Which instrument is used to penetrate soft tissue and bone?

The scalpel is the appropriate choice for penetrating soft tissue and bone due to its design, which features a sharp blade that allows for precise incisions. In dental and surgical procedures, the scalpel is specifically utilized to cut through softer tissues, making it essential for surgeries that involve both the gum tissue and, in some cases, underlying bone structures. Its effectiveness in creating clean and accurate cuts is crucial for minimizing trauma to the surrounding areas during surgical interventions.

Excavators and forceps serve different purposes in dental practice. Excavators are primarily used for removing carious dentin and debris within a cavity preparation rather than for penetrating tissues. Forceps are used for grasping and holding tissues or dental structures, but they do not have cutting capabilities like a scalpel does. Critical items is not an instrument but rather a category of items that require thorough sterilization processes in dental settings. Recognizing the specific functions of these tools highlights why the scalpel is uniquely suited for the task of penetrating soft tissue and bone.