HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

How are small cavities typically treated?

1. By performing a root canal

2. By extracting the affected tissue only

3. Using lasers, curettes, and filling materials

4. By applying a dental sealant

The correct answer is: Using lasers, curettes, and filling materials

Small cavities are typically treated using lasers, curettes, and filling materials because this method effectively addresses the decay while preserving as much of the healthy tooth structure as possible. This process begins with the removal of the decayed portion of the tooth, which can be done using lasers that precisely target the affected area. After the decayed tissue is removed, the cavity is cleaned and shaped to prepare for the filling material. The filling material is then placed into the cavity to restore the tooth's function and shape. This method not only repairs the tooth but also helps prevent further decay, ensuring the long-term health of the tooth. While dental sealants can be beneficial in preventing cavities, they are more commonly applied to grooves on the chewing surfaces of teeth rather than as a treatment for existing cavities. Root canals are performed for more severe cases where the tooth's pulp is infected, and extracting affected tissue alone does not offer a complete solution for small cavities in restoring tooth integrity.