HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is the primary function of a hemostat?

1. To clean teeth

2. To stop bleeding by clamping a blood vessel

3. To measure the depth of cavities

4. To polish dental surfaces

The correct answer is: To stop bleeding by clamping a blood vessel

The primary function of a hemostat is to stop bleeding by clamping a blood vessel. Hemostats are surgical instruments that are essential in various medical and dental procedures. They work by applying pressure to blood vessels, which helps control bleeding and maintain a clear surgical field. This is particularly important during procedures that involve incisions or manipulations of tissues that may result in bleeding. By securely grasping the tissue around a vessel, the hemostat helps prevent excessive blood loss, allowing for safer and more effective procedures. In contrast, cleaning teeth, measuring cavity depth, and polishing dental surfaces are all functions that require different tools and instruments specific to those tasks, such as scalers for cleaning, periodontal probes for measuring, and polishing guns for surface treatment. Each of these tasks serves a distinct purpose in dental care and does not involve the function of a hemostat.