Dental anatomy: pulp: 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 · Dental anatomy: pulp

Sample item

Which cell type produces reparative dentin in response to moderate pulp injury?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Odontoblasts or odontoblast-like cells

Odontoblasts line the pulp-dentin interface and form dentin throughout life. After injury, surviving odontoblasts or newly differentiated odontoblast-like cells can deposit tertiary dentin.

Option by option

  • A. Osteoclasts

    Osteoclasts resorb mineralized tissue.

  • B. Odontoblasts or odontoblast-like cells (correct)

    Correct. Dentin-forming cells mediate the pulp defense response.

  • C. Keratinocytes

    Keratinocytes form epithelium.

  • D. Ameloblasts

    Ameloblasts form enamel and disappear after tooth eruption.

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 B, Odontoblasts or odontoblast-like cells. Odontoblasts line the pulp-dentin interface and form dentin throughout life.

Why is "Osteoclasts" not the answer?

Osteoclasts resorb mineralized tissue.

Why is "Keratinocytes" not the answer?

Keratinocytes form epithelium.

Why is "Ameloblasts" not the answer?

Ameloblasts form enamel and disappear after tooth eruption.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Dental anatomy: pulp in Dentistry. After injury, surviving odontoblasts or newly differentiated odontoblast-like cells can deposit tertiary dentin.

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 Dental anatomy: pulp?

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.