Dental Assistant Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Study for the Dental Assistant Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to help you succeed. Get ready for your exam today!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What type of dental appliance is used to replace lost or damaged teeth?

Retainer
Partial denture
Bridge
Crown

The correct answer is: Bridge

In dentistry, a bridge is specifically designed to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth for support. It spans the gap created by the lost teeth and typically consists of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) held in place by dental crowns that are mounted on the abutment teeth. This type of appliance is a durable solution that restores functionality and aesthetics, allowing the patient to chew properly and maintain facial structure. While other options also address tooth loss, they serve different purposes. A retainer is primarily used to hold teeth in position following orthodontic treatment and is not intended to replace missing teeth. A partial denture is designed to replace missing teeth but is removable, unlike a bridge, which is a fixed solution. A crown is used to cover or protect a damaged tooth but does not replace missing teeth on its own. Therefore, the bridge stands out as the best answer for specifically replacing lost or damaged teeth with a permanent solution.