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Dental Composite Preparation Assessment Quiz

Gauge Your Skills in Composite Tooth Restoration

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art depicting dental tools for a quiz on Dental Composite Preparation Assessment

Discover this engaging Dental Composite Preparation Assessment to test your mastery of resin bonding, isolation and finishing techniques. Ideal for dental students and professionals preparing for clinical exams, this practice quiz offers a realistic test preparation experience. Users will build confidence in etching protocols, margin design and material selection with tailored feedback on each question. All questions can be freely modified in our intuitive editor to suit your learning objectives or teaching curriculum. For further study, try our Dental Anatomy Quiz, explore a Test Preparation Practice Quiz, or browse quizzes for more resources.

What is the primary purpose of etching enamel before composite placement?
Increase surface energy and create microporosities
Sterilize the tooth surface
Seal dentinal tubules
Change the color of enamel
Etching enamel with phosphoric acid increases surface energy and creates microporosities for micromechanical retention of the bonding agent. This ensures a strong bond between the composite and the tooth structure. Sterilization and color change are not achieved by etching.
What is the most common concentration of phosphoric acid used for enamel etching?
10%
35%
50%
30%
A 35% phosphoric acid solution is widely accepted for enamel etching because it effectively creates the ideal surface roughness without over-etching. Lower concentrations may be insufficient and higher concentrations can damage enamel. This concentration balances efficacy and safety.
Which instrument is typically used to apply the bonding agent to the tooth surface?
Spoon excavator
Cotton pliers
Dental explorer
Microbrush applicator
A microbrush applicator is designed to deliver bonding agent thinly and evenly onto the tooth surface. It allows controlled placement and minimizes pooling of the adhesive. Other instruments are not designed for precise adhesive application.
What is the ideal method of isolation during composite placement?
Rubber dam
High-volume suction alone
Cotton rolls alone
Gauze pads
A rubber dam provides complete isolation from saliva and moisture, ensuring a dry field for optimal bond strength. Cotton rolls and suction may not fully prevent contamination. Moisture control is critical for composite adhesion.
What mechanism provides micromechanical retention for composite resin in enamel?
Macro-undercuts in enamel
Resin tags into enamel microporosities
Chemical reaction between resin and enamel
Pin retention
Etching enamel creates microporosities into which resin penetrates and forms resin tags that lock the composite in place. Macro-undercuts and pins are not typical for direct composite retention. This micromechanical interlocking is the key bonding mechanism.
What is the recommended etching time for enamel with 35% phosphoric acid?
5 seconds
120 seconds
60 seconds
15 seconds
Etching enamel for 15 seconds with 35% phosphoric acid is sufficient to create microporosities without over-etching. Shorter times may be inadequate and longer times risk excessively demineralizing enamel. This timing is evidence-based.
After applying a solvent-based bonding agent, what is the next recommended step?
Retract gingiva
Apply composite resin immediately
Rinse with water
Air thinning to evaporate solvent
Air thinning removes residual solvent and ensures a uniform thin adhesive layer before light curing. Rinsing would wash away the bonding agent and immediate composite placement without thinning can trap solvent. Proper solvent evaporation is crucial.
What layering technique is recommended to minimize polymerization shrinkage stress?
Continuous horizontal layering of 3 - 4mm
Bulk filling in one 5mm increment
Incremental layering of 2mm or less
Wedge layering over 4mm
Placing composite in increments of 2mm or less reduces polymerization shrinkage stress by limiting C-factor and allowing adequate light penetration. Bulk filling thicker layers increases shrinkage stress. Incremental layering is standard practice.
Which margin design is preferred for a class II composite restoration?
Shoulder with sharp edge
Chamfer without bevel
Unbeveled butt joint
Beveled enamel margin
A beveled enamel margin increases surface area and improves etchant penetration for a stronger enamel bond. Sharp-shoulder and butt joints do not optimize micromechanical retention. Beveling is recommended for occlusal and proximal enamel margins.
Which finishing instrument is most effective for smoothing composite surfaces?
Coarse diamond bur
Finishing plaster
Aluminum oxide finishing discs
Scalpel blade
Aluminum oxide finishing discs provide controlled abrasion to produce a smooth composite surface. Coarse diamond burs are too aggressive, and scalpels are impractical. Discs help achieve optimal polish before final polishing steps.
What can significantly reduce bond strength if it contaminates the tooth surface after etching?
Rubber dam placement
Saliva contamination
Drying with air
Light curing
Saliva contamination introduces proteins that block resin penetration into microporosities, reducing bond strength. A rubber dam prevents this contamination. Proper isolation and re-etching after contamination restore bond quality.
Which type of composite is most suitable for posterior load-bearing restorations?
Glass ionomer cement
Flowable composite
Microfilled composite
Nanohybrid composite
Nanohybrid composites combine high filler loading with good polishability and mechanical strength, making them ideal for posterior restorations under occlusal load. Microfilled and flowable composites lack sufficient strength for this indication.
Over-etching dentin can lead to which potential pitfall?
Formation of macro-tags
Better bond strength
No effect on bonding
Opening tubules leading to sensitivity
Over-etching dentin demineralizes collagen beyond the depth of resin infiltration, leaving exposed tubules and risking postoperative sensitivity. It does not improve bond strength and can compromise the hybrid layer.
Which technique is best for moisture control at a subgingival margin?
High-volume evacuation alone
Retraction cord
Saliva ejector only
Cotton rolls only
Retraction cord displaces gingival tissue and absorbs crevicular fluid, creating access and a dry field at subgingival margins. Suction and cotton rolls alone cannot reliably control moisture in that area.
When selecting a composite for high wear resistance, which property is most important?
Small particle size only
Low filler load
High resin content
High filler load
A high filler load reduces resin matrix volume and improves wear resistance by distributing occlusal forces among inorganic particles. Low filler load and high resin content increase wear. Particle size alone is not sufficient without high loading.
For a deep class II composite with margins extending into dentin, which etching strategy optimizes bond?
Selective enamel etch only
Self-etch on enamel only
No etching before self-etch adhesive
Total-etch of enamel and dentin
Selective enamel etching with phosphoric acid followed by a self-etch adhesive on dentin provides optimal enamel bond and avoids over-demineralizing dentin. Total-etch risks deep collagen collapse in dentin, and self-etch alone is less effective on enamel.
Which bevel angle is recommended on enamel margins for optimal bonding?
120° reverse bevel
90° butt margin
45° bevel
30° bevel
A 45° enamel bevel increases the bonding surface and facilitates gradual resin layer transition into enamel rods. Shallower or steeper angles do not optimize enamel prism exposure. This angle balances retention and marginal integrity.
What consequence does insufficient light-curing intensity have on composite restorations?
Over-polymerization and brittleness
Reduced degree of conversion and weaker mechanical properties
No effect if curing time is extended
Excessive heat generation
Insufficient light intensity results in an incomplete polymerization reaction, leading to a lower degree of conversion and compromised mechanical properties. It does not generate excessive heat or over-polymerize. Extended time cannot fully compensate for low intensity.
What is the C-factor and why is it significant in composite placement?
Coefficient of thermal expansion of composite
Concentration factor of etchant
Ratio of filler to resin in composite
Ratio of bonded to unbonded surfaces affecting shrinkage stress
The C-factor is the ratio of bonded surfaces to unbonded (free) surfaces in a composite restoration; higher C-factors increase polymerization shrinkage stress. It does not relate to filler content or thermal expansion. Managing the C-factor is key to reducing stress.
After finishing with diamond burs and discs, what is the next step for final composite polishing?
Rinse and dry only
Apply bonding agent again
Use silicone polishing paste and polishing cups
Re-etch the composite surface
Using a silicone polishing paste with polishing cups yields a high-gloss finish and smooth surface on composite restorations. Rinsing alone does not polish, and re-etching or reapplying bonding agent is unnecessary after finishing steps.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify key steps in dental composite preparation for restorations.
  2. Apply correct etching and bonding protocols to simulated cases.
  3. Evaluate margin design and finishing techniques for optimal outcomes.
  4. Analyse potential pitfalls in composite resin placement.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of isolation techniques for moisture control.
  6. Master material selection criteria based on clinical scenarios.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Master Proper Cavity Preparation - Think of your cavity like a mini sculpture: rounding those sharp internal line angles helps distribute stress evenly and prevents tiny fractures from turning into big problems. With a smooth prep, your composite stands a better chance of lasting. Read more on Dentistry Today
  2. Perfect Your Etching Technique - Timing is everything! Etch enamel for 20 seconds and dentin for 10 seconds to create just the right roughness for bonding without weakening the tooth. Over-etching is like over-cooking pasta - it just falls apart! Discover the five bonding principles
  3. Choose the Right Adhesive System - Whether you go for a two-step self-etch or a three-step etch-and-rinse, understanding each system's workflow is key to a bulletproof bond. Nail this, and your restoration will stick around longer than your flashcards! Dive into adhesive science
  4. Keep It Dry with Moisture Control - A wet field is the enemy of good bonding. Rubber dams or other isolation tools are like your secret superheroes, keeping saliva and blood at bay so your composite resin can really adhere. Learn moisture-control tips
  5. Layer Composites with Care - Think of layering composite like building with Lego bricks: small increments reduce shrinkage stress and give you more control over the final shape. Plus, it's fun to see your restoration grow layer by layer! Explore layering strategies
  6. Finish and Polish for Longevity - A mirror-smooth surface not only feels great but also keeps plaque and stains from crashing the party. Spending extra time polishing pays off in a restoration that looks awesome and lasts longer. See polishing protocols
  7. Know Your Composite Types - From microfills to nanohybrids, each resin has its superpowers and best use cases. Pick the right one and you'll ace both strength and aesthetics in any situation. Compare composite categories
  8. Avoid Common Placement Pitfalls - Inadequate curing or skipping isolation steps can turn a perfect prep into a restorational headache. Spot these traps early to keep your work flawless. Read about common mistakes
  9. Understand Adhesion Principles - A pristine, uncontaminated tooth surface is like a blank canvas for your composite masterpiece. Dirt, saliva, or oils can compromise your bond, so prep like a pro! Review adhesion fundamentals
  10. Design Strong Margins - A seamless junction between tooth and resin keeps bacteria out and longevity in. Gentle bevels and precise margins are your best friends for leak-proof restorations. Understand margin design
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