HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

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Enhance your HOSA Dental Terminology knowledge with our quiz. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, all with hints and explanations. Excel in your exam preparation!

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Which instrument is essential for sealing the root canal?

Files
Spreaders
Gutta percha
Rubber stops

The correct answer is: Gutta percha

The instrument that is essential for sealing the root canal is gutta percha. Gutta percha is a biocompatible material used in endodontic therapy to fill and seal the clean and shaped root canal system after the infected or damaged pulp has been removed. It effectively prevents the re-entry of bacteria and fluids into the canal, essential for ensuring the long-term success of the root canal treatment. Files are tools used to clean and shape the root canal but are not used for sealing. Spreaders are instruments that help in the placement of gutta percha and aid in compacting the material within the canal but do not seal it themselves. Rubber stops are used to measure the depth of the canal during cleaning and shaping, but they also do not contribute to sealing. Therefore, the primary sealing agent used in root canal therapy is gutta percha, making it the crucial instrument for this procedure.