DANB General Chairside Practice Test

What happens if the containers of a self-cure composite resin system are cross-contaminated?

1. The material will become too runny

2. It will cause the material to harden

3. The color will change

4. It will lose its bonding properties

The correct answer is: It will cause the material to harden

When the containers of a self-cure composite resin system are cross-contaminated, it can lead to the premature polymerization of the material. Cross-contamination typically involves the mixing of different components that should remain separate until used. In the case of self-cure composite resins, which contain a specific catalyst and base, mixing or contaminating these components inadvertently can trigger the curing process. This early-hardening effect occurs because the catalyst may initiate polymerization when it comes into contact with the base, causing the material to harden in an uncontrolled manner before it is applied. As a result, the material may not be able to achieve the desired consistency needed for application, leading to challenges in using it effectively in dental procedures. Other potential consequences of cross-contamination, such as changes in color or loss of bonding properties, are less directly related to the immediate physical properties of self-cure composite resin. While they may occur under different circumstances, the critical issue at hand is the incorrect curing of the material when cross-contaminated, leading to the conclusion that hardening is the primary and immediate consequence.