Restorative & Materials · single question
A patient presents with a lingual cusp fracture of a mandibular premolar. What is the FIRST clinical factor to evaluate?
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Correct answer: C. Restorability of the remaining tooth structure
Restorability must be assessed first — it determines whether further treatment is warranted. If the tooth is not restorable, other tests do not change the treatment plan.
- A. Crown-to-root ratio is evaluated during treatment planning for crown or post placement, after restorability has been established.
- B. Percussion sensitivity informs endodontic planning but restorability is evaluated first in treatment sequencing.
- C. CORRECT. Restorability assessment is the first priority. The tooth must be determinable as retainable before any other diagnostic tests influence the treatment plan.
- D. Pulp vitality is important but secondary — if the tooth cannot be restored regardless, vitality results would not change the plan.
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