HOSA Dental Terminology Practice 2025 - Free Dental Terminology Practice Questions and Study Guide

Curettage refers to the procedure involving the scraping of tissue, particularly in the apical area of the root of a tooth. This technique is often employed to remove debris, diseased tissue, or granulation tissue from the root canal system or surrounding areas. It is an essential practice in root canal therapy and periodontal treatments to ensure that the area is clean and free of infection, thereby promoting proper healing and improved outcomes for the patient.

In contrast, extraction pertains to the complete removal of a tooth from its socket, which does not involve the scraping or cleaning of tissue in the same sense as curettage. The scalpel procedure refers to the cutting or surgical incision made with a scalpel, not scraping, while incision generally denotes an initial cut made during a surgical procedure rather than the act of scraping tissue away. Thus, curettage is the most appropriate term in this context.