HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

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Enhance your HOSA Dental Terminology knowledge with our quiz. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, all with hints and explanations. Excel in your exam preparation!

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What is the purpose of percussion in dental examination?

To fill a canal
To assess periodontal health
To assess tooth vitality
To extract a tooth

The correct answer is: 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.