Dental Assistant Practice Exam

Which of the following conditions involves the inflammation of the gums with the involvement of bone and periodontal ligament?

1. Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis

2. Pericoronitis

3. Gingivitis

4. Periodontitis

The correct answer is: Periodontitis

Periodontitis is characterized by inflammation that not only affects the gums but also involves the underlying bone and periodontium, which includes the periodontal ligament. This condition represents a more advanced stage of periodontal disease, where the inflammation can lead to the destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth. In periodontitis, the inflammatory response can cause the gum tissue to recede and result in the loss of attachment between teeth and the bone. When left untreated, this condition can eventually lead to tooth mobility and tooth loss due to the deterioration of the bone and periodontal structures that support the teeth. Comparatively, necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis primarily affects the gums and is more localized, often involving ulceration and necrosis, but it does not typically cause the widespread bone involvement seen in periodontitis. Pericoronitis is associated with the inflammation of the tissues surrounding partially erupted teeth, especially the molars, but it does not broadly involve the periodontal structures as periodontitis does. Gingivitis is limited to the inflammation of the gums without the involvement of the deeper supporting structures like bone and ligaments, marking it as a less severe condition than periodontitis.