HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

In what scenario would a retractor be used?

1. To extract teeth

2. To hold tissues back during surgery

3. To smooth the bone edges

4. To administer local anesthesia

The correct answer is: To hold tissues back during surgery

A retractor is a dental instrument specifically designed to hold back tissues during surgical procedures. This allows the dental professional to maintain a clear view and access to the surgical site while protecting surrounding tissues. By retracting the soft tissues, such as gums or cheeks, it provides better visibility and working space, which is essential for executing procedures efficiently and safely. The use of a retractor differs significantly from other dental tools. For instance, instruments designed for tooth extraction focus on removing teeth rather than assisting in tissue management. Similarly, smoothing bone edges typically involves using instruments like bone files or osteotomes, not retractors. The administration of local anesthesia is accomplished through syringes and needles, which serve a completely different purpose. Each tool has a specific role, and in this case, the function of a retractor is to aid in tissue management during surgical interventions.