Which instrument would you use to reflect light and provide indirect vision during an examination?

• A. Flat plastic
• B. Right angle probe
• C. Mouth mirror
• D. Burnisher

Answer: (C)

Using indirect vision and lighting is achieved with a mouth mirror. The mirror has a reflective surface that allows you to see tooth surfaces that you can’t view directly, such as the backs of teeth and areas behind soft tissues. It also directs and concentrates light onto the area being examined, making inspection clearer. In addition, it can gently retract cheeks, lips, or tongue to improve access and protect tissues during the exam. The other tools don’t provide both functions: a flat plastic instrument isn’t designed to reflect light or offer indirect vision; a right-angle probe is for exploring or measuring pockets and detecting calculus, not illumination or indirect viewing; a burnisher is used to smooth or polish restorations, not for lighting or viewing areas indirectly.