Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: NSAIDs and tooth movement: 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 · Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: NSAIDs and tooth movement

Sample item

A patient on long-term NSAIDs for arthritis shows slower than expected tooth movement with fixed appliances. What explains this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Less prostaglandin E2 lowers osteoclast activity

Orthodontic force triggers local release of inflammatory mediators, including prostaglandin E2 and interleukins, which recruit and activate osteoclasts. NSAIDs inhibit cyclo-oxygenase and so lower prostaglandin synthesis and slow bone resorption and tooth movement. Bisphosphonates also slow movement.

Option by option

  • A. Higher osteoprotegerin makes bone grow on the tension side

    NSAIDs do not raise osteoprotegerin as their recognised effect on tooth movement.

  • B. Cementum fuses to the alveolar bone causing ankylosis

    Ankylosis is a focal trauma-related event and is not caused by NSAIDs.

  • C. Less prostaglandin E2 lowers osteoclast activity (correct)

    Correct. Less prostaglandin E2 means fewer active osteoclasts, so movement is slow.

  • D. Stiffening of the periodontal ligament by collagen cross-links

    NSAIDs do not stiffen the periodontal ligament through cross-linking.

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 C, Less prostaglandin E2 lowers osteoclast activity. Orthodontic force triggers local release of inflammatory mediators, including prostaglandin E2 and interleukins, which recruit and activate osteoclasts.

Why is "Higher osteoprotegerin makes bone grow on the tension side" not the answer?

NSAIDs do not raise osteoprotegerin as their recognised effect on tooth movement.

Why is "Cementum fuses to the alveolar bone causing ankylosis" not the answer?

Ankylosis is a focal trauma-related event and is not caused by NSAIDs.

Why is "Stiffening of the periodontal ligament by collagen cross-links" not the answer?

NSAIDs do not stiffen the periodontal ligament through cross-linking.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: NSAIDs and tooth movement in Dentistry. NSAIDs inhibit cyclo-oxygenase and so lower prostaglandin synthesis and slow bone resorption and tooth movement. Bisphosphonates also slow movement.

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 Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: NSAIDs and tooth movement?

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.