HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is the function of a ronguer?

1. To carve amalgam on the occlusal surface

2. To cut bone

3. To dry root canal

4. To take jaw measurements for dentures

The correct answer is: To cut bone

A ronguer is a surgical instrument specifically designed for cutting and shaping bone. Its primary function is to assist in procedures where bone needs to be removed or contoured, making it a vital tool in various dental surgeries, including periodontal surgeries, extraction sites, and implant placement. The design of a ronguer includes a pair of scissor-like blades that make it effective for grasping and cutting bone tissue. Other options, while related to dental practices, do not accurately describe the function of a ronguer. For instance, carving amalgam on the occlusal surface involves different tools such as hand instruments or rotary instruments designed for finishing restorative materials. Drying a root canal constitutes utilizing specific tools for endodontic procedures, while taking jaw measurements for dentures involves using calipers or impressions rather than a ronguer. Therefore, the association of a ronguer with cutting bone is the correct identification of its primary purpose within the dental field.