HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is a mallet/chisel primarily used for in dentistry?

1. Filling cavities

2. Shaping and removing bone

3. Cleaning teeth

4. Measuring tooth sizes

The correct answer is: Shaping and removing bone

A mallet and chisel in dentistry are primarily used for shaping and removing bone, particularly during surgical procedures involving the jaw or when preparing sites for implants. The mallet provides a forceful but controlled method to strike the chisel, which allows dental professionals to precisely shape the bone, often in preparation for restorative work or to address issues related to bone loss. This tool combination is essential in oral surgery as it helps in effectively reshaping structures without excessive trauma to surrounding tissues, facilitating better outcomes for procedures such as extractions or implant placements. This function distinguishes them from tools used for filling cavities, cleaning teeth, or measuring tooth sizes, as those tasks require different instruments designed specifically for those purposes.