HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

To luxate a tooth means to:

1. Remove it completely

2. To dislocate it from its socket

3. To extract it using forceps

4. To clean around the gums

The correct answer is: To dislocate it from its socket

To luxate a tooth means to dislocate it from its socket. This term specifically refers to the process of loosening a tooth from its position in the jawbone, often as part of a dental procedure or as a result of trauma. Luxation can occur without full extraction, meaning the tooth may still be partially attached to surrounding tissues. The procedure might be performed to prepare for an extraction or to manage trauma, and it emphasizes the movement of the tooth rather than its complete removal. Understanding this term is crucial in dentistry, as it helps in diagnosing and treating conditions related to tooth mobility and dental trauma.