Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

Which restorative material is preferred for its stability in impressions?

1. PVC

2. Silicone

3. PVS

4. Gypsum

The correct answer is: PVS

PVS, or polyvinyl siloxane, is the preferred restorative material for its stability in impressions due to several key characteristics. It exhibits excellent dimensional stability, meaning that it maintains its shape and size over time, which is critical when creating detailed impressions of teeth and oral structures. PVS is also resistant to deformation, allowing for precise reproduction of intricate details, which is essential in restorative dentistry. Additionally, PVS materials offer a favorable balance of flow characteristics and viscosity, enabling them to capture finely detailed surface textures without compromising the ease of handling during the impression-taking process. They also provide good hydrophilicity, which helps in scenarios where moisture may be a factor, enhancing their ability to capture accurate impressions. Moreover, PVS has favorable mechanical properties, which contribute to its durability and reliability during the impression-making and pouring processes. Its resistance to tearing and high dimensional stability post-setting makes it an ideal choice in various clinical situations, positioning it above other materials such as PVC, silicone, and gypsum in this context.