DANB General Chairside Practice Test

Which statement is incorrect regarding tooth conditioner?

1. The conditioning agent is applied evenly

2. The conditioning agent is flowed onto the surface and rubbed vigorously

3. Its purpose is to clean the surface

4. It prepares the tooth for bonding

The correct answer is: The conditioning agent is flowed onto the surface and rubbed vigorously

The statement about the conditioning agent being flowed onto the surface and rubbed vigorously is incorrect because the application technique used for tooth conditioner is gentle and controlled to avoid damaging the tooth surface. Tooth conditioners, typically containing a mild acid, are designed to prepare the enamel for bonding agents used in restorations or sealants. When applying a conditioning agent, the emphasis is on even distribution to ensure that the surface is properly treated without causing trauma to the tooth's structure. Rubbing vigorously may disrupt the tooth surface and compromise the bonding process, leading to potential failures in adhesion or damage to the enamel. In contrast, the other statements correctly reflect the functions and application methods of tooth conditioners: they are applied evenly to optimize the surface area for bonding, they serve to clean the surface by removing debris and pellicle from the enamel, and they indeed prepare the tooth for effective adhesion of restorative materials. This careful approach ensures successful bonding and long-lasting dental work.