Matricing And Tooth Separation Question And Answers

Separation Important Notes

1. Types of separators

  • Two types
    • Slow separation
      • The teeth are separated by inserting certain materials between them
    • Rapid separation
      • It is achieved by the wedge principle and traction principle

2. Wedges

Separation Wedges

Separation Short Essays

Question 1. Separation of teeth / Tooth Separators / Indication of Separators.

Answer:

Separation of teeth / Tooth Separators / Indication of Separators:

Definition:

It is the process of separating the involved teeth slightly away from each other or bringing them closer to each other and/or changing their spatial position in one/more dimension

Purpose:

  • Diagnosing the proximal caries
  • Accessibility to proximal area
  • Polishing of proximal restoration
  • Matrix placement
  • Removal of foreign bodies
  • Repositioning shifted teeth

Methods:

1. Slow/Delayed Separation:

  • Rubber ring/band
    • Orthodontic purpose
    • Needs 2-3 days to 1 week
  • Rubber dam sheet
    • Heavy/extra-heavy type used
    • Needs 1-24 hours/more
  • Ligature wire
    • Separation in 2-3 days
  • Oversized temporary crowns
  • Fixed orthodontic appliances

2. Rapid/Immediate Separation:

  • Traction principle:
    • Ferrier double bow
    • Has 2 bows, each bow engages the proximal tact area of the tooth
    • Use – Tooth preparation
    • Finishing and polishing
  • Wedge principle:
    • Elliot separator
    • Wedges

Question 2. Wedges and Wedging methods.

Answer:

Wedges:

  • Devices for rapid tooth separation

Functions:

  • Rapid tooth separation
  • Prevent overhanging restoration
  • Stabilizes matrix band
  • Gingival retraction
  • Adapt/contour restoration in cervical areas

Types:

1. Wooden Wedges:

  • Easily trimmed
  • Shapes:
    • Triangular
    • Round

Read And Learn More: Operative Dentistry Short And Long Essay Question And Answers

2. Plastic Wedges:

  • Light transmitting wedge
  • Used for composite restoration
  • Size: Length of wedge 1-1.2 cm

Wedging Techniques:

1. Double Wedging:

  • Two wedges are used
  • One inserted from the buccal embrasure
  • Other from the lingual embrasure

Separation Double wedging technique

2. Wedge Wedging:

  • Two wedges are used:
    • One inserted from the lingual embrasure
    • Another Inserted between the first wedge and matrix band
  • Indication 
    • The mesial aspect of maxillary first premolar due to the presence of flutes

Separation Wedge Wedging

3. Piggyback Wedging:

  • Two wedges are used:
    • A larger one inserted from the lingual embrasure
    • Smaller one is placed over it
    • Use – Gingival recession

Separation Wedge Piggy back wedging

Separation Short Answers

Question 1. Elliot Separator.

Answer:

Elliot Separator:

  • Synonym: Crab-claw separator

Parts:

  • Bow
  • Two holding jaws
  • Tightening screw

Placement:

  • Place the jaws gingival to the contact area
  • Tighten the screw in a clockwise direction

Precaution:

  • Avoid tooth separation beyond the thickness of PDL i.e. 0. 2-0.5mm

Uses:

  • Diagnosis of proximal areas
  • Polishing of proximal restoration

Separation Viva Voce

  1. Wedges are third component of the matrix system
  2. Wedges must be triangular or trapezoidal in cross-section
  3. The gingival aspect of the wedge may be lightly moistened with lubricant to facilitate its placement
  4. The tightness of the wedge is tested by pressing the tip of an explorer firmly at several points along the middle two-thirds of the gingival margins
  5. A triangular wedge is used for preparations with mar-gins deep in the gingival sulcus
  6. A round wedge is used for preparations with margins coronal to the gingival sulcus
  7. The wedge is kept as short as possible

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