Prosthodontics & Occlusion · single question
What is the PRIMARY purpose of using a dental parallelograph (surveyor)?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. To determine the height of contour on each abutment tooth
B) Determine height of contour — CORRECT.
The surveyor's PRIMARY function is to determine the HEIGHT OF CONTOUR (greatest convexity) of teeth and ridges relative to a selected path of insertion. From this, the clinician can: identify and measure undercuts, plan clasp design, determine guide planes, and choose the optimal path of insertion for the RPD. While "detecting undercuts" (A) is related, the broader primary function is identifying the height of contour.
A) Detecting undercuts: A function of surveying, but undercuts are identified BY finding the height of contour — B is more complete.
C) Bone density: Not a function of the surveyor.
D) Occlusal scheme: Planned through occlusal analysis, not surveying.
The surveyor's PRIMARY function is to determine the HEIGHT OF CONTOUR (greatest convexity) of teeth and ridges relative to a selected path of insertion. From this, the clinician can: identify and measure undercuts, plan clasp design, determine guide planes, and choose the optimal path of insertion for the RPD. While "detecting undercuts" (A) is related, the broader primary function is identifying the height of contour.
A) Detecting undercuts: A function of surveying, but undercuts are identified BY finding the height of contour — B is more complete.
C) Bone density: Not a function of the surveyor.
D) Occlusal scheme: Planned through occlusal analysis, not surveying.
Practice Prosthodontics & Occlusion questions Prosthodontics & Occlusion study notes