Deck 3: Fundamental and Preventive Curvatures

Question 1

Height of contour is the same as

A) Embrasure
B) Crest of curvature
C) Alignment
D) Proximal contact
E) Width of tooth

Answer 1

B
Height of contour is also called crest of curvature and relates to the curvature of the cervical line, or the CEJ. The height of the contour impacts periodontal attachment in that a higher contoured cervical line affords more cementum on which the bone can attach itself. The periodontal attachment follows the cervical line and connects the gingiva to the cementum.

Question 2

An overhanging restoration extends above the occlusal surface and prevents normal occlusal contact between the arches.

Answer 2

False
An overhanging restoration extends into the interproximal area, promoting retention and buildup of plaque, bacteria, and food. Such a response is damaging to surrounding gingival and periodontal tissues.

Question 3

Embrasures are spillways between the teeth that allow food to be shunted away from contact areas. While effective embrasures are self-cleaning, poorly contoured embrasures lead to gingival irritation and breakdown.

A) Both statements are true.
B) The first statement is true; the second is false.
C) The first statement is false; the second is true.
D) Both statements are false.

Answer 3

A
Both statements correctly describe features of embrasures. The terms embrasure and spillway are often used synonymously. In addition to shunting food and self-cleansing aspects, effective embrasures permit a slight amount of gingival stimulation by frictionally massaging food. Poorly contoured embrasures decrease the beneficial aspects of embrasures and lead to accumulation of plaque, debris, and food.

Question 4

The facial crest of curvature for all teeth is located at the cervical third.

Question 5

An oral examination of Mrs. Connors, a new patient, reveals numerous restorations and two porcelain crowns. Mrs. Connors has been concerned about two maxillary molars where floss shreds or breaks. She also mentions that her gums "always hurt around my big crown." The MOST likely cause for Mrs. Connors's difficulty in flossing is

A) Rough enamel
B) Rough cementum
C) An overhanging restoration
D) Improper flossing technique

Question 6

The curvature of the CEJ is generally greater on the mesial surfaces.

Question 7

Each of the following is a function of embrasures EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

A) Provide self-cleansing from the contact area.
B) Reduce occlusal trauma.
C) Discourage food impaction.
D) Prevent gingival stimulation.

Question 8

Each of the following statements is true of the curvature of the CEJ EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

A) The curvature of the cervical line, or CEJ, depends on the height of the contact area.
B) The curvature of the cervical line, or CEJ, depends on the diameter of the crown.
C) The mandibular anterior teeth show the greatest amount of curvature of the cervical line.
D) The more anterior the tooth, the greater is the curvature of the cervical line.

Question 9

Posterior teeth have contact areas slightly buccal to the center of the teeth. Lingual embrasures of posterior teeth are wider than buccal embrasures.

A) Both statements are true.
B) The first statement is true; the second is false.
C) The first statement is false; the second is true.
D) Both statements are false.

Question 10

What are the arrows pointing to in the illustration below?

A) Contact areas
B) Height of curvature
C) Buccal contour
D) Excess curvature
E) None of the above

Question 11

Deep pits and fissures on the occlusal surface

A) Serve as spillways
B) Help to grind and pulverize food
C) Promote plaque retention
D) Allow for interdigitation during chewing
E) All of the above are true.

Question 12

Each of the following can be damaged by an overhanging restoration EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

A) Contact point
B) Marginal gingiva
C) Plaque retention
D) Alveolar bone
E) Contact area

Question 13

Each of the following is a characteristic of contact areas EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

A) Stabilize teeth
B) Discourage food impaction
C) Are located in middle third of tooth
D) Protect interdental papilla
E) All of the above are true.

Question 14

Contact point and contact area are synonymous terms; that is, they mean the same thing.

Question 15

Each of the following is part of the periodontium EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

A) Enamel
B) Cementum
C) Free gingiva
D) Alveolar mucosa
E) Alveolar bone

Question 16

Alignment refers to the height or level of alveolar bone between the teeth.

Question 17

Which illustration in depicts an overcontoured restoration?

A)
B)
C)

Question 18

Interproximal spaces lie between the teeth and the bone on one side and the proximal surfaces and their contact area on the other side. Interproximal spaces are U-shaped in posterior regions and more rounded in anterior regions.

A) Both statements are true.
B) The first statement is true; the second statement is false.
C) The first statement is false; the second statement is true.
D) Both statements are false.

Question 19

A molar with little or no curvature on the buccal surface would result in

A) Open contact area
B) Overstimulation of gingiva
C) Inadequate stimulation of gingiva
D) Difficult oral hygiene access

Question 20

An oral examination of Mrs. Connors, a new patient, reveals numerous restorations and two porcelain crowns. Mrs. Connors has been concerned about two maxillary molars where floss shreds or breaks. She also mentions that her gums "always hurt around my big crown." The painful gingiva surrounding her overcontoured crown is caused by

A) Inadequate stimulation of gingiva
B) Gingival recession
C) Periodontal disease
D) Food impaction