Percussion

Percussion (Latin percussio) is a diagnostic method in dentistry, consisting of gently tapping on the tooth crown with an instrument handle. The method allows for the assessment of the condition of the tissues surrounding the tooth root.

Differential diagnosis

There is vertical percussion (tapping along the tooth axis) and horizontal percussion (tapping from the side). Tenderness during vertical percussion often indicates inflammation of the tissues around the tooth’s apex (apical periodontitis or injury), whereas sensitivity during horizontal percussion can be a sign of periodontal disease.

Clinical significance

Percussion helps the dentist differentiate between pulpitis and apical periodontitis and, in some cases, identify injury or tooth cracks. In cases of pulpitis, percussion is typically painless (as the periodontal ligament of the tooth is healthy), whereas in acute apical periodontitis or an abscess, it causes pain. This simple test is an indispensable tool for determining the causative tooth in cases of patient complaints of non-localized pain.