National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

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Prepare for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. Study with multiple-choice questions, hints, and explanations. Ace your dental hygienist exam!

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Which area is primarily palpated for identifying blockages of sialoliths?

Ranula
Torus
Exostosis
Wharton's duct

The correct answer is: Wharton's duct

The area primarily palpated for identifying blockages of sialoliths is Wharton's duct. Wharton's duct is the duct that carries saliva from the submandibular gland to the mouth, opening at the sublingual caruncle. Sialoliths, or salivary stones, can form in this duct and can lead to obstruction, resulting in swelling and pain. Palpation of the submandibular region, where this duct is located, allows dental professionals to detect potential blockages or swelling associated with sialoliths. In contrast, the ranula refers to a cystic swelling that forms when a salivary gland duct is blocked but is not the specific site for palpation related to sialoliths. The torus (plural: tori) refers to bony growths in the oral cavity, and while they are sometimes encountered, they do not pertain to sialoliths. Exostosis also refers to bony growths or protrusions that occur in the mouth and are unrelated to the palpation of sialoliths. These structures are not directly involved in the identification of salivary stones, making Wharton's duct the correct focus for this purpose.