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Correct Answer: 18
when performing dental procedures, particularly restorations, it is common practice to use a dental dam. a dental dam is a small, square sheet, typically made of latex or silicone, that isolates the target tooth or teeth from the rest of the mouth. this isolation helps in maintaining a dry and clean working area, which is crucial for the success of most dental treatments, including fillings and root canals.
the effectiveness of a dental dam largely depends on its proper placement and stabilization. this is where the concept of an anchor tooth comes into play. an anchor tooth is used to secure the dental dam clamp, which holds the dam in place during the procedure. typically, the anchor tooth is selected based on its stability and position relative to the tooth being treated.
for the restoration of tooth #19, which is a lower left molar, the appropriate anchor tooth would generally be one or two teeth distal (towards the back of the mouth) to the tooth being restored. this positioning helps in providing optimal stability and access for the procedure. in this specific scenario, tooth #18, which is directly adjacent to tooth #19, would be an ideal choice for the anchor tooth. tooth #18 is close enough to provide the needed support, yet far enough to not interfere with the procedure on tooth #19.
choosing tooth #18 as the anchor also allows for easier placement of the dental dam clamp, as it can securely grasp the contours of this molar. molars typically have larger and more defined cusps compared to other teeth, which can better accommodate the clamp of the dental dam, ensuring that it remains securely in place.
therefore, in the context of preparing for a restoration on tooth #19, tooth #18 is the most logical choice for an anchor tooth. this selection ensures both stability of the dental dam and efficient workflow during the dental procedure.
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