver has a pointed blade ideal for carving occlusal pits, fissures, and grooves in amalgam.

An enamel hatchet is classified as what type of cutting instrument?

Answer: Chisel

The enamel hatchet is a type of chisel with the blade set at an angle, used to cut and refine enamel walls.

Which instrument is used to smooth and polish amalgam margins and contours after the material has initially set?

Answer: Ball burnisher

A ball burnisher smooths rough amalgam surfaces and adapts margins to improve the final contour and seal.

For a composite resin restoration tray setup, which instrument replaces the amalgam condenser?

Answer: Composite placement instrument (plastic filling instrument)

Plastic filling instruments (PFIs) are used for composite resin to avoid metallic contamination that can discolor the restoration.