HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which procedure involves the surgical division of a tooth while retaining both sides?

1. Bicuspidization

2. Tooth replanning

3. Crown lengthening

4. Root canal treatment

The correct answer is: Bicuspidization

Bicuspidization is the correct choice because it specifically refers to the surgical procedure used to divide a multi-rooted tooth into two separate sections while preserving both halves for clinical use. This procedure is typically performed on teeth that are severely damaged or have extensive decay and are no longer suitable for retention as a single unit. By creating two distinct parts, the remaining portions of the tooth can often be saved and restored, allowing for better long-term functionality. The other procedures listed do not involve the surgical division of a tooth. Tooth replanning, for example, generally refers to the reshaping or recontouring of a tooth's surface rather than its division. Crown lengthening involves removing gum tissue and sometimes bone to expose more of a tooth's structure, often in preparation for a crown, but it does not result in the separation of a tooth. Root canal treatment focuses on removing infected or damaged pulp from the interior of the tooth, preserving the overall structure rather than dividing it.