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I went to my dentist with the complaint of having sensitive, sore teeth. He then proceeded to bang on them with a hard metal object. My question is: Is this practice normal and if so, what does it tell the dentist. I would think that it would cause trauma to the tooth. What's your take on this? |
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Sensitivity to percussion is but one of many diagnostic tests that tell us which tooth has the problem in addition to indicating what specific type of problem is present. Sensitivity to percussion may be due to infection at the end of the root (possible root canal) or a periodontal abscess. Sensitivity to thermal changes indicates something else. So does sensitivity only when biting, spontaneous pain or vague, non-localized pain. These tests and lots of questions must all be employed in order to make an accurate diagnosis of what the problem is and exactly which tooth is the cause. The tests are not traumatic to a tooth when compared to the force measured when biting ice or hard food, grinding or clenching due to habits. The important thing is to find the problem and provide the correct treatment. Thanks for calling!
Charles Wakefield, DDS
Associate Professor, Director
Advanced Education in General Dentistry
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