HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which dental procedure focuses on the area behind the molars?

1. Root planing

2. Retrusion

3. Extraction

4. Root canal treatment

The correct answer is: Root planing

The focus of root planing is on the removal of plaque and calculus from the tooth surface, particularly in the area beneath the gum line. This procedure is often performed on teeth with periodontal disease and entails smoothing rough surfaces of the roots to promote healing and reattachment of the gums. While it primarily addresses areas around all teeth, the technique would involve cleaning behind molars as well, supporting overall gum health. Retrusion refers to the backward positioning of the teeth or jaw, and although it can affect molars, it is a descriptive term rather than a specific dental procedure. Extraction is the removal of a tooth, which may include molars, but does not specifically focus on the area behind them. Root canal treatment involves cleaning out the pulp of a tooth, which can include molars but is not exclusive to the area behind them. This procedure is focused on addressing issues within the tooth itself rather than the surrounding gum area. Thus, root planing is the procedure that most directly focuses on cleaning and maintaining the health of the area behind the molars as part of its broader periodontal care.