Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Dental OSCE Exam with interactive quizzes, flashcards, and detailed answer explanations. Boost your confidence and improve your clinical competencies!

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What is a major disadvantage of irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials?

Low cost
High accuracy
Susceptibility to dehydration
Long setting time

The correct answer is: Susceptibility to dehydration

Irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials, commonly known as alginates, are widely used in dentistry due to their ease of use and affordability. However, a significant disadvantage of these materials is their susceptibility to dehydration. When exposed to air, alginate impressions can lose moisture, which leads to dimensional changes and distortion. This can adversely impact the accuracy of the impression, compromising the quality of the resulting casts and affecting any subsequent dental procedures. Maintaining the integrity of an alginate impression necessitates proper handling and storage. If the impression is not poured promptly or is not protected from dehydration, the accuracy deteriorates, resulting in a less reliable outcome for clinical applications. This vulnerability to environmental conditions is a critical factor that dental professionals must consider when selecting impression materials for various procedures.