Oral histology and anatomy: cemento-enamel junction: 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: cemento-enamel junction

Sample item

In a large sample of extracted teeth, which relation at the cemento-enamel junction is the most common?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Cementum overlaps the enamel

In roughly 60 percent of teeth the cementum overlaps the enamel for a short distance. End-to-end contact is seen in about 30 percent and a gap in about 10 percent, the gap being a cause of cervical sensitivity.

Option by option

  • A. Cementum overlaps the enamel (correct)

    Correct. Overlap is the most frequent relationship.

  • B. Cementum meets enamel end to end

    Butt joint is the second most frequent.

  • C. A gap leaves dentine exposed

    A gap with exposed dentine is the least frequent and predisposes to sensitivity.

  • D. Enamel overlaps cementum

    Enamel overlapping cementum is not a recognised pattern.

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 A, Cementum overlaps the enamel. In roughly 60 percent of teeth the cementum overlaps the enamel for a short distance.

Why is "Cementum meets enamel end to end" not the answer?

Butt joint is the second most frequent.

Why is "A gap leaves dentine exposed" not the answer?

A gap with exposed dentine is the least frequent and predisposes to sensitivity.

Why is "Enamel overlaps cementum" not the answer?

Enamel overlapping cementum is not a recognised pattern.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral histology and anatomy: cemento-enamel junction in Dentistry. End-to-end contact is seen in about 30 percent and a gap in about 10 percent, the gap being a cause of cervical sensitivity.

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 Oral histology and anatomy: cemento-enamel junction?

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.