HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which instrument is designed to place a bevel along the gingival margin of a cavity preparation?

1. Interproximal Carver

2. Gingival Margin Trimmer

3. Amalgam Condenser

4. Tofflemire Retainer

The correct answer is: Gingival Margin Trimmer

The instrument specifically designed to place a bevel along the gingival margin of a cavity preparation is the gingival margin trimmer. This instrument has a curved blade that allows for optimal access to the gingival margin, enabling the clinician to shape the enamel and prepare it for proper restorative material placement. The beveling technique is important as it helps in achieving a smoother transition between the tooth structure and the filling, ensuring better retention of the restorative material and improving the overall aesthetics. In contrast, interproximal carvers are primarily used to carve and contour restorative materials in interproximal areas, while an amalgam condenser is utilized to compress and condense amalgam into the cavity preparation, not specifically for creating a bevel. On the other hand, the Tofflemire retainer serves as a mechanism to hold a matrix band in place for restorations, which is unrelated to beveling the gingival margin.