Restorative & Materials · single question
To accelerate the setting time of alginate impression material, the operator should use:
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Warm water
- A. Incorrect. Ice water would maximally slow setting — the opposite of the desired effect.
- B. Incorrect. Cold water SLOWS the setting reaction — used when more working time is needed for complex or full-arch impressions.
- C. CORRECT. Warm water accelerates the chemical reaction between sodium alginate and calcium sulfate dihydrate, shortening the working and setting time. This is used when faster setting is needed (e.g., pediatric patients or when minimal working time is acceptable).
- D. Incorrect. Room temperature distilled water provides average (standard) setting time, not accelerated.
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