HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What term describes a small piece of absorbent cotton used in dental procedures?

1. Trismus

2. Pledget

3. Callus

4. Aphasia

The correct answer is: Pledget

The term that describes a small piece of absorbent cotton used in dental procedures is "pledget." Pledgets are often utilized in various dental treatments to control bleeding, absorb fluids, or apply medicaments. Their absorbent qualities make them particularly useful in maintaining dry conditions during procedures, ensuring that the work area remains clear and clean. Understanding the role of a pledget in dental practice is essential because it contributes significantly to patient comfort and treatment efficacy. By allowing practitioners to manage moisture effectively, pledgets help facilitate procedures such as extractions, restorations, or other surgical interventions. In contrast, the other terms do not relate to this function: Trismus refers to restricted mouth opening, callus is a thickened skin area usually associated with friction or pressure, and aphasia is a language disorder that affects communication. Each of these terms pertains to entirely different aspects of health and medicine, highlighting the specific and important use of pledgets in dental contexts.