Periodontology: periodontitis: 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.

Try it

Dentistry · Periodontology: periodontitis

Sample item

Which finding differentiates periodontitis from gingivitis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Clinical attachment loss with alveolar bone loss

Periodontitis is characterized by irreversible destruction of periodontal attachment and alveolar bone. Bleeding and plaque may occur in both gingivitis and periodontitis.

Option by option

  • A. Bleeding on probing alone

    Bleeding alone indicates inflammation but not necessarily periodontitis.

  • B. Clinical attachment loss with alveolar bone loss (correct)

    Correct. Loss of attachment and bone is the defining destructive feature.

  • C. Transient gingival redness

    Redness can occur in reversible gingivitis.

  • D. Mild plaque accumulation

    Plaque is a risk factor but does not establish tissue destruction.

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, Clinical attachment loss with alveolar bone loss. Periodontitis is characterized by irreversible destruction of periodontal attachment and alveolar bone.

Why is "Bleeding on probing alone" not the answer?

Bleeding alone indicates inflammation but not necessarily periodontitis.

Why is "Transient gingival redness" not the answer?

Redness can occur in reversible gingivitis.

Why is "Mild plaque accumulation" not the answer?

Plaque is a risk factor but does not establish tissue destruction.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Periodontology: periodontitis in Dentistry. Bleeding and plaque may occur in both gingivitis and 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: periodontitis?

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.