HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is a file primarily used for in dentistry?

1. To extract teeth

2. To smooth and plane pulpal walls

3. To administer anesthesia

4. To apply dental sealants

The correct answer is: To smooth and plane pulpal walls

A file in dentistry is primarily utilized for smoothing and planning pulpal walls, especially during endodontic procedures, such as root canal treatments. The design of dental files enables them to remove debris and shape the root canals, allowing for effective cleaning and preparation of the canals for sealing. The flexibility and various shapes of files help dental professionals navigate through the complex anatomy of teeth while ensuring that the canal space is consistently shaped and free from contamination. In contrast, extracting teeth is typically performed with tools like elevators and forceps, while administering anesthesia involves syringes and anesthetic agents. Applying dental sealants is a procedure that generally utilizes specific application tools and materials, not files. Thus, the use of a file serves a specialized role in dental treatments focused on pulp and root canal management.