HESI General Chairside Assisting Practice Exam

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Prepare for the HESI General Chairside Assisting Exam with interactive quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Enhance your skills and boost your confidence to excel on exam day!

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In what scenario would an assistant need to use a high-speed handpiece?

  1. For polishing teeth

  2. For removing decay in a cavity

  3. For adjusting the bite

  4. For placing a temporary crown

The correct answer is: For removing decay in a cavity

A high-speed handpiece is specifically designed for procedures that require the removal of hard tissue, such as dental decay. It operates at high speeds, allowing for efficient cutting and drilling into the enamel and dentin, which is essential when performing cavity preparations. This precision and power enable dental professionals to effectively clear out decayed material, shaping the cavity for filling. Using a high-speed handpiece for polishing teeth or adjusting the bite may not be appropriate, as those procedures generally require a low-speed handpiece or specific instruments intended for gentle and precise work rather than the aggressive action of a high-speed tool. Placing a temporary crown typically involves more delicate fitting of materials and is usually done with tools designed for low speed and careful handling rather than the rapid cutting action typical of a high-speed handpiece.