National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

Which instrument is NOT typically found in a simple surgery tray setup?

1. Explorer

2. Surgical curette

3. Dental floss

4. Cotton pliers

The correct answer is: Dental floss

In a simple surgery tray setup, the instruments included are typically those that are fundamental for performing surgical procedures within the dental field. The correct answer identifies dental floss as the instrument that is not usually part of this setup. Dental floss is primarily a tool used for oral hygiene and is intended for cleaning between teeth to remove plaque and food debris. It does not have a surgical function and is not utilized during the actual surgery process, whereas the other instruments you mentioned play crucial roles in surgery. The explorer is used for detecting caries, calculus, and other irregularities in the tooth structure. Surgical curettes are employed in procedures involving the removal of soft tissue, granulation tissue, or debris from a wound site. Cotton pliers, on the other hand, are vital for manipulating and placing cotton rolls or other materials during a surgery, ensuring that the operator maintains a clear and sterile field. Therefore, dental floss stands apart from these essential surgical instruments, as it serves a different purpose entirely, which is maintaining oral health rather than facilitating surgical procedures.