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What is the purpose of articulating paper in dentistry?

  1. Testing level of occlusion

  2. Marking dental cavities

  3. Assisting in anesthesia administration

  4. Deciding the shade of dental materials

The correct answer is: Testing level of occlusion

The primary purpose of articulating paper in dentistry is to test the level of occlusion. This specialized paper is used during dental procedures to check how the upper and lower teeth come together when the patient bites down. By marking the contact points on the paper, dentists can visually assess the occlusive relationships, helping to identify areas where adjustments are necessary to ensure a proper bite and distribute forces evenly across the teeth. This process is crucial in restorative dentistry, orthodontics, and when creating prosthetics, as it aids in achieving optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes for the patient.