HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What does the term "excision" refer to in dentistry?

1. Surgical placement of dental implants

2. Cutting into the tooth for cleaning

3. Surgical removal of bone or tissue

4. Minor adjustments to dental prosthetics

The correct answer is: Surgical removal of bone or tissue

The term "excision" in dentistry specifically refers to the surgical removal of bone or tissue. This can involve procedures such as the removal of impacted teeth, tumors, or excess tissue, which are critical for maintaining oral health and functionality. Excision is a common practice in oral surgery, where precision and care are essential to avoid damage to surrounding structures and to promote healing. The other options, while related to various aspects of dental procedures, do not accurately capture the meaning of excision. Surgical placement of dental implants is focused on inserting implants into the jawbone rather than removing tissue. Cutting into the tooth for cleaning pertains to dental procedures like root planing or scaling, which do not involve complete removal. Minor adjustments to dental prosthetics relate to fine-tuning already established dental appliances rather than the surgical removal of tissue. Understanding these distinctions is vital for grasping dental terminology and its applications in practice.