INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

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Ace your INBDE with our comprehensive practice exam. Featuring detailed explanations, interactive flashcards, and a wide array of multiple-choice questions designed to mirror the real test. Get ready to surpass your expectations!

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What is considered the primary retention form for amalgam restorations?

Diverging walls
Parallel walls
Converging walls
Undercuts

The correct answer is: Converging walls

Converging walls are considered the primary retention form for amalgam restorations because they provide the most secure fit for the filling material. This is because converging walls create a wider depth at the top of the preparation, allowing for better condensation and adaptation of the amalgam. Option A, diverging walls, creates a larger occlusal portion but a narrower depth, reducing the retention of the material. Option B, parallel walls, do not provide as much resistance against displacement of the restoration due to its uniform width. Option D, undercuts, may provide retention but they also weaken the tooth structure and increase the risk of fracture. This makes them a less desirable option for retention of amalgam restorations.