National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the National Dental Assisting Exam with comprehensive quiz questions, including multiple choice and detailed explanations. Equip yourself for success!

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What is the purpose of condensing amalgam?

To create a smoother surface
To aid in removing excess mercury
To enhance the color of the material
To increase the working time

The correct answer is: To aid in removing excess mercury

The purpose of condensing amalgam involves compressing the material into a cavity preparation to achieve a dense and well-adapted restoration. This process is crucial because it helps to remove excess mercury from the amalgam mixture. When amalgam is condensed, the mechanical action forces the mercury to migrate away from the surface, reducing the overall mercury content within the restoration, which is important for ensuring the health and safety of the patient. Additionally, proper condensation enhances the physical properties of the amalgam, such as strength and resistance to wear, while also ensuring that the material effectively bonds with the tooth structure. This process ultimately leads to a more durable and successful restoration. Other options, while relevant to the quality of the restoration, do not specifically address the primary function of condensing amalgam related to the removal of excess mercury. The smoothness of the surface may improve after finishing and polishing, not during the condensation. The color enhancement is more related to the composition of the amalgam itself rather than the condensing action. Similarly, working time is influenced by the formulation of the amalgam and the specific steps taken in the placement process rather than the condensing action.