What is one of the uses of plaster in dentistry?

Plaster is commonly used in dentistry primarily for making impressions, particularly in the creation of impression washes. An impression wash is a thin layer of material used to capture fine details of the prepared tooth structure or oral tissues, often following the use of a more viscous impression material for the bulk of the impression. The plaster works well in this context due to its ability to accurately replicate surface contours and fine details when it hardens.

In various dental procedures, it is crucial to obtain precise impressions to ensure the accurate fabrication of restorations, orthodontic appliances, or diagnostic casts. The properties of plaster allow it to flow well into the details of the tooth or oral structure, resulting in high fidelity impressions that aid in the overall quality of dental work. In contrast, the other uses listed do not accurately represent the primary functions of plaster in dental practice.