HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is a surgical curette used for?

1. Shaping the jawbone post-extraction

2. To debride the tooth socket

3. Aspiration of fluids

4. Smoothing of tooth surfaces

The correct answer is: To debride the tooth socket

A surgical curette is primarily used for debriding, which involves removing dead tissue, debris, and infection from a tooth socket following an extraction. This process is crucial in ensuring that the area heals properly and reduces the risk of postoperative complications, such as infection or delayed healing. The design of a surgical curette allows for effective scraping and cleaning of the socket walls, promoting a healthier environment for healing. The other choices, while they may relate to dental procedures, do not accurately reflect the primary use of a surgical curette. For example, shaping the jawbone post-extraction typically involves different instruments, while aspiration of fluids is performed with suction devices. Smoothing of tooth surfaces also requires different tools, like dental handpieces, rather than a surgical curette. The specificity of the curette's design makes it particularly effective for its intended purpose of debridement in dental surgery.