Radiology · single question
A patient (no dental visit in 4 years) has full-mouth radiographs; a radiolucency is found on virgin tooth #20. What should the dentist do NEXT?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Thermal test
- A. Correct. Before treating, assess pulpal status; a thermal (cold) test is the standard first pulp vitality test to determine whether the pulp is vital, inflamed, or necrotic.
- B. Electric pulp testing is supplementary; thermal testing is the usual first vitality assessment.
- C. Percussion evaluates periapical/periodontal status, not pulpal vitality, so it's not the first diagnostic step here.
- D. Restoring without first diagnosing pulpal status could miss the need for endodontic treatment.