HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is the main function of currettes in dental procedures?

1. To extract teeth

2. For currettage and debridement of diseased tissue

3. To reshape gums

4. To apply braces

The correct answer is: For currettage and debridement of diseased tissue

Currettes are specialized instruments primarily used in dental procedures for the purpose of curettage and debridement of diseased tissue. This involves scraping away unhealthy tissue from the gums and other oral areas to promote healing and prepare the site for further treatment or surgery. The effectiveness of currettes lies in their design, allowing for precise control and the ability to reach areas that may be difficult to access with other tools. This function is essential in periodontal treatments, where the removal of infected or inflamed tissue can significantly enhance the patient's oral health. In contrast, extracting teeth requires a different set of tools, such as elevators and extraction forceps, which are specifically designed for that purpose. The reshaping of gums typically involves surgical instruments meant for contouring, rather than the scraping action of currettes. Lastly, the application of braces involves orthodontic tools and materials to manage teeth alignment, which is unrelated to the function of currettes.