HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

In dentistry, which item is used to assist in drying a root canal?

1. Root canal plugger

2. Paper points

3. Flex file

4. Rotary burs

The correct answer is: Paper points

The item used to assist in drying a root canal is paper points. Paper points are absorbent, small, tapered cones made of paper that are specifically designed to be used after the cleaning and shaping of the root canal. They are inserted into the canal to absorb any remaining moisture, helping to create a dry environment that is crucial for the next steps in the root canal treatment, such as filling the canal with gutta-percha or other filling material. The other options serve different purposes in dental procedures. A root canal plugger is used to compact filling material within the canal rather than drying it. Flex files are flexible instruments used for cleaning and shaping the canal but do not have the drying function. Rotary burs are used for cutting and shaping the tooth structure but are not relevant to the drying process in root canal therapy. Therefore, paper points are the most appropriate choice for the task of drying a root canal.