What type of materials is the Woodson instrument used for, specifically?

The Woodson instrument is specifically designed for handling moldable and shapeable dental materials. This instrument is commonly used in restorative dentistry, particularly for manipulating materials like dental impression materials, composite materials, or temporary filling materials that can be shaped and contoured as needed during application.

Its structure typically features a paddle on one end that allows the dental professional to mix, place, and manipulate these materials effectively, while the other end, which is often pointed, can help in finer detailing or placement in specific areas. This versatility is crucial when working with materials that require precise shaping to achieve optimal results in dental restorations.

The other options do not accurately represent the Woodson instrument's primary function; it is not best suited for rigid materials, which require different tools to handle effectively, soft tissue, where different instruments would be employed, or prosthetics, which is a broader category typically requiring specialized tools for their application or placement.