Start practicing

Endodontics · single question

All of the following are used in percussion testing EXCEPT:

  1. Biting on a wood stick/cotton roll
  2. Palpating near the palatal/lingual side of the teeth
  3. Biting on a wood stick, one cusp at a time and then the other
  4. Tapping the tooth lightly with the end of a mirror handle
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Palpating near the palatal/lingual side of the teeth

Percussion testing involves applying a tapping/biting force to the tooth (with a mirror handle or by having the patient bite on something) to elicit pain from periapical/periodontal inflammation. Palpation (pressing with a finger near the apex, including palatally/lingually) is a separate diagnostic test from percussion — it's the exception here, since it doesn't involve a percussive/tapping force.

Practice Endodontics questions Endodontics study notes

More Endodontics practice questions