A tooth mobility score of III indicates which type of movement?

• A. Horizontal movement
• B. No movement
• C. Movement in all directions
• D. Vertical movement present

Answer: (D)

A tooth mobility score reflects how the tooth moves in different directions when you apply gentle pressure. A score of III means the tooth shows vertical mobility along the long axis of the tooth—essentially you can depress it into the socket or lift it out along its shaft. This indicates substantial loss of periodontal support and indicates severe involvement of the surrounding bone and ligament. In practice, you test by applying light force up-and-down along the tooth’s length; horizontal movement (side-to-side) is noted separately and corresponds to lower scores, while no movement is score zero.