HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is the primary use for a dental chisel?

1. To compress soft tissue

2. To carve or shape hard tooth structure

3. To install dental implants

4. To polish tooth surfaces

The correct answer is: To carve or shape hard tooth structure

A dental chisel is primarily used to carve or shape hard tooth structure, which is fundamental in various dental procedures, especially in restorative dentistry. This tool has a sharp, angled edge, allowing the dentist to precisely remove decay or modify the tooth structure as needed. The effectiveness of a chisel in shaping enamel and dentin surfaces makes it an essential instrument during cavity preparation or when forming a retentive area in restorative work. Understanding the other options provides clarity on the unique function of the dental chisel. While compressing soft tissue is generally handled by tools like surgical forceps or soft tissue retractors, installing dental implants usually requires surgical drills and implant fixtures, which serve a different purpose than that of a chisel. Polishing tooth surfaces is typically performed with polishers or rotary instruments, which are distinct from chiseling functions. Thus, the chisel's role in shaping hard substances makes it a specialized and important tool in dentistry.