NOCTI Dental Assisting Practice Exam

The correct answer is composite restoration, as it directly involves the restoration of a tooth to its original shape and function after damage such as decay or trauma. This procedure uses a tooth-colored composite material to repair the structure of the tooth, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The primary goal is to restore health and integrity to the tooth rather than to conduct a diagnostic assessment.

In contrast, periodontal probing is primarily a diagnostic procedure used to measure the depth of the periodontal pockets in the gums, which aids in assessing the health of the periodontal tissues. Crown lengthening involves surgical adjustment of gum tissue, typically done for reasons related to preparing the tooth for a restoration, and can be considered more of a preparatory than restorative procedure. Scaling and root planing focuses on the removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth and root surfaces to treat periodontal disease, addressing issues of gum health rather than directly restoring tooth structure.