HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which term refers to the partial removal of bone?

1. Resorption

2. Osteotomy

3. Alloplastic

4. Arthroscopy

The correct answer is: Osteotomy

The term that refers specifically to the partial removal of bone is osteotomy. This surgical procedure involves cutting into the bone and is often performed to correct bone deformities or to relieve pressure on adjacent structures. In the context of dental procedures, osteotomy is commonly performed to modify bone structure related to the jaw or to facilitate the placement of dental implants. Resorption generally describes the process whereby bone tissue is naturally broken down and absorbed by the body, but it does not indicate surgical removal. Alloplastic refers to materials or implants that are made from synthetic or biological materials, often used in medical and dental procedures as grafts or fillers, but it does not specifically relate to the removal of bone. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure typically used to examine and treat joint conditions, primarily within the knee or other joints, rather than involving bone removal in a direct sense. Therefore, the most accurate term related to partial bone removal is osteotomy.