Powers: Dental Materials, 10th Edition

Chapter 06: Finishing, Polishing, and Cleansing Materials

Test Bank

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. Finishing and polishing techniques are meant to:

A. remove plaque and calculus from restorations.
B. burnish the margins of gold castings.
C. remove excess material and to smooth roughened surfaces.
D. work-harden metal surfaces.
ANS: C

Feedback
A Removal of biofilm and calculus from tooth surfaces is part of the prophylaxis
process.
B The margins of gold castings are made accurate during the construction phase in
the laboratory.
C Finishing and polishing techniques are meant to remove excess material and to
smooth roughened surfaces.
D Materials are polished once they have reached their full hardness either through
chemical set or light cure.

REF: Pg. 69

2. The materials used for finishing and polishing are primarily:

A. surfactants.
B. humectants.
C. astringents.
D. abrasives.
ANS: D

Feedback
A Surfactants lower surface tension.
B Humectants provide hydration.
C Astringents help control bleeding.
D The materials used for finishing and polishing are primarily abrasives.

REF: Pg. 69

3. For an abrasive, the higher the speed, the greater the frequency per unit of time the
particle contacts the surface. In a clinical situation it is easiest to control pressure rather
than speed to vary the rate of abrasion.

Copyright © 2013, 2008 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

 Test Bank 6-2

A. Both statements are true.

B. Both statements are false.
C. The first statement is true; the second statement is false.
D. The first statement is false; the second statement is true.
ANS: C

Feedback
A Heavy pressure applied will cause deeper abrasions. Increasing speed increases
the rate of abrasion.
B Heavy pressure applied will cause deeper abrasions. Increasing speed increases
the rate of abrasion.
C In a clinical situation it is easiest to control speed rather than pressure to vary the
rate of abrasion.
D Heavy pressure applied will cause deeper abrasions. Increasing speed increases
the rate of abrasion.

REF: Pg. 69

4. _____ abrasives are generally hard, coarse abrasives used primarily for development of
desired contours of a restoration or tooth preparation and for removal of gross
irregularities on a surface.
A. Cleansing
B. Finishing
C. Polishing
D. A and B
E. B and C
ANS: B

Feedback
A Cleansing abrasives are soft materials.
B Finishing abrasives are generally hard, coarse abrasives used primarily for
development of desired contours of a restoration or tooth preparation and for
removal of gross irregularities on a surface.
C Polishing abrasives have finer particle sizes and are generally less hard than
abrasives that are used for finishing.
D A is incorrect, and B is correct.
E B is correct, and C is incorrect.

REF: Pg. 70

5. _____ abrasive disks are beige.

A. Aluminum oxide
B. Garnet
C. Cuttle
D. Silicon carbide

Copyright © 2013, 2008 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

 Test Bank 6-3

ANS: C

Feedback
A Aluminum oxide is used in air abrasion. Disks are reddish brown.
B Garnet is an abrasive that is mined. Disks are red.
C Cuttle abrasive disks are beige.
D Silicon carbide is the second hardest of the dental abrasives. Disks are black.

REF: Pg. 70

6. Sand disks should not be used interchangeably with _____ disks.

A. silicon carbide
B. cuttle
C. diamond
D. aluminum oxide
ANS: B

Feedback
A Silicone carbide may be used with sand disks.
B Sand disks should not be used interchangeably with cuttle disks.
C Diamond may be used with sand disks.
D Aluminum oxide may be used with sand disks.

REF: Pg. 70

7. Which of the following abrasive agents commonly used in dentistry for polishing and
cleansing is derived from diatoms?
A. Calcite
B. Kieselguhr
C. Pumice
D. Rouge
ANS: B

Feedback
A Calcite is a form of calcium carbonate.
B Kieselguhr is derived from diatoms, the remains of minute aquatic plants.
C Pumice is solicious volcanic glass.
D Rouge is composed of iron oxide.

REF: Pg. 71

8. Which of the following statements is true when using abrasives?

A. The area being finished and polished should be rinsed with each successive change
of abrasive.

Copyright © 2013, 2008 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

 Test Bank 6-4

B. Dry polishing will increase the efficiency of the abrasive.

C. Dry polishing will increase the danger of overheating the surface.
D. Both A and C are correct statements.
ANS: D

Feedback
A Both A and C are correct statements.
B Both A and C are correct statements.
C Both A and C are correct statements.
D The abrasive tool or slurry must not be used in a dry condition. Dry polishing
may reduce dramatically the efficiency of the abrasive and increase the danger of
overheating the surface.

REF: Pg. 71

9. Which of the following would represent an appropriate sequence for finishing and
polishing an amalgam restoration?
A. Finishing bur, green stone, tin oxide, silex
B. Green stone, finishing bur, silex, tin oxide
C. Green stone, finishing bur, tin oxide, silex
D. Tin oxide, silex, green stone, finishing bur
ANS: B

Feedback
A Polishing in these cases is done through the application of a sequence of
operations that includes the use of fine stones and abrasive disks or strips. The
final polish is developed by the application of extra-fine silex, followed by the
application of thin slurry of tin oxide, with a rotating soft brush.
B Green stone, finishing bur, silex, and tin oxide represents an appropriate
finishing and polishing sequence from coarse to fine.
C Polishing in these cases is done through the application of a sequence of
operations that includes the use of fine stones and abrasive disks or strips. The
final polish is developed by the application of extra-fine silex, followed by the
application of thin slurry of tin oxide, with a rotating soft brush.
D Polishing in these cases is done through the application of a sequence of
operations that includes the use of fine stones and abrasive disks or strips. The
final polish is developed by the application of extra-fine silex, followed by the
application of thin slurry of tin oxide, with a rotating soft brush.

REF: Pg. 72

10. Some fast-setting, high-copper amalgams can be polished about 8 to 12 minutes after
placement with a _____ paste of extra-fine _____ and water in a rubber cup.
A. dry; silex
B. dry; tin oxide

Copyright © 2013, 2008 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

 Test Bank 6-5

C. creamy; silex
D. creamy; tin oxide
ANS: C

Feedback
A Dry materials build up excessive heat that may damage the pulp.
B Dry materials build up excessive heat that may damage the pulp. Tin oxide is a
fine white powder that is used as a final polishing agent.
C Some fast-setting, high-copper amalgams can be polished about 8 to 12 minutes
after placement with a creamy paste of extra-fine silex and water in a rubber cup.
D Tin oxide is a fine white powder that is used as a final polishing agent.

REF: Pg. 72

11. The smoothest surface on a composite restoration is produced by:

A. diamond stones.
B. twelve-blade carbide burs.
C. curing against a polyester matrix.
D. green stones.
E. white stones.
ANS: C

Feedback
A Diamond is used to remove gross amounts of material from the marginal areas.
B Twelve-blade carbide burs are used to remove gross amounts of material from
the marginal areas.
C The smoothest surface on a composite restoration is produced by curing against
a polyester matrix.
D Stones are used to finish areas that are difficult to access.
E Stones are used to finish areas that are difficult to access.

REF: Pg. 72

12. The smoothest surface of a gold casting can be produced with a:

A. chamois.
B. fine cuttle disk.
C. crocus disk with rouge.
D. polished wax, pickled casting.
ANS: C

Feedback
A Chamois is a soft cloth that would need a light abrasive material, rouge, in order
to work adequately.
B A cuttle disk is too abrasive.

Copyright © 2013, 2008 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

 Test Bank 6-6

C The smoothest surface of a gold casting can be produced using a crocus disk
with rouge.
D A casting is pickled immediately after casting to remove surface impurities.

REF: Pg. 71

13. Which of the following represents an appropriate sequence for finishing and polishing an
acrylic denture base?
A. Pumice slurry, finishing bur, tripoli
B. Pumice slurry, tripoli, finishing bur
C. Finishing bur, tripoli, pumice slurry
D. Finishing bur, pumice slurry, tripoli
E. Tripoli, finishing bur, pumice slurry
ANS: D

Feedback
A The elements in this answer are out of order. Each element should be of a less
abrasive quality than the one before, with the finishing bur as the most abrasive
element.
B The elements in this answer are out of order. Each element should be of a less
abrasive quality than the one before, with the finishing bur as the most abrasive
element.
C The elements in this answer are out of order. Each element should be of a less
abrasive quality than the one before, with the finishing bur as the most abrasive
element.
D A finishing bur, pumice slurry with a single-row brush wheel or rag wheel, and a
final high polish with a rag wheel with tripoli, bendick, or a paste of tin oxide
and water is an appropriate finishing sequence for polishing an acrylic denture
base.
E The elements in this answer are out of order. Each element should be of a less
abrasive quality than the one before, with the finishing bur as the most abrasive
element.

REF: Pg. 73

14. After polishing, a denture should be stored _____ until delivery to the patient.
A. dry
B. in water
C. in glycerin
D. in ultrasonic cleaning solution
ANS: B

Feedback
A Denture material will dry out if not kept moist with water. This can cause
warping and shrinking of the acrylic.

Copyright © 2013, 2008 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

 Test Bank 6-7

B After polishing, a denture should be stored in water until delivery to the patient.
C Glycerin is not an appropriate material to store a denture in.
D Ultrasonic cleaning solution is not an appropriate material to store a denture in.

REF: Pg. 73

15. Which of the following procedures are recommended in order to maintain infection
control when using pumice to polish acrylic denture base material?
A. Use a separate pumice pan for each patient.
B. Mix pumice with a liquid disinfectant such as 5 parts sodium hypochlorite to 100
parts distilled water.
C. Change pumice daily.
D. A, B, and C are all recommended.
E. Only A and C are recommended.
ANS: D

Feedback
A A, B, and C are all correct.
B A, B, and C are all correct.
C A, B, and C are all correct.
D All three are recommended. Use a separate pumice pan for each patient; mix
pumice with a liquid disinfectant; and change the pumice daily.
E A, B, and C are all correct.

REF: Pg. 73

16. Which of the following types of abrasive materials found in prophy paste wear during use
but continue to abrade, producing an increasingly smoother surface?
A. Silicon dioxide
B. Diatomaceous silicon dioxide
C. Perlite
D. Sodium-potassium-aluminum silicate
E. Zirconium silicate
ANS: C

Feedback
A Silicon dioxide is a polishing agent that could damage tooth structure with
overuse.
B Diatomaceous silicon dioxide is a polishing agent that could damage tooth
structure with overuse.
C Perlite wears during use. As the particles wear, they become smaller but continue
to abrade, producing an increasingly smoother tooth surface.
D Sodium-potassium-aluminum silicate is a polishing agent that could damage
tooth structure with overuse.
E Zirconium silicate is a polishing agent that could damage tooth structure with

Copyright © 2013, 2008 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

 Test Bank 6-8

overuse.

REF: Pg. 73

17. Which of the following restorative materials is most subject to wear during a prophylactic
procedure?
A. Dental amalgam
B. Resin composites
C. Ceramic
D. Cast gold
ANS: B

Feedback
A Amalgam does not easily wear.
B Resin composites are most subject to wear, because of the low hardness of the
resin.
C Ceramic materials do abrade if course abrasives are used.
D Cast gold will abrade if course abrasives are used.

REF: Pg. 73

18. Which of the following materials is the most difficult to remove from a tooth surface
during tooth prophylaxis?
A. Acquired pellicle
B. Food debris
C. Plaque
D. Calculus
ANS: D

Feedback
A Soft deposits can be easily removed during a prophylaxis.
B Soft deposits can be easily removed during a prophylaxis.
C Soft deposits can be easily removed during a prophylaxis.
D Calculus is the most difficult to remove from a tooth surface during tooth
prophylaxis.

REF: Pg. 74

19. What is the purpose of a humectant in toothpaste?

A. Function as an abrasive
B. Prevent dehydration
C. Function as a binder
D. Prevent dental caries
E. Reduce the rate of formation of supragingival calculus

Copyright © 2013, 2008 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

 Test Bank 6-9

ANS: B

Feedback
A Abrasives help remove stain.
B The purpose of a humectant in toothpaste is to prevent dehydration.
C Binders are an additive.
D Fluorides help prevent caries.
E Tetrasodium pyrophospates reduce the rate of calculus formation.

REF: Pg. 74

20. Which of the following is not one of the criteria for an ideal denture cleanser?
A. Be stable during storage
B. Be able to remineralize worn acrylic denture teeth
C. Be able to attack or dissolve both the organic and inorganic portions of denture
deposits
D. Preferably be bactericidal and fungicidal
ANS: B

Feedback
A This is a positive quality of a denture cleanser.
B Being able to remineralize worn acrylic denture teeth is not one of the criteria for
an ideal denture cleanser.
C This is a positive quality of a denture cleanser.
D This is a positive quality of a denture cleanser.

REF: Pg. 75

21. Which of the following choices represent(s) an effective means of improving denture
cleanliness?
A. Fifteen-minute soaking
B. Ultrasonic vibration
C. Brushing
D. Chemical cleansers
E. C and D
ANS: E

Feedback
A Fifteen-minute soaking is neither effective on mature plaque nor completely
effective on stains and deposits.
B Ultrasonic vibration is not an efficient method for removal of denture plaque.
C Both C and D are correct.
D Both C and D are correct.
E Brushing of a denture surface and chemical cleansers are an effective means of
improving denture cleanliness and maintaining a healthy mucosa beneath a

Copyright © 2013, 2008 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

 Test Bank 6-10

removable partial denture.

REF: Pg. 76

22. Which of the following techniques are recommended for cleaning dentures and prosthetic
appliances fabricated from base metals such as cobalt-chromium alloy?
A. Light brushing
B. Immersion in a solution containing 1 teaspoon of a hypochlorite (Clorox) and 2
teaspoons of a glassy phosphate (Calgon) in one-half glass of water
C. Soaking in hot water
D. A, B, and C
E. A and C
ANS: A

Feedback
A Light brushing is recommended.
B Immersion in a solution containing 1 teaspoon of a hypochlorite (Clorox) and 2
teaspoons of a glassy phosphate (Calgon) in one-half glass of water is not
recommended for use on prosthetic appliances fabricated from base metals such
as cobalt-chromium alloy, because chlorine solutions tend to darken these
metals.
C Dentures should not be soaked in hot water, because the heat may cause the
acrylic to become distorted.
D Only A is correct.
E Only A is correct.

REF: Pg. 76

23. The soft liner of a denture should be cleaned with:

A. a brush with hard, stiff bristles.
B. an organic solvent such as chloroform.
C. a soaking type of denture cleanser.
D. cotton under cold water.
E. immersion in sodium hypochlorite followed by light brushing.
ANS: D

Feedback
A Soft liner is a fragile material that could be damaged by a stiff brush.
B Chloroform is toxic if ingested.
C Denture cleanser may be absorbed into the soft liner.
D The soft liner should be cleaned with cotton under cold water.
E Sodium hypochlorite is toxic if ingested.

REF: Pg. 76

Copyright © 2013, 2008 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

 Test Bank 6-11

24. Home bleaching agents typically contain 10% to 22% _____ peroxide.
A. hydrogen
B. carbamide
C. sodium
D. calcium
ANS: B

Feedback
A Hydrogen peroxide is used for in-office bleaching.
B Home bleaching agents typically contain 10% to 22% carbamide peroxide.
C Sodium is not used in bleaching materials.
D Calcium is used to assist with remineralization during treatment.

REF: Pg. 76

25. Which of the following statements is true of bleaching agents?

A. They will adversely affect restorative materials such as gold alloys, amalgam,
microfilled composites, or porcelain.
B. Bleach should come in contact with dentin in order to bleach the yellow shade.
C. Some microhybrid composites, hybrid ionomers, and glass ionomers have been
roughened slightly by bleaching gels.
D. Yellow, orange, or light brown stains are the least responsive to bleaching.
ANS: C

Feedback
A Bleaching agents typically do not affect gold alloys, amalgams, composites, or
porcelain.
B Contact with dentin may cause hypersensitivity.
C Some microhybrid composites, hybrid ionomers, and glass ionomers have been
roughened slightly by bleaching gels.
D Bleaching agents are effective against yellow, orange, and light brown stains.

REF: Pg. 76

26. The rate of abrasion is affected by the:

A. depth of the material.
B. rate of speed.
C. type of material.
D. number of filler particles.
ANS: B

Feedback
A There is significance in placement of the material but not on the rate of abrasion.
B The rate of abrasion of a given material by a given abrasive is determined

Copyright © 2013, 2008 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

 Test Bank 6-12

primarily by three factors: the size of the abrasive particle, the pressure of the
abrasive against the material being abraded, and the speed at which the abrasive
particle moves across the surface being abraded. All these factors can be
controlled clinically.
C The rate of abrasion of a given material by a given abrasive is determined
primarily by three factors: the size of the abrasive particle, the pressure of the
abrasive against the material being abraded, and the speed at which the abrasive
particle moves across the surface being abraded. All these factors can be
controlled clinically.
D The rate of abrasion of a given material by a given abrasive is determined
primarily by three factors: the size of the abrasive particle, the pressure of the
abrasive against the material being abraded, and the speed at which the abrasive
particle moves across the surface being abraded. All these factors can be
controlled clinically.

REF: Pg. 69

27. The amount of pressure exerted when using an abrasive material will:
A. cause the finish to be glossy as it increases.
B. cause the material to fracture if excessive.
C. cause deeper grooves in the finished restoration.
D. eliminate intrinsic stains in the surrounding enamel.
ANS: C

Feedback
A Excess pressure will scratch the surface of the restoration.
B The polishing disk or wheel may fracture.
C Heavy pressure applied by the abrasive causes deeper scratches and more rapid
removal of material.
D Abrasives do no remove intrinsic stains.

REF: Pg. 69

28. The smooth surface of a restoration will:

A. reduce retention of bacteria.
B. increase retention of bacteria.
C. allow stain formation.
D. produce a dull, nonreflective appearance.
ANS: A

Feedback
A A smooth surface (Ra less than 0.2 m) will reduce retention of bacteria and give
the restoration a shiny appearance.
B A smooth surface will reduce retention of bacteria.
C A smooth surface prevents the formation of stains.

Copyright © 2013, 2008 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

 Test Bank 6-13

D The smooth surface produces a shiny appearance.

REF: Pg. 69

29. The three categories of abrasives used in dentistry are:

A. pumice, tin-oxide, and rouge.
B. finishing, polishing, and cleansing.
C. light, medium, and course.
D. smoothing, wearing, and adhering.
ANS: B

Feedback
A All are types of abrasive materials.
B The three categories of abrasives used in dentistry are finishing, polishing, and
cleansing abrasives.
C All are grits of abrasive materials.
D Abrasives remove excess material including biofilms that adhere to the tooth
surface.

REF: Pg. 70

30. What is the purpose of using glycerin with polishing agents?

A. Maintains consistency
B. Improves polish
C. Evaporates
D. Provides gloss
ANS: A

Feedback
A The use of glycerin as a medium prevents the change in consistency that occurs
when water, which evaporates, is used to make a slurry.
B The use of glycerin as a medium prevents the change in consistency that occurs
when water, which evaporates, is used to make a slurry.
C The use of glycerin as a medium prevents the change in consistency that occurs
when water, which evaporates, is used to make a slurry.
D The use of glycerin as a medium prevents the change in consistency that occurs
when water, which evaporates, is used to make a slurry.

REF: Pg. 70

31. Diamond stones are:

A. created using diamond chips.
B. chips added to a binder.
C. formed into discs, cups, or points.
D. all of the above.

Copyright © 2013, 2008 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

 Test Bank 6-14

ANS: D

Feedback
A A, B, and C are all correct answers.
B A, B, and C are all correct answers.
C A, B, and C are all correct answers.
D Diamond chips normally are impregnated in a binder to form diamond stones
and disks. Diamond stones may be formed into disks, cups, and points made
with microfine diamonds.

REF: Pg. 72

32. Fine abrasives are used to:

A. remove excess material.
B. contour the restoration.
C. reduce scratches.
D. provide detailed anatomy.
ANS: C

Feedback
A Successively finer abrasives remove the large scratches produced.
B Successively finer abrasives remove the large scratches produced.
C Successively finer abrasives remove the large scratches produced.
D Successively finer abrasives remove the large scratches produced.

REF: Pg. 71

33. High-copper dental amalgam:

A. should not be polished.
B. can be polished after 8 to 12 minutes.
C. should be polished after 24 hours.
ANS: B

Feedback
A Polishing an amalgam restoration smoothes rough surfaces.
B Some of the fast-setting high-copper amalgams can be polished about 8 to 12
minutes after placement because of their rapid development of strength.
C Conventional amalgams must set 24 hours before polishing.

REF: Pg. 72

34. The finish on a glass ionomer restoration is:

A. rougher than a compomer.
B. smoother than a compomer.

Copyright © 2013, 2008 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

 Test Bank 6-15

C. smoother than composite resin.

D. the same as composite resin.
ANS: A

Feedback
A The roughness of finished and polished glass ionomer restorations is higher than
that of composites and resin-modified glass ionomers, primarily because of the
larger particle sizes of the filler.
B Compomer and composite resin will finish smoother than glass ionomer.
C Compomer and composite resin will finish smoother than glass ionomer.
D Compomer and composite resin will finish smoother than glass ionomer.

REF: Pg. 72

35. A rag wheel and pumice should be:

A. used on the tongue side of the prosthetic.
B. disposed of after each patient use.
C. sterilized before the next patient use.
D. only A and B.
E. all of the above.
ANS: D

Feedback
A A and B are both correct.
B A and B are both correct.
C Rag wheels can be sterilized, but pumice should not be used on other patients.
D A rag wheel and felt cone with pumice slurry are used to finish the tongue side
of a maxillary base. To maintain infection control, separate polishing burs, rag
wheels, and pumice pans should be used for prostheses.
E Only A and B are correct.

REF: Pg. 73

36. Dentifrice products that contain pumice and quartz show lower cleansing values.
Dentifrice products that contain pumice and quartz show lower abrasion to tooth surfaces.
A. The first statement is true; the second statement is true.
B. The first statement is true; the second statement is false.
C. The first statement is false; the second statement is false.
D. The first statement is false; the second statement is true.
ANS: C

Feedback
A Both statements are false.
B Both statements are false.

Copyright © 2013, 2008 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

 Test Bank 6-16

C Products that contain predominantly pumice and quartz show higher cleansing
values but generally result in a greater abrasion to both enamel and dentin.
D Both statements are false.

REF: Pg. 74

37. Which of the following cleaning techniques would be most effective for cleaning stain
and plaque from dentures?
A. A 15-minute soak daily with a chemical tablet
B. Using a toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste
C. Using a denture brush and denture paste
D. Periodic emersions in an ultrasonic cleaner
ANS: C

Feedback
A Customary 15-minute soaking is neither effective on mature plaque nor
completely effective on stains and deposits.
B The patient should be cautioned not to use dentifrices for cleansing denture bases
or acrylic denture teeth.
C The brushing of a denture surface is an effective means of improving denture
cleanliness and maintaining a healthy mucosa beneath a removable denture.
D Ultrasonic vibration is not an efficient method for removal of denture plaque.

REF: Pg. 75

38. Side effects of tooth whitening procedures include:

A. sloughing of the gingiva.
B. lightening esthetic restorations.
C. tooth hypersensitivity.
D. all of the above.
E. only A and C.
ANS: E

Feedback
A A and C are both correct.
B Whitening products do not adversely affect esthetic materials such as composite
resin.
C A and C are both correct.
D Only A and C are correct.
E Side effects are uncommon but include tooth hypersensitivity, soft tissue lesions
or sloughing, nausea, temporomandibular joint syndrome from the tray, and sore
throats from swallowing the bleach.

REF: Pg. 76

Copyright © 2013, 2008 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.