HOSA Dental Terminology Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Question: 1 / 1775

What is the purpose of percussion in dental examination?

To fill a canal

To assess periodontal health

To assess tooth vitality

The purpose of percussion in dental examination is primarily to assess tooth vitality. When a dentist performs percussion, they gently tap on the tooth to evaluate its sensitivity and the response indicates the health of the tooth. A healthy tooth typically has a certain degree of vitality and will respond differently to percussion compared to a tooth that is inflamed or has an abscess.

This method helps determine whether a tooth is alive (vital) or necrotic (non-vital), which is crucial for diagnosing conditions like pulpitis or periapical abscesses. It is an important part of a comprehensive dental examination, allowing the practitioner to make informed decisions regarding further treatment options for maintaining oral health.

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To extract a tooth

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