HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is the purpose of a root canal condenser?

1. To pack and condense gutta-percha to canal walls

2. To clean debris from canals

3. To shape the root canal

4. To place crowns on teeth

The correct answer is: To pack and condense gutta-percha to canal walls

The purpose of a root canal condenser is to pack and condense gutta-percha to the canal walls. In the root canal therapy process, after the canal has been cleaned and shaped, it is filled with a material called gutta-percha, which serves to seal the space and prevent reinfection. The condenser is specifically designed to apply pressure and ensure that the gutta-percha material is densely packed into the canal space, adapting closely to the walls. This thorough packing is crucial for creating an effective seal, which helps to preserve the integrity of the tooth and reduce the risk of bacterial contamination. Other options, while relevant to endodontic treatment, do not pertain directly to the condensation of gutta-percha in the root canal. Cleaning debris is a step in the preparation of the canal, shaping is necessary before the filling occurs, and placing crowns is a separate procedure that can follow root canal therapy to restore the tooth’s function and aesthetics. Thus, the primary role of a root canal condenser is centered on the condensation of gutta-percha, making option A the correct choice.