Question 1

Which is a gingival fiber?
A) Horizontal
B) Oblique
C) Circular
D) Apical

Accepted Answer

Circular fibers are one component of the gingival fibers that connect the gingiva to the tooth. This meshwork of collagenous fibers travels in multiple directions and includes transseptal fibers, which attach to adjacent teeth. The remaining selections are a portion of the periodontal fibers, another unit of fibers that attach to the alveolar bone and cementum.

Question 2

Bundle bone is the collection of numerous layers of bone added to the socket wall through apposition. Because it is relatively new bone, it has no attachment with the periodontal ligament.
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.

Accepted Answer

The term bundle bone applies when numerous layers of bone are added to the socket wall.
An immediate attachment is formed between bundle bone and cells of the periodontal ligament. This newly formed bone results from functional demands where alveolar bone is deposited next to the periodontal ligament and is supported by a more compact bone. Such deposition of newly formed bone is referred to as apposition. The opposite of apposition is resorption.

Question 3

With regard to apposition and resorption, on which tissue are these activities MOST active?
A) Dentin
B) Bone
C) Cementum
D) Periodontal ligament

Accepted Answer

Bone tissue is constantly undergoing change. Bone apposition and resorption are related to the functional demands placed on bone. While the terms apposition (growth) and resorption apply to most tissues, these activities are most active in bone.

Question 4

The physical arrangement of bone is permanently fixed. Only externally originated pressure or tension from orthodontic forces cause bone apposition and resorption.
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.

Accepted Answer

Bone tissue is continually undergoing change. The evolving architectural arrangement of the trabeculae, the interlacing meshwork that makes up the cancellous bone framework, is directly related to the demands of function. Bone apposition (growth) and resorption are related to functional demands. Orthodontic corrective forces involve placement of pressure-causing appliances to correct malocclusion.

Question 5

Important features to consider while evaluating gingival conditions include (select all that apply):
A) The attached gingiva begins at the base of the gingival sulcus.
B) Cells of the alveolar mucosa are nonkeratinized.
C) Both the free and attached gingiva are lined with freely movable lining mucosa.
D) The free gingiva is usually light pink in color.

Accepted Answer

The underlying mucosa of both free and attached gingiva is composed of dense collagen fibers. This same masticatory mucosa is found on the hard palate. The attached gingiva extends from the base of the gingival sulcus to the mucogingival junction. The thick epithelial cellular covering of both the attached and free gingiva are keratinized and not movable. Conversely, the more fragile alveolar mucosa is thin and nonkeratinized as well as freely movable and vulnerable to injury.

Question 6

The gingival transseptal fibers extend from the cementum of one tooth to the alveolar process of adjacent teeth. The oblique gingival fibers are circular bands of connective tissue that surround the teeth.
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.

Accepted Answer

The gingival transseptal fibers extend from the cementum of one tooth to the cementum of an adjacent tooth. Oblique fibers, not gingival in nature but periodontal, run obliquely from the cementum to the bone. Note that gingival fibers attach the gingiva to the tooth while periodontal fibers attach the alveolar bone to the cementum. The circular bands of connective tissue referred to in the question are gingival fibers often called the circular fibers.

Question 7

The mucogingival junction joins the free and attached gingiva. There is a raised line on the surface of the mucogingival junction.
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.

Accepted Answer

The mucogingival junction is the demarcation between the attached gingiva and the alveolar mucosa. There is not a raised line at the mucogingival junction. Note that a gingival groove is often visible on the outside of the free gingiva and corresponds to the base of the sulcus.

Question 8

Each of the following fibers extend from the cementum to the alveolar bone EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?
A) Oblique
B) Horizontal
C) Alveolar
D) Apical
E) Transseptal

Accepted Answer

Transseptal fibers do NOT extend from the cementum to the alveolar bone because they are gingival fibers. Gingival fibers, as opposed to periodontal fibers, extend from the tooth to the gingiva. The remaining selections are periodontal fibers, which extend from the cementum to the alveolar bone.

Question 9

When assessing the health of the gingival unit, which of the following provide guidance to the dental professional (select all that apply)?
A) Free gingiva extends from the gingival margin to the base of the gingival sulcus.
B) The attached gingiva is located apical to the mucogingival junction.
C) The alveolar mucosa is contiguous with the mucous membrane of the cheeks, lips, and floor of the mouth.
D) Free gingiva has a thick epithelial covering.
E) Cells of the free gingiva are nonkeratinized.

Accepted Answer

The free gingiva, a component of the gingival unit, extends from the gingival margin to the base of the gingival sulcus. It is the attached gingiva that extends from the base of the sulcus to the mucogingival junction; the question incorrectly identified this as the alveolar mucosa. The mucogingival junction divides the very dense masticatory mucosa of both the free and attached gingiva from the alveolar mucosa. While cells of the gingiva, both free and attached, have a thick epithelial covering and keratinized cells, the rest of the mouth is lined with thin and nonkeratinized lining mucosa.

Question 10

The thin, soft, smooth alveolar mucosa is highly keratinized. The thicker, stippled attached gingiva is keratinized, contains rete pegs, and is covered with stratified squamous epithelium.
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.

Accepted Answer

The alveolar mucosa, which joins the attached gingiva at the mucogingival junction, is thin, soft, and smooth as correctly stated in the first statement. However, the alveolar mucosa is not keratinized. By contrast, the attached gingiva is highly keratinized. Its stippled, or dimpled, effect is caused by rete peg formations. These are irregular bindings of epithelium to the bone by collagen fibers.

Question 11

The periodontium, composed of tissues that support the teeth, includes which of the following structures (select all that apply)?
A) Attached gingiva
B) Cementum
C) Dentin
D) Alveolar bone
E) All of the above

Accepted Answer

The periodontium consists of those tissues that support the teeth and include the following individual parts: gingiva, free gingiva, attached gingiva, alveolar mucosa, attachment unit, cementum, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament. These structures are grouped into two more general categories: the gingival unit and an attachment unit. The attachment unit is also called the attachment apparatus. The dentin, which makes up the body of the tooth, is NOT a component of the periodontium.

Question 12

The periodontal ligament provides a hammock of tissue bundles that support the tooth within the bone. Each of the following is true regarding the periodontal ligament EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?
A) Periodontal ligament fibers tie the tooth to the bone.
B) Periodontal ligament fibers prevent the tooth from being pushed into the bone.
C) The periodontal ligament contains small blood and lymph vessel and nerves.
D) The main portion of the periodontal ligament is composed of osseous trabeculae.
E) Fluids within the periodontal ligament act as a hydraulic pressure system on the alveolar walls.

Accepted Answer

The main portion of the periodontal ligament is composed of bundles of white collagenous connective tissue fibers, which are bundled together like the many strands of a rope. Osseous trabeculae are NOT part of the periodontal ligament but are an integral part of the architectural arrangement of the bone. Osseous is a term descriptive of bone.

Question 13

Which of the following are functions of the attachment apparatus (select all that apply)?
A) Nutritive
B) Supportive
C) Formative
D) Sensory
E)Not of above

Accepted Answer

The function of the attachment apparatus is frequently described as supportive of the teeth within the bone. However, other functional aspects are nutritive, formative, and sensory. Nutritive and sensory functions are fulfilled by the blood vessels and nerves. The formative function replaces cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone and is accomplished by cementoblasts, fibroblasts, and osteoblasts.

Question 14

Sharpey's fibers can be found in all of the following EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?
A) Alveolar bone
B) Dentin
C) Cementum
D) Periodontal ligament
E) They are in all of the above.

Accepted Answer

Sharpey's fibers do not embed in the dentin. All fibers embedded in the cementum are known as Sharpey's fibers. These collagenous fibers extend from the cementum to the papillary area of the gingiva in small bundles. Groups of Sharpey's fibers travel in multiple directions: some curve toward the mucosa of the free gingiva; others pass directly across the cementum to the gingiva; others pass from the cementum over the alveolar crest.

Question 15

Each of the following structures is a component of the gingival unit EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?
A) Attached gingiva
B) Free gingiva
C) Alveolar mucosa
D) Periodontal ligament

Accepted Answer

The periodontal ligament is not a component of the gingival unit. It is a component of the attachment unit. The attachment unit is also called the attachment apparatus and is composed of the cementum, the periodontal ligament, and the alveolar bone.

Question 16

Alveolar bone is composed of all of the following EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?
A) Collagen
B) Intercellular substance
C) Apatite crystals
D) Lamina dura

Accepted Answer

A fine distinction, the lamina dura is a location within the bone, not a component of the bone. The lamina dura is defined as the edge of the alveolar bone, which appears radiographically as a thin radiopaque (white) border of the interdental septum situated adjacent to the periodontal ligament and alveolar crest. Bone has many components, including the remaining selections in the question. Other vital components of bone include calcium, phosphate, and carbonates.

Question 17

Periodontal ligament fibers that extend from the tooth to the alveolar crest are called
A) Horizontal
B) Oblique
C) Apical
D) Interradicular
E) Alveolar crest fibers

Accepted Answer

There are five basic periodontal fiber groups. Alveolar crest fibers extend from the cervical area of the tooth to the alveolar crest. Horizontal fibers run horizontally from the tooth to the alveolar bone. Oblique fibers run obliquely from the cementum to the bone. Apical fibers radiate apically from the tooth to the bone. Interradicular periodontal fibers run between roots of multirooted teeth.

Question 18

Inflammation of the gingival papilla is easily recognized because the area takes on a color that is more red than normal.
A) Both the statement and the reason are correct and related.
B) Both the statement and the reason are correct but are NOT related.
C) The statement is correct, but the reason is NOT correct.
D) The statement is NOT correct, but the reason is correct.
E) NEITHER the statement NOR the reason is correct.

Accepted Answer

In addition to the color change from pink to a more reddish hue, inflamed gingival papillae exhibit a puffy appearance with some blunting of the apex.

Question 19

When teeth are subjected to relatively constant forces tooth mobility is likely to result because forces cause pressure on the root, periodontal ligament, and bone.
A) Both the statement and the reason are correct and related.
B) Both the statement and the reason are correct but are NOT related.
C) The statement is correct, but the reason is NOT correct.
D) The statement is NOT correct, but the reason is correct.
E) NEITHER the statement NOR the reason is correct.

Accepted Answer

Numerous types of forces act upon teeth and the periodontium. Two broad categories include constant forces/consistent forces and those that are intermittent. Tooth mobility results from intermittent forces associated with occlusal trauma that tears the periodontal ligament. Often visible radiographically, the periodontal ligament space is enlarged and widened. The result is that the lamina dura is compressed and a tooth subject to occlusal trauma becomes loose and mobile within the socket. By contrast, teeth exposed to constant/consistent forces can tip, rotate, or move but do not exhibit mobility.

Question 20

The periodontal ligament is constantly undergoing functional change because the fibers are constantly subjected to a variety of pressures exerted on the tooth.
A) Both the statement and the reason are correct and related.
B) Both the statement and the reason are correct but are NOT related.
C) The statement is correct, but the reason is NOT correct.
D) The statement is NOT correct, but the reason is correct.
E) NEITHER the statement NOR the reason is correct.

Accepted Answer

Because a variety of pressures continually exerts pressure on the teeth, the fibers of the periodontal ligament are constantly undergoing functional changes. The tooth itself is actually suspended by the ligament in such a way that some degree of movement within the bony cavity is possible. To a degree this provides a protective feature. For example, pressure exerted on the mesial surface will compress periodontal fibers of the distal surface, allowing more space between the tooth and the bone.

Quiz 8: Supporting Structures

Which is a gingival fiber?

Bundle bone is the collection of numerous layers of bone added to the socket wall through apposition. Because it is relatively new bone, it has no attachment with the periodontal ligament.

With regard to apposition and resorption, on which tissue are these activities MOST active?

The physical arrangement of bone is permanently fixed. Only externally originated pressure or tension from orthodontic forces cause bone apposition and resorption.

Important features to consider while evaluating gingival conditions include (select all that apply) :

The gingival transseptal fibers extend from the cementum of one tooth to the alveolar process of adjacent teeth. The oblique gingival fibers are circular bands of connective tissue that surround the teeth.

The mucogingival junction joins the free and attached gingiva. There is a raised line on the surface of the mucogingival junction.

Each of the following fibers extend from the cementum to the alveolar bone EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

When assessing the health of the gingival unit, which of the following provide guidance to the dental professional (select all that apply) ?

The thin, soft, smooth alveolar mucosa is highly keratinized. The thicker, stippled attached gingiva is keratinized, contains rete pegs, and is covered with stratified squamous epithelium.

The periodontium, composed of tissues that support the teeth, includes which of the following structures (select all that apply) ?

The periodontal ligament provides a hammock of tissue bundles that support the tooth within the bone. Each of the following is true regarding the periodontal ligament EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

Which of the following are functions of the attachment apparatus (select all that apply) ?

Sharpey's fibers can be found in all of the following EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

Each of the following structures is a component of the gingival unit EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

Alveolar bone is composed of all of the following EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

Periodontal ligament fibers that extend from the tooth to the alveolar crest are called

Inflammation of the gingival papilla is easily recognized because the area takes on a color that is more red than normal.

When teeth are subjected to relatively constant forces tooth mobility is likely to result because forces cause pressure on the root, periodontal ligament, and bone.

The periodontal ligament is constantly undergoing functional change because the fibers are constantly subjected to a variety of pressures exerted on the tooth.