What type of instrument is used to rub and smooth amalgam material?

Enhance your dental assisting skills with the Ohio EFDA Board Exam quiz. Study via flashcards, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations. Ace your exam!

The correct choice is the burnisher, which is specifically designed for rubbing and smoothing cavity preparation materials, such as amalgam. The burnisher has a smooth, rounded working end that allows the dental assistant or dentist to achieve a polished finish on the surface of the amalgam filling. This process is important for ensuring that the restoration is not only aesthetically pleasing but also helps to reduce plaque accumulation and enhances the longevity of the restoration.

In contrast, other instruments serve different functions. An explorer is primarily used for probing and examining teeth for decay or other issues. A carver is utilized to shape and contour the material by removing excess material and defining margins. Lastly, a plugger is mainly used for condensing and packing dental materials, such as amalgam, into the cavity preparation rather than for smoothing the surface. Each of these instruments has a distinct purpose in the dental practice, and the burnisher is uniquely suited for the task of smoothing amalgam.

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