Prosthodontics & Occlusion · single question
When should you take the shade of a patient's crown?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. After drying the tooth
✓ The answer given is 'after drying the tooth' — but the accepted standard is BEFORE drying/preparation.
Proper shade selection technique: (1) Before preparation — the tooth is still in its natural state; (2) On a hydrated tooth — dried enamel appears chalky and lighter than actual shade (dehydration causes optical changes); (3) Under natural or appropriate lighting. The PDF answer key states 'after drying' but classical teaching is to take shade BEFORE drying because dried tooth enamel appears lighter/whiter than the true hydrated shade. Note this discrepancy for exam purposes — the question as written marks 'after drying' as correct.
Proper shade selection technique: (1) Before preparation — the tooth is still in its natural state; (2) On a hydrated tooth — dried enamel appears chalky and lighter than actual shade (dehydration causes optical changes); (3) Under natural or appropriate lighting. The PDF answer key states 'after drying' but classical teaching is to take shade BEFORE drying because dried tooth enamel appears lighter/whiter than the true hydrated shade. Note this discrepancy for exam purposes — the question as written marks 'after drying' as correct.
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