INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

Hedstrom (H-files) are mainly used for what purpose?

1. To enlarge the canal

2. To clean the canal

3. To retrieve GP during retreat

4. To shape the canal

The correct answer is: To retrieve GP during retreat

Hedstrom files, which are a type of endodontic file, have a design that consists of twisted squares on a round wire. They are known for their cutting efficiency and are primarily utilized in endodontic retreatment procedures for retrieving gutta-percha (GP) from the root canal system. During a retreatment procedure, the primary goal is to remove the existing root canal filling material to effectively clean and reshape the canal. This makes option C the correct choice as the main purpose of using Hedstrom files is to retrieve gutta-percha during retreatment. Options A, B, and D are not the main purposes for using Hedstrom files. Option A, enlarging the canal, is usually done using files like K-files or reamers. Option B, cleaning the canal, is typically carried out with hand or rotary files specifically designed for cleaning and shaping. Lastly, option D, shaping the canal, is typically performed using a series of files to achieve the desired canal shape. Hedstrom files, on the other hand, excel at efficiently removing GP material during retreatment procedures.