Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: dental trauma sequelae: 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: dental trauma sequelae

Sample item

Six years after an upper incisor was replanted late following avulsion, the tooth is immobile and produces a high, metallic sound on percussion. Radiographs show loss of the periodontal ligament space. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Replacement resorption (ankylosis)

When the periodontal ligament is lost after prolonged drying, bone fuses to the root and gradually replaces it. The tooth is ankylosed, gives a metallic percussion note and becomes infraoccluded in the growing child.

Option by option

  • A. Replacement resorption (ankylosis) (correct)

    Correct. Absent PDL space and a metallic note indicate ankylosis with replacement resorption.

  • B. Hypercementosis

    Hypercementosis thickens the root and preserves the ligament space.

  • C. Internal resorption

    Internal resorption enlarges the pulp canal from within.

  • D. Acute apical abscess

    An abscess is tender and has a widened ligament space.

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, Replacement resorption (ankylosis). When the periodontal ligament is lost after prolonged drying, bone fuses to the root and gradually replaces it.

Why is "Hypercementosis" not the answer?

Hypercementosis thickens the root and preserves the ligament space.

Why is "Internal resorption" not the answer?

Internal resorption enlarges the pulp canal from within.

Why is "Acute apical abscess" not the answer?

An abscess is tender and has a widened ligament space.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: dental trauma sequelae in Dentistry. The tooth is ankylosed, gives a metallic percussion note and becomes infraoccluded in the growing child.

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 Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: dental trauma sequelae?

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.