HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is the function of a bone file during dental procedures?

1. To pack gutta percha in canals

2. To remove pulp tissue

3. To smooth rough edges of the bone

4. To determine vitality of pulp

The correct answer is: To smooth rough edges of the bone

The function of a bone file during dental procedures is to smooth rough edges of the bone. In oral surgery and certain dental treatments, it's common to encounter bone surfaces that require refinement after the removal or alteration of tissues. The bone file is designed specifically for this purpose, allowing the clinician to carefully recontour and polish the bone to prevent complications, ensure proper healing, and facilitate a better fit for any prosthetic or restorative elements that may be placed afterward. The smoothness of the bone edges can greatly affect the healing process and the overall outcome of the dental procedure. In contrast, packing gutta percha in canals pertains to endodontic procedures rather than bone smoothing. Removing pulp tissue is also a different function, as it relates to treatments aimed at dealing with infection or decay in the tooth rather than the bone surrounding it. Determining the vitality of pulp involves diagnostic methods that assess the health of the tooth's pulp, typically using other instruments or tests rather than a bone file.