Periodontology: 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 · Periodontology

Sample item

What distinguishes periodontitis from gingivitis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Loss of periodontal attachment

Periodontitis involves inflammatory destruction of periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, causing attachment loss and potentially tooth mobility and loss.

Option by option

  • A. Normal probing depth

    Normal probing depth argues against significant periodontitis.

  • B. Loss of periodontal attachment (correct)

    Correct: attachment loss defines periodontitis.

  • C. Enamel hypoplasia

    Enamel hypoplasia is a developmental enamel defect.

  • D. Tooth whitening

    Whitening is cosmetic and not a periodontal diagnostic feature.

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.

More Dentistry questions

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is B, Loss of periodontal attachment. Periodontitis involves inflammatory destruction of periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, causing attachment loss and potentially tooth mobility and loss.

Why is "Normal probing depth" not the answer?

Normal probing depth argues against significant periodontitis.

Why is "Enamel hypoplasia" not the answer?

Enamel hypoplasia is a developmental enamel defect.

Why is "Tooth whitening" not the answer?

Whitening is cosmetic and not a periodontal diagnostic feature.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Periodontology in Dentistry. The correct option holds because: Correct: attachment loss defines periodontitis.

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 Periodontology?

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.