Podcast
Questions and Answers
The process of composite finishing and polishing follows a fine to coarse abrasive progression.
The process of composite finishing and polishing follows a fine to coarse abrasive progression.
False
Heat generation during finishing and polishing must be controlled to avoid pulpal irritation.
Heat generation during finishing and polishing must be controlled to avoid pulpal irritation.
True
Using a slow-speed handpiece is unnecessary in preventing excessive heat during polishing.
Using a slow-speed handpiece is unnecessary in preventing excessive heat during polishing.
False
Isolation of the tooth is not important when finishing and polishing composite restorations.
Isolation of the tooth is not important when finishing and polishing composite restorations.
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The goal of composite finishing and polishing is to create a rough and uneven restoration.
The goal of composite finishing and polishing is to create a rough and uneven restoration.
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Patients may experience vibrations or mild discomfort during the finishing and polishing process.
Patients may experience vibrations or mild discomfort during the finishing and polishing process.
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Dental floss can be used to confirm proper contacts and gingival margins after finishing and polishing.
Dental floss can be used to confirm proper contacts and gingival margins after finishing and polishing.
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Gathering necessary equipment for finishing and polishing is considered an optional step.
Gathering necessary equipment for finishing and polishing is considered an optional step.
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Finishing and polishing composite restorations help decrease the risk of recurrent caries.
Finishing and polishing composite restorations help decrease the risk of recurrent caries.
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Composite restorations can only be polished after a certain period post-placement.
Composite restorations can only be polished after a certain period post-placement.
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The only goal of polishing is to improve the esthetics of the restoration.
The only goal of polishing is to improve the esthetics of the restoration.
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Polishing is performed more frequently than refinishing for composite restorations.
Polishing is performed more frequently than refinishing for composite restorations.
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Finishing and polishing are viewed as two distinct procedures in the process of improving composite restorations.
Finishing and polishing are viewed as two distinct procedures in the process of improving composite restorations.
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Overextension is an indication for repair or replacement of composite restorations.
Overextension is an indication for repair or replacement of composite restorations.
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Improper finishing of composite restorations can lead to plaque buildup and periodontal disease.
Improper finishing of composite restorations can lead to plaque buildup and periodontal disease.
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Various products such as burs, strips, and pastes are used for polishing composite restorations.
Various products such as burs, strips, and pastes are used for polishing composite restorations.
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A curved scalpel blade is effective for removing interproximal overhangs due to its single cutting edge on the outside curve.
A curved scalpel blade is effective for removing interproximal overhangs due to its single cutting edge on the outside curve.
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The outer edge of the scalpel blade is designed to cut and therefore poses a higher risk of soft tissue trauma.
The outer edge of the scalpel blade is designed to cut and therefore poses a higher risk of soft tissue trauma.
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If a hygienist feels uncomfortable using a scalpel, they should seek assistance from a dentist.
If a hygienist feels uncomfortable using a scalpel, they should seek assistance from a dentist.
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Flame-shaped finishing burs are primarily used to remove composite materials from gingiva.
Flame-shaped finishing burs are primarily used to remove composite materials from gingiva.
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Finishing disks are suitable for restorations that extend onto the facial or lingual surface.
Finishing disks are suitable for restorations that extend onto the facial or lingual surface.
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The center of the finishing strip is abrasive, allowing it to cut through the proximal contact effectively.
The center of the finishing strip is abrasive, allowing it to cut through the proximal contact effectively.
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When using finishing disks, deliberate brush strokes should always start from the restoration surface and move toward the tooth structure.
When using finishing disks, deliberate brush strokes should always start from the restoration surface and move toward the tooth structure.
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Keeping the finishing bur in a constant motion is critical to avoid gouging the restoration.
Keeping the finishing bur in a constant motion is critical to avoid gouging the restoration.
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Egg- or football-shaped finishing burs are used for occlusal finishing.
Egg- or football-shaped finishing burs are used for occlusal finishing.
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Polishing involves removing more material than finishing to achieve a high-luster surface.
Polishing involves removing more material than finishing to achieve a high-luster surface.
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Finishing points and cups are used to create deliberate, brush-like strokes on surfaces.
Finishing points and cups are used to create deliberate, brush-like strokes on surfaces.
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Flame-shaped finishing burs are primarily used for polishing occlusal surfaces.
Flame-shaped finishing burs are primarily used for polishing occlusal surfaces.
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Evaluating the finishing procedure is unnecessary before polishing.
Evaluating the finishing procedure is unnecessary before polishing.
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Fine abrasive disks are only used for polishing facial surfaces, not for occlusal surfaces.
Fine abrasive disks are only used for polishing facial surfaces, not for occlusal surfaces.
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Composite polishing pastes are used to create a high-luster finish and improve esthetics.
Composite polishing pastes are used to create a high-luster finish and improve esthetics.
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The restoration should be rough and shiny after the polishing procedure.
The restoration should be rough and shiny after the polishing procedure.
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The purpose of polishing is solely to enhance the structural integrity of a material.
The purpose of polishing is solely to enhance the structural integrity of a material.
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Dental materials must meet criteria such as biocompatibility and strength for effective restorations.
Dental materials must meet criteria such as biocompatibility and strength for effective restorations.
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Using high-speed tools is recommended to reduce heat generation during polishing.
Using high-speed tools is recommended to reduce heat generation during polishing.
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Water or cooling agents can be used to help prevent heat buildup when working with dental materials.
Water or cooling agents can be used to help prevent heat buildup when working with dental materials.
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It is advisable to work continuously on one spot to achieve the best polishing results.
It is advisable to work continuously on one spot to achieve the best polishing results.
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Heat-resistant materials can aid in managing heat better during polishing and finishing processes.
Heat-resistant materials can aid in managing heat better during polishing and finishing processes.
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The longevity of dental procedures has no relation to the choice of dental materials used.
The longevity of dental procedures has no relation to the choice of dental materials used.
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Taking breaks while working helps to cool down tools and materials, preventing overheating.
Taking breaks while working helps to cool down tools and materials, preventing overheating.
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Maintaining a dry tooth during polishing a composite restoration is the best way to prevent overheating of the pulp.
Maintaining a dry tooth during polishing a composite restoration is the best way to prevent overheating of the pulp.
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Composite restorations should ideally be finished during the placement appointment.
Composite restorations should ideally be finished during the placement appointment.
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Coarser abrasive disks should be followed by finer abrasive disks to improve the surface finish of composites.
Coarser abrasive disks should be followed by finer abrasive disks to improve the surface finish of composites.
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Finishing and polishing composite restorations can lead to excessive corrosion.
Finishing and polishing composite restorations can lead to excessive corrosion.
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An egg-/football-shaped finishing bur is the most effective abrasive for finishing the lingual side of anterior composite restorations.
An egg-/football-shaped finishing bur is the most effective abrasive for finishing the lingual side of anterior composite restorations.
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Polishing is performed before finishing in the restoration process.
Polishing is performed before finishing in the restoration process.
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Removing occlusal excess and flash is done during the finishing phase of composite restorations.
Removing occlusal excess and flash is done during the finishing phase of composite restorations.
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Smoothing the facial and lingual surfaces is an optional step in the polishing process.
Smoothing the facial and lingual surfaces is an optional step in the polishing process.
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Study Notes
Dental Materials - Finishing and Polishing
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Purpose of Finishing and Polishing Composite Restorations:
- Creates a smooth, consistent surface.
- Makes the restoration easy for patients to clean.
- Improves the longevity of the restoration.
- Reduces the risk of recurrent cavities.
- Promotes healthier surrounding tissues.
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Frequency of Polishing vs. Refinishing:
- Polishing is generally more frequent than refinishing for composite restorations.
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Advantages of Finishing and Polishing:
- Smooth, undetectable margins.
- Plaque-resistant surface.
- Healthier gingival tissues.
- Increased lifespan of restoration.
- Enhanced aesthetics.
- Proper contours.
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Methods to Achieve Benefits:
- Proper smoothing and polishing helps ensure smooth cavosurface margins, restores functional anatomy, and creates a smooth surface, mimicking enamel.
Evaluation of Composite Restorations
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Evaluation Timing: Composite restorations can be finished and polished immediately after placement—unlike amalgam.
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Evaluation Factors:
- Improper placement or incomplete finishing increases issues like recurrent caries, plaque build-up, periodontal disease, and restoration failure.
- Composite restorations are evaluated regularly during dental exams to determine if any further finishing, cleaning, repair, or replacement is required.
Indications for Finishing and Polishing
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Defects and irregularities:
- Overextension/flash.
- Premature occlusal contacts.
- Overhangs.
- Limited discoloration.
- Limited recontouring needed.
- Small chips or defects.
Indications for Repair or Replacement
- Gross overextension/overhang.
- Open margins.
- Fractures.
- Extensive discoloration.
- Recurrent cavities.
- Open proximal contacts.
- Larger defects.
Procedure for Composite Finishing and Polishing
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Assess the Restoration:
- Dry the restoration.
- Inspect for proper anatomical structure, chips, voids, stains, or other defects.
- Evaluate occlusal and proximal contacts.
- Examine margins with an explorer.
- Verify proper contacts and gingival margins using dental floss.
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Informing the Patient:
- Discuss the procedure and explain the intent of steps.
- Inform the patient of possible sensations like vibrations, mild discomfort, or a warming feeling during the procedure, especially when using a low-speed handpiece.
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Gather Necessary Equipment:
- Choose appropriate instruments based on the restoration and the clinician's preference, for example, mouth mirror, articulating paper, explorer, slow-speed handpiece, air-water syringe, cotton rolls, finishing burs, finishing strips, and polishing disks.
Finishing the Composite Restoration
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Proximal Surfaces:
- Use a curved scalpel blade to remove overhangs and flash, maintaining a safe distance from gingiva, ensuring no damage.
- Flame-shaped finishing burs are used for smooth contours, margins, and the removal of overhangs and excess material. The burs should be held at a slight acute angle with the cutting edge on the inside curve of the blade. Smooth, deliberate intermittent brush strokes should be used on the tooth and restorations to prevent gouging or damage.
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Finishing Disks: Used for areas extending to the facial or lingual surfaces.
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Abrasive Disk System: Some disks use a color-coded gradation for varying degrees of abrasion, moving from coarse initial finishing to smoother fine polishing.
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Finishing Strips: Specifically for proximal contacts. Follow specific technique to prevent damage to adjacent tooth areas.
Polishing
- Polishing: Similar to finishing, but with finer abrasives and aiming for smooth, lustrous surface.
- Occlusal Surfaces: Use polishing points, cups or disks with smooth strokes.
- Facial/Lingual Surfaces: Similar to occlusal procedures. Use polishing points, disks or cups.
- Composite Polishing Pastes: Frequently used for the final step in achieving a smooth, shiny finish, enhancing aesthetic appeal.
Considerations for Finishing and Polishing
- Preventing Overheating: Use low-speed tools and cooling agents to prevent potential damage to the pulp.
- Proper Sequencing: Following a system of progressive polishing (with successively finer abrasives) is vital.
- Isolation: Use cotton rolls, dry angles, or a rubber dam to prevent damage to adjacent teeth or soft tissue during finishing and polishing.
- Evaluation: Ensure all items from the skill performance evaluation are met before proceeding to polishing.
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Description
This quiz covers the essential aspects of finishing and polishing composite restorations in dentistry. It highlights the purpose, advantages, and methods for achieving a smooth and durable surface for better oral health outcomes. Test your knowledge on the frequency of polishing versus refinishing and the evaluation of composite restorations.
