HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What type of files are K type files primarily used for?

1. To heat gutta percha

2. To scrape and widen canal walls

3. To remove excess fluid from a fistula

4. As drainage tools for abscess treatment

The correct answer is: To scrape and widen canal walls

K type files are primarily used for scraping and widening the walls of the root canal during endodontic procedures. These files are designed with helical flutes that allow them to effectively cut and shape the canal walls, facilitating access to the more difficult areas of the root canal system. Their design allows for efficient debris removal, making them essential tools when trying to prepare the canal for filling after cleaning out infected tissue. While the other choices pertain to important dental procedures, they do not directly relate to the primary use of K type files. For instance, heating gutta percha involves different techniques and tools designed for thermoplastic manipulation, while managing a fistula or treating an abscess would involve tools that are more suited for suction or drainage. Thus, K type files specifically cater to the need for canal shaping and preparation in root canal therapy.