Operative Dentistry

What is the goal of ergonomics?

To stay healthy and prevent injuries while working.

What is the ideal working position for a dental assistant?

Neutral position, sitting straight with weight evenly distributed.

What are cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs)?

Injuries caused by repetitive movements, overflexion, and overextension.

What is an example of a cumulative trauma disorder?

Carpal tunnel syndrome.

What is the first symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Painful tingling in one or both hands.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Pressure on the median nerve from swelling of surrounding tendons.

What is a full back release exercise?

An exercise that relieves stress in the back, neck, and shoulders.

What causes eye strain?

Focusing on one task for a long time.

How do you prevent eye strain?

Look at a distant point for 20 seconds regularly.

Why are left and right gloves better than ambidextrous gloves?

They reduce tension on the thenar eminence.

What is the thenar eminence?

The fleshy area at the base of the thumb.

Where should frequently used items be placed?

Within comfortable reach, with elbows close to the body.

What is the upright position?

The patient is sitting upright.

What is the supine position?

The patient is lying flat.

What is the subsupine position?

The patient's head is lower than the legs and chest.

When is the upright position used?

Alginate impressions, dental X-rays, patient arrival and dismissal.

What is a rheostat?

A foot-controlled device used to activate and adjust handpiece speed.

What is the best way to prepare for the day's patients?

Have a morning meeting with the dental team.

What is team dentistry also called?

Four-handed dentistry.

What is four-handed dentistry?

The dentist and dental assistant work together using both pairs of hands.

Which motion classifications are allowed in the dental office?

Class I, II and III.

Which motion classifications should be avoided?

Class IV and V.

What is Class I motion?

Finger movement only.

What is Class II motion?

Finger and wrist movement.

What is Class III motion?

Finger, wrist and elbow movement.

What is Class IV motion?

Arm movement from the shoulder.

What is Class V motion?

Movement involving the body or trunk.

What is the operator zone for a right-handed dentist?

7–12 o'clock.

What is the static zone?

12–2 o'clock.

What is the dental assistant zone?

2–4 o'clock.

What is the transfer zone?

4–7 o'clock.

Which hand does the dental assistant use to transfer instruments?

The left hand.

What are the two instrument transfer techniques?

One-handed and two-handed techniques.

Which instruments are transferred using one-handed technique?

Restorative instruments.

Which instruments are transferred using two-handed technique?

Surgical instruments.

Where should you hold an instrument before transferring it?

On the opposite side of its working end.

How are the mouth mirror and explorer transferred?

Simultaneously, mouth mirror in the right hand and explorer in the left hand.

How is a hinged instrument transferred?

The handle is placed into the dentist's palm.

What are the four uses of a mouth mirror?

Indirect vision, reflecting light, retracting and protecting soft tissues.

What is a fulcrum?

A finger rest used to stabilize the hand.

How much higher should the dental assistant sit than the dentist?

4–6 inches higher.

Where should the dental assistant's feet be placed?

On the foot ring.

How close should the dental assistant sit to the patient?

Close to the patient chair.

How should the dental assistant sit?

Straight with the back supported.

How should the operator's feet be positioned?

Flat on the floor.

How should the operator's knees be positioned?

Lower than the hips.

What supports the operator's lower back?

The back support of the chair.

How should the operator's elbows and forearms be positioned?

Elbows close to the body and forearms parallel to the floor.

What is the pen grasp?

Holding an instrument like a pen.

What is the palm grasp?

Holding the instrument inside the palm.

What is the palm-thumb grasp?

Holding the instrument in the palm and stabilizing it with the thumb.

In what order are instruments arranged on the tray?

Examination instruments, hand-cutting instruments, restorative instruments.

What instruments are included in the basic setup?

Mouth mirror, explorer and cotton pliers.

What is an excavator used for?

Removing soft dentin.

What are restorative instruments used for?

Placing, condensing, carving and restoring the anatomy of restorative materials.

What is a discoid-cleoid carver used for?

Restoring the anatomy of the occlusal surface.

What is a Hollenback carver used for?

Restoring the anatomy of proximal surfaces.

What are burnishers used for?

Smoothing restorative materials.

Name examples of burnishers.

Ball, football, acorn, T-bar and beavertail.

What are the three parts of an instrument?

Handle, shank and working end.

What is the handle?

The part used to hold the instrument.

What is the shank?

The part connecting the handle to the working end.

What is the working end?

The part that performs the function of the instrument.

What is a Woodson (FP-1) used for?

The paddle end carries composite and the nib end condenses composite.

Why does a high-speed handpiece have a coolant system?

To prevent frictional heat from damaging the pulp.

What type of bur attaches to a high-speed handpiece?

Friction grip (FG).

What type of bur attaches to a low-speed handpiece?

Latch type.

How are dental handpieces classified?

Semicritical devices.

What must be done to dental handpieces after use?

They must be sterilized.

What are the three instrument classifications?

Noncritical, semicritical and critical.

What is Black's Class I cavity?

A cavity on pits and fissures.

What is Black's Class II cavity?

A cavity on proximal surfaces of premolars and molars.

What is Black's Class III cavity?

A cavity on proximal surfaces of anterior teeth.

What is Black's Class IV cavity?

A cavity on proximal surfaces and incisal edges of anterior teeth.

What is Black's Class V cavity?

A cavity on the cervical or gingival third near the gingival margin.

Which matrix system is used for Class II posterior restorations?

Tofflemire.

Which matrix system is used for Class III and IV anterior restorations?

Mylar strip.

Which matrix system is used for posterior Class II composite restorations?

Palodent.

Which matrix system is used for primary teeth?

T-band.

What is the purpose of a matrix band?

To replace a missing tooth wall and help shape the restoration.

What is a Tofflemire matrix system?

A universal matrix system mainly used for Class II restorations.

Where is the Tofflemire retainer positioned?

On the buccal side.

What is the purpose of a wedge?

To press the matrix band against the tooth and help create proper proximal contour.

From which side is a wedge usually placed?

The lingual side.

What instrument is used to hold wedges?

Howe pliers.

How many wedges are needed for one missing proximal surface?

One wedge.

What is a Mylar strip made of?

Clear plastic.

Why is a Mylar strip transparent?

To allow curing light to pass through.

What are three uses of a Mylar strip?

Contouring the restoration, protecting adjacent teeth and allowing curing light through.

Which restorative material is commonly used for Class III and IV restorations?

Composite.

What is a retention pin?

A screw-like pin placed in dentin to help retain a restoration.

What can a retention pin help replace?

A missing cusp.

How many retention pins are used to replace one cusp according to the notes?

One pin.

What is ZOE?

Zinc oxide eugenol.

What is ZOE used for?

Temporary restorations or intermediate restorative material.

What consistency can ZOE be mixed to?

Putty-like consistency.

What are the four main parts of a Tofflemire retainer?

Outer knob, spindle, diagonal slot and inner knob.

What does the outer knob do?

Helps hold the matrix band securely.

What does the spindle do?

Holds the matrix band securely.

What is the purpose of the diagonal slot?

Allows the matrix band to slide through.