Dental Materials Exam 3 - General Dentistry Chapter 48

Dental Materials Overview

• Axial Wall: Internal surface of a cavity aligned vertically with the tooth's pulp.
• Cavity: A defect in a tooth due to decay.
• Cavity Preparation: Removal of decay and shaping of a tooth for restoration.
• Cavity Wall: Internal surface of the cavity.
• Convenience Form: Design element in cavity preparation for easier restoration access.
• Diastema: Space between two teeth.

Cavity Preparation Principles

• Outline Form: Initial design and depth determined by the dentist for effective restoration.
• Resistance Form: Involves shaping cavity walls to withstand forces during function.
• Retention Features: Placement of retention aids to secure the restoration.
• Accessibility: Ensures the tooth can be effectively prepared and restored.

Classes of Permanent Restorations

• Class I Restoration: Targets pits and fissures; prone to plaque accumulation.

  • Involves premolars, molars, and anterior teeth’s lingual surfaces.
  • Requires dentist assessment of occlusion for proper restoration.

• Class II Restoration: Extends to proximal surfaces; often necessitates amalgam or composite.

  • Involves the occlusal surface for approach due to access difficulties.
  • Requires a matrix system to hold restoration materials in place.

• Class III Restoration: Affects interproximal surfaces of incisors and canines.

• Class IV Restoration: Similar to Class III but includes incisal edges; requires aesthetic composite resins.

• Class V Restoration: Smooth surface lesions on facial/lingual gingival thirds; prepared with no angles.

Retention Pins in Complex Procedures

• Used when decay exceeds the limits of traditional retention methods.
• One pin typically required per cusp for stability.
• Alternative to grooves or bonding when significant tooth structure is compromised.

Intermediate Restorations

• Serve as a provisional measure to assess tooth health before permanent restoration.
• Commonly employed to allow time for permanent restoration or due to financial considerations.

Composite Veneers Application

• Veneers: Thin tooth-colored material for aesthetic enhancement.
• Direct Technique: Composite resin bonded directly to the tooth surface.
• Indirect Technique: Custom porcelain veneers prepared in a lab and cemented to the tooth.

Tooth-Whitening Procedures

• Various methods include in-office, at-home treatments, and over-the-counter products.
• Dental assistants play a key role in assisting with these procedures and patient education.