HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is the function of a stopper in endodontic instruments?

1. To prevent overfilling

2. To indicate the length of penetration

3. To stabilize the instrument

4. To clean the canal

The correct answer is: To indicate the length of penetration

The function of a stopper in endodontic instruments is primarily to indicate the length of penetration. When performing root canal treatment, it's crucial for a dentist to know how deep the instrument is within the tooth canal. The stopper is placed on the instrument, such as a file or reamer, to mark a predetermined length that corresponds to the ideal working length of the root canal system. This helps in achieving proper cleaning, shaping, and filling of the canal without exceeding the designated length. Knowledge of the precise position of the instrument within the canal is essential for preventing complications and ensuring effective treatment. While numerous other functions are often associated with different components of endodontic instruments, such as preventing overfilling or stabilizing the instrument, the main role of the stopper is specifically to provide an accurate measurement for depth during endodontic procedures.