Oral pathology: cysts and odontogenic tumours: peripheral ossifying fibroma: 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 · Oral pathology: cysts and odontogenic tumours: peripheral ossifying fibroma

Sample item

A 22-year-old has a firm pink nodule arising from the interdental papilla between two upper incisors. Histology shows cellular fibrous tissue containing trabeculae of woven bone. It recurred after being shaved off. How should it be treated?

ABlock resection of the maxillaBObserve, as it regresses on its ownCRadiotherapyDExcise down to periosteum and scale the adjacent teeth

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Excise down to periosteum and scale the adjacent teeth

Peripheral ossifying fibroma is a reactive gingival growth related to local irritants. Recurrence follows incomplete excision, so the base and periodontal ligament source must be removed with the irritant.

Option by option

A. Block resection of the maxilla
A block resection is far beyond what a reactive gingival lesion requires.
B. Observe, as it regresses on its own
It does not regress and needs surgery.
C. Radiotherapy
It is a benign reactive lesion and radiotherapy is not used.
D. Excise down to periosteum and scale the adjacent teeth (correct)
Correct. Complete excision with removal of local irritants prevents recurrence.

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.

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is D, Excise down to periosteum and scale the adjacent teeth. Peripheral ossifying fibroma is a reactive gingival growth related to local irritants.

Why is "Block resection of the maxilla" not the answer?

A block resection is far beyond what a reactive gingival lesion requires.

Why is "Observe, as it regresses on its own" not the answer?

It does not regress and needs surgery.

Why is "Radiotherapy" not the answer?

It is a benign reactive lesion and radiotherapy is not used.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral pathology: cysts and odontogenic tumours: peripheral ossifying fibroma in Dentistry. Recurrence follows incomplete excision, so the base and periodontal ligament source must be removed with the irritant.

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 Oral pathology: cysts and odontogenic tumours: peripheral ossifying fibroma?

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.