HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which tool is essential for dental procedures involving a range of finishing and polishing activities?

1. Low speed handpiece

2. High speed handpiece

3. Dental mirror

4. Ultrasonic scaler

The correct answer is: Low speed handpiece

The low-speed handpiece is essential for dental procedures that involve finishing and polishing activities due to its ability to operate at slower rotation speeds, which allows for better control and precision. For tasks such as adjusting the margins of restorations, refining the surface of materials, and polishing teeth or restorations, the low-speed handpiece provides the necessary torque without generating excessive heat, which could harm dental tissues or damage restorations. Moreover, low-speed handpieces often accommodate a variety of attachments, such as polishing cups and brushes, making them versatile tools in the dental office for achieving a smooth, finished surface. This capability is especially important when working on dental restorations or preparations that require a fine finish to ensure optimal aesthetics and functionality. In contrast, while other tools like the high-speed handpiece are used for cutting and shaping, they are not typically utilized for finishing and polishing due to their higher speeds which can cause damage if used for these purposes. The dental mirror is primarily used for visualization, and the ultrasonic scaler is designed for removing calculus and debris rather than finishing or polishing tasks.