HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which tool would a dentist use to elevate a root tip?

1. Metal matrix band

2. Endo plugger

3. Root tip pick

4. Pulp tester

The correct answer is: Root tip pick

A root tip pick is specifically designed for extracting root tips that are left in the socket after a tooth has been removed. This instrument has a narrow and pointed end that allows the dentist to carefully maneuver around the remaining root structure and gently elevate it from the surrounding bone, making it easier to remove the residual piece of the tooth. The use of a root tip pick is critical in ensuring that all fragments are removed, which helps to prevent potential complications such as infection or the necessity for additional surgical procedures. In contrast, a metal matrix band is primarily used in restorative dentistry to form a wall for the filling material when restoring teeth, and does not serve a function in elevating root tips. An endo plugger is mainly utilized in endodontic procedures to pack the filling material into the canals of a tooth, rather than to access or remove root remnants. Similarly, a pulp tester is designed to assess the vitality of the pulp within a tooth and does not relate to the extraction of root tips. Each of these tools serves a distinct purpose, making the root tip pick the correct choice for elevating root tips specifically.