DANB General Chairside Practice Test

What is the main objective of assessing tooth mobility?

1. A) To determine the need for extraction

2. B) To evaluate periodontal health

3. C) To identify the presence of caries

4. D) To check for restoration issues

The correct answer is: B) To evaluate periodontal health

The main objective of assessing tooth mobility is primarily to evaluate periodontal health. Tooth mobility can be an important indicator of the underlying condition of the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums and the bone surrounding them. Periodontal disease often results in the loss of attachment of the periodontal tissues, which can lead to increased tooth mobility. By assessing how much a tooth moves, dental professionals can gauge the severity of the periodontal condition and determine appropriate treatment options to manage or improve periodontal health. While assessing tooth mobility can also help in determining the need for extraction in some cases, it is more directly related to understanding the health of the periodontal tissue. Similarly, while checking for restoration issues and identifying the presence of caries are important aspects of dental evaluations, they do not directly assess the periodontal status, which is the primary focus when measuring tooth mobility.