What type of materials can a Dental Hygienist place in endodontic openings?

A dental hygienist can place temporary restorative materials in endodontic openings as a part of their practice. This is vital in managing access points for endodontic procedures, where the goal is to maintain the integrity of the tooth while preventing contamination and managing discomfort for the patient. Temporary materials serve to protect the underlying tissues and provide a seal until a permanent restoration can be completed by a dentist.

Temporary materials are engineered specifically for short-term use, offering a quick solution while allowing time for further diagnosis or treatment planning. In the context of endodontics, these materials help to facilitate the healing process and prepare the tooth for subsequent definitive restorations.

On the other hand, permanent restorations are typically placed by a dentist following the completion of endodontic treatment. Orthodontic appliances relate to a different area of dentistry, focusing on alignment and occlusion and therefore are not used in endodontic openings. Sutures are used for soft tissue closures after surgical procedures but are not placed in endodontic openings. Thus, the selection of temporary restorative materials aligns perfectly with the scope of practice for a dental hygienist in managing endodontic procedures.