Caries, pulp and periodontal disease: occlusal trauma and periodontitis: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Dentistry · Caries, pulp and periodontal disease: occlusal trauma and periodontitis

Sample item

A tooth with excessive occlusal force but healthy, plaque-free gingiva is examined. Which finding is expected?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Increased mobility with a widened periodontal ligament space but no pocket or attachment loss

Trauma from occlusion damages the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, giving mobility, a widened ligament space and sometimes vertical bone changes. By itself it does not start gingivitis or cause pocket formation and loss of attachment. It can, however, worsen existing plaque-induced periodontitis.

Option by option

  • A. A deep periodontal pocket with pus

    Pus and deep pockets indicate infection, not force alone.

  • B. Furcation involvement with attachment loss

    Furcation involvement with attachment loss indicates periodontitis.

  • C. Increased mobility with a widened periodontal ligament space but no pocket or attachment loss (correct)

    Correct. Occlusal force alone alters the ligament and bone but does not create pockets.

  • D. Gingival bleeding with calculus

    Bleeding and calculus reflect plaque-related inflammation.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Dentistry questions

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is C, Increased mobility with a widened periodontal ligament space but no pocket or attachment loss. Trauma from occlusion damages the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, giving mobility, a widened ligament space and sometimes vertical bone changes.

Why is "A deep periodontal pocket with pus" not the answer?

Pus and deep pockets indicate infection, not force alone.

Why is "Furcation involvement with attachment loss" not the answer?

Furcation involvement with attachment loss indicates periodontitis.

Why is "Gingival bleeding with calculus" not the answer?

Bleeding and calculus reflect plaque-related inflammation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Caries, pulp and periodontal disease: occlusal trauma and periodontitis in Dentistry. By itself it does not start gingivitis or cause pocket formation and loss of attachment. It can, however, worsen existing plaque-induced periodontitis.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Caries, pulp and periodontal disease: occlusal trauma and periodontitis?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.