HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which instrument is used to measure the depth of a root canal?

1. File

2. Root canal plugger

3. Stopper

4. Paper point

The correct answer is: Stopper

The correct answer involves the use of a stopper, which is a crucial component in endodontics for measuring the depth of a root canal. A stopper is typically placed on an instrument, such as a file or a measurement tool, to indicate the length of the canal relative to the tooth. This helps in ensuring that all infected tissue is removed and allows the practitioner to accurately determine the working length of the canal during treatment. Using a stopper is particularly important because precision is key in root canal therapy; an improper measurement can lead to complications, such as over-instrumentation or leaving infected tissue behind. This reliable method assists in achieving optimum results for the patient, enhancing both the effectiveness of the treatment and patient care. The role of other instruments like a file is primarily for cleaning and shaping the canal, while a root canal plugger is used for packing the filling material into the canal. Paper points are absorbent tips used to dry the canal or take a sample of the canal fluids, but they do not measure depth directly.