HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is the function of dental forceps during a procedure?

1. To administer anesthesia

2. To hold suction during surgery

3. To grasp and extract teeth or tissue

4. To cleanse teeth after treatment

The correct answer is: To grasp and extract teeth or tissue

Dental forceps are specialized instruments designed to grasp and extract teeth or tissue during dental procedures. Their primary function revolves around providing the dentist with the ability to securely hold onto a tooth, allowing for efficient and controlled removal. The design of dental forceps includes features such as rounded edges and a secure gripping mechanism, which enhance their effectiveness in extracting teeth with minimal trauma to the surrounding gum and bone tissues. Understanding the context of other potential functions helps clarify why grasping and extracting is their main purpose. For instance, administering anesthesia is typically performed with syringes or special needles designed for that specific task, while suction during surgery is facilitated by suction devices that remove debris and fluids, not dental forceps. Similarly, cleansing teeth after treatment involves the use of scaling instruments or ultrasonic cleaners aimed at maintaining oral hygiene rather than extraction tools. This highlights the critical role of dental forceps as dedicated tools for tooth extraction and related procedures in dentistry.