HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What are silver points used for in dental procedures?

1. To extract teeth

2. To fill a root canal

3. To administer local anesthesia

4. To clean infections

The correct answer is: To fill a root canal

Silver points are used in dental procedures specifically for filling root canals. They are metallic materials designed to provide a durable and impermeable seal in the root canal system after it has been cleaned and shaped. The primary purpose of using silver points is to ensure that any bacteria or debris that might cause reinfection is effectively contained, leading to decreased chances of post-treatment complications. Root canal treatment aims to remove infected or damaged pulp tissue from the inside of a tooth, and afterward, it must be filled to restore integrity and function. Silver points were historically favored for this purpose due to their rigidity and resistance to corrosion, which helps maintain the seal over time. While they have largely been replaced by newer materials such as gutta-percha in modern dentistry, understanding their role is crucial for historical context and the evolution of endodontic practices.