Question

Examination of a patient with oral pain reveals a diffuse swelling in the mucobuccal fold of the maxillary left side. Results of which of the following will provide conclusive identification of the involved tooth?

A. Palpation
B. Radiograph
C. Percussion test
D. Application of heat
E. Electric pulp test
F. None of the above

Answer 1

The most appropriate method to conclusively identify the involved tooth in a patient with oral pain and diffuse swelling is to perform a radiograph. This will provide visual confirmation of the condition of the teeth beyond what can be assessed through palpation or percussion tests.

Step-by-step explanation:

To conclusively identify the involved tooth in a patient with a diffuse swelling in the mucobuccal fold of the maxillary left side, a radiograph would be the most appropriate choice. The results of a radiograph will provide an internal view of the teeth, revealing deeper decay, damage to the root, or bone that can't be seen through visual examination or other tests. While palpation can help localize the area of pain and discomfort, and a percussion test might indicate a heightened response in an affected tooth, these methods do not provide the visual confirmation that a radiograph does. The application of heat or an electric pulp test could be used to assess pulp viability but are not as definitive in pinpointing the exact tooth as a radiograph.