Oral histology and anatomy: false pulp stones: 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.

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Dentistry · Oral histology and anatomy: false pulp stones

Sample item

Radiographs of an older patient show round calcified masses in the pulp chamber. Sections show concentric lamination around a nidus of degenerating cells, with no dentinal tubules. What are they?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. False pulp stones

False pulp stones form by calcification around degenerating cells, thrombi or collagen bundles and have no tubular structure. True stones have dentinal tubules and are lined by odontoblast-like cells. Diffuse calcifications follow collagen fibres or vessels as streaks.

Option by option

  • A. True pulp stones

    True stones contain tubules and are surrounded by odontoblast-like cells.

  • B. False pulp stones (correct)

    Correct. Laminated masses around degenerating cells without tubules are false stones.

  • C. Reparative dentine bridges

    Dentine bridges form at the site of an exposure and lie across the pulp surface.

  • D. Diffuse linear calcifications

    Diffuse calcifications are irregular streaks along vessels and collagen, not discrete masses.

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.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is B, False pulp stones. False pulp stones form by calcification around degenerating cells, thrombi or collagen bundles and have no tubular structure.

Why is "True pulp stones" not the answer?

True stones contain tubules and are surrounded by odontoblast-like cells.

Why is "Reparative dentine bridges" not the answer?

Dentine bridges form at the site of an exposure and lie across the pulp surface.

Why is "Diffuse linear calcifications" not the answer?

Diffuse calcifications are irregular streaks along vessels and collagen, not discrete masses.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral histology and anatomy: false pulp stones in Dentistry. True stones have dentinal tubules and are lined by odontoblast-like cells. Diffuse calcifications follow collagen fibres or vessels as streaks.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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 Oral histology and anatomy: false pulp stones?

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.