HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is a retrograde filling specifically used for?

1. To fill carious lesions

2. To seal the apex of a tooth

3. To treat gum disease

4. To restore a chipped tooth

The correct answer is: To seal the apex of a tooth

A retrograde filling is specifically used to seal the apex of a tooth, particularly after a dental procedure such as an apicoectomy, which involves surgical removal of the tip of the tooth's root. This type of filling is essential for preventing reinfection and ensuring that the tooth remains functional after treatment of a periapical abscess or other infections that affect the tooth's root. By sealing the apex, the retrograde filling effectively protects the surrounding bone and tissue from bacterial invasion. Options that suggest filling carious lesions, treating gum disease, or restoring a chipped tooth relate to different dental procedures and materials. Carious lesions are typically addressed with restorative fillings placed directly into the cavity, while gum disease requires periodontal treatments rather than fillings. Similarly, the restoration of a chipped tooth usually involves a different approach, such as composite bonding or crowns, rather than the specific function of sealing the root apex.