Dental Assistant Practice Exam

What is a primary use of burnishers in dentistry?

1. To smooth and buff surfaces

2. To cut hard tissue

3. To seal dental restorations

4. To reshape metal restorations

The correct answer is: To smooth and buff surfaces

Burnishers are specifically designed tools in dentistry that serve the purpose of smoothing and buffing surfaces, particularly after the placement of various restorative materials such as dental amalgam or composite resin. The smooth surface produced by burnishing helps to enhance the aesthetic appearance of dental restorations by reducing surface roughness, which in turn minimizes plaque accumulation and improves patient comfort. In addition to their smoothing capabilities, burnishers also play a role in condensing and ensuring a proper initial adaptation of the restorative material to the tooth structure. This process can be crucial for creating a good seal and preventing leakage or microleakage over time. The other options, while relevant to various dental procedures, do not accurately describe the primary function of burnishers. For example, cutting hard tissues involves the use of instruments like dental drills, while sealing restorations typically requires materials such as sealants or varnishes, not burnishers. Reshaping metal restorations is more appropriately carried out using rotary instruments or other specialized tools rather than burnishers, which are not designed for cutting or reshaping hard materials.