HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which material is used as a permanent root canal filling?

1. Cleoid/discoid

2. Amalgam well

3. Gutta percha

4. Wooden wedge

The correct answer is: Gutta percha

Gutta percha is the correct material used as a permanent root canal filling due to its excellent biocompatibility and ability to seal the root canal space effectively. It is a thermoplastic material derived from the sap of certain trees, specifically the Palaquium gutta tree, and has properties that make it suitable for long-term use in the dental setting. Gutta percha is non-toxic, dimensionally stable, and can adapt to the intricate shapes of the root canals, providing a sufficiently hermetic seal to prevent reinfection. In root canal therapy, after the pulp is removed and the canal is cleaned and shaped, gutta percha is used to fill the empty space. It adheres well to the canal walls and is often used in conjunction with a sealer to ensure complete sealing of the canal system. Other options listed do not serve as permanent root canal fillings. Cleoid/discoid refers to dental hand instruments used for carving and shaping dental materials, while an amalgam well is a container for mixing dental amalgam. A wooden wedge is used for stabilizing matrices during restorative procedures but does not relate to root canal treatment. These materials and tools serve different purposes in dentistry and are not intended for long-term sealing of the root