Caries, pulp and periodontal disease: modified Widman flap: 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 · Caries, pulp and periodontal disease: modified Widman flap

Sample item

A periodontist performs a modified Widman flap on a moderate pocket. What is its main aim compared with a gingivectomy?

ARoot access with maximal soft tissue conservation and close flap adaptationBPlacement of a barrier membrane over the defectCApical repositioning of the flap to widen attached gingivaDExcision of the whole pocket wall to remove the pocket

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Root access with maximal soft tissue conservation and close flap adaptation

The modified Widman flap uses a minimal internal bevel incision to elevate a thin flap, allows scaling and root planing under vision, and then closes the flap tightly against the tooth. It conserves gingiva and gives a long junctional epithelial attachment.

Option by option

A. Root access with maximal soft tissue conservation and close flap adaptation (correct)
Correct. It gives access for root debridement while preserving tissue and closing the flap tightly.
B. Placement of a barrier membrane over the defect
A barrier membrane is used in guided tissue regeneration, not in the modified Widman flap itself.
C. Apical repositioning of the flap to widen attached gingiva
Widening attached gingiva is the aim of an apically positioned flap.
D. Excision of the whole pocket wall to remove the pocket
Excision of the pocket wall describes gingivectomy.

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.

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is A, Root access with maximal soft tissue conservation and close flap adaptation. The modified Widman flap uses a minimal internal bevel incision to elevate a thin flap, allows scaling and root planing under vision, and then closes the flap tightly against the tooth.

Why is "Placement of a barrier membrane over the defect" not the answer?

A barrier membrane is used in guided tissue regeneration, not in the modified Widman flap itself.

Why is "Apical repositioning of the flap to widen attached gingiva" not the answer?

Widening attached gingiva is the aim of an apically positioned flap.

Why is "Excision of the whole pocket wall to remove the pocket" not the answer?

Excision of the pocket wall describes gingivectomy.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Caries, pulp and periodontal disease: modified Widman flap in Dentistry. It conserves gingiva and gives a long junctional epithelial attachment.

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 Caries, pulp and periodontal disease: modified Widman flap?

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.