Which chemical agent is commonly used for hemostasis during dental procedures?

Hemodent is a chemical agent frequently used in dental procedures to achieve hemostasis, which is the stopping of bleeding. It contains aluminum chloride, a coagulant that helps to constrict blood vessels and promote clot formation, making it effective during procedures where bleeding may occur, such as extractions or periodontal surgeries. Its application is straightforward, allowing dental professionals to apply it directly to the site of bleeding, providing a reliable way to control hemorrhage quickly.

In contrast, vitamin K primarily functions as a fat-soluble vitamin necessary for blood clotting, but it is not used in immediate clinical settings during dental procedures to manage bleeding. While cotton pellets can be used for absorption or to apply pressure, they do not chemically facilitate hemostasis. Silver nitrate, although it has hemostatic properties and is used in some medical applications, is not commonly applied in dentistry specifically for controlling bleeding during procedures due to potential complications, such as tissue damage or staining. Thus, Hemodent remains the preferred choice when immediate hemostatic action is required in dental practice.