Dental Assistant Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Dental Assistant Exam with comprehensive quizzes and valuable study resources. Each quiz includes multiple-choice questions designed to familiarize you with exam content and structure. Elevate your readiness for the dental assistant examination!

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What does a pulpectomy involve?

Filling a cavity
Complete removal of vital pulp from a tooth
Extraction of a tooth
Placement of a crown

The correct answer is: Complete removal of vital pulp from a tooth

A pulpectomy specifically involves the complete removal of vital pulp from a tooth. This procedure is typically performed in cases where the pulp has become inflamed or infected but the tooth is still considered salvageable. During a pulpectomy, the dentist or dental assistant removes all of the pulp tissue, which includes nerves and blood vessels, to eliminate the source of pain and infection. After the pulp is removed, the empty space within the tooth is usually cleaned and filled to prevent further microbial invasion. The other options do not accurately describe a pulpectomy. Filling a cavity pertains to restorative procedures focused on surface decay, while a tooth extraction involves the complete removal of the tooth itself, and placing a crown is a procedure aimed at restoring a tooth’s structure and function after treatment, typically following root canal therapy or a similar procedure.