Dental Assistant Practice Exam

What does periodontitis involve?

1. Inflammation of the gingiva alone

2. Infection of the dental pulp

3. Infection of the heart

4. Inflammation involving the crest of the alveolar bone

The correct answer is: Inflammation involving the crest of the alveolar bone

Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. The condition arises when the inflammation extends beyond just the gingiva (gums) to include the surrounding structures, including the alveolar bone. The crest of the alveolar bone is particularly significant because it is where the bone connects to the teeth, and its involvement is a critical aspect of periodontitis. The disease progresses when plaque is not adequately removed, leading to chronic inflammation. This can result in a loss of attachment and, ultimately, tooth mobility or loss. The disease can have systemic implications as well, but the primary concern in terms of definitions and classifications is the inflammation and infection affecting both the gingiva and the surrounding alveolar bone structure. This makes the correct choice specifically focus on the broader impact of periodontitis within the supportive structures of the teeth.