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 type of dental bur is used to create angles on the walls of a tooth preparation?

  1. Tapered Fissure Bur

  2. Round Bur

  3. Flame Bur

  4. Cylindrical Bur

The correct answer is: Tapered Fissure Bur

The tapered fissure bur is specifically designed with a tapered shape that allows for the creation of diverging angles on the walls of a tooth preparation. This design is essential in cavity preparation as it enables the dentist to create precise angles that facilitate the retention of restorative materials, ensuring that they bond securely to the tooth structure. The taper aids in removing dentin efficiently while shaping the preparation to promote the mechanical retention of fillings, especially in areas requiring more angular shaping. In contrast, the other types of burs mentioned serve different purposes; for instance, a round bur is primarily used for initial tooth structure removal and creating access cavities, and it does not have the tapered design necessary for creating angled walls. The flame bur is typically utilized for finishing and refining, particularly in areas requiring a more polished finish, while a cylindrical bur is generally used for shaping and removing material in areas that do not require specific angling. Each bur serves its unique function based on the shape and design intended for specific dental procedures.