ABP Periodontal Anatomy 2

Question 1

Which fiber group of the periodontal ligament runs from the alveolar crest obliquely to the cementum in an apical direction?

Accepted Answer

Oblique fibers

Answer

Oblique fibers are the most numerous PDL fibers and run from the alveolar bone in a coronal direction to insert into cementum, resisting occlusal forces.

Question 2

The stippling observed on healthy attached gingiva is most closely associated with which histological feature?

Accepted Answer

Rete peg interdigitation with connective tissue

Answer

Gingival stippling results from interdigitation of epithelial rete pegs with connective tissue papillae, creating surface indentations visible clinically.

Question 3

Cementum that is deposited throughout life on the root surface in an appositional manner and contains entrapped cementoblasts is called:

Accepted Answer

Secondary cellular cementum

Answer

Secondary cellular (or cellular intrinsic fiber) cementum is formed after tooth eruption, contains cementocytes, and is found primarily in the apical third and furcation areas.

Question 4

The width of the attached gingiva is typically greatest in which region of the dentition?

Accepted Answer

Maxillary anterior facial

Answer

The attached gingiva is widest in the maxillary anterior facial region (average 3.5–4.5 mm) and narrowest at the mandibular first premolar buccal.

Question 5

Which landmark defines the base of the gingival sulcus histologically?

Accepted Answer

Coronal extent of the junctional epithelium

Answer

The base of the gingival sulcus is formed by the most coronal cells of the junctional epithelium, which attaches to the tooth via hemidesmosomes.

(ABP) American Board of Periodontology Practice Test

(ABP) American Board of Periodontology Practice Test

ABP Periodontal Anatomy 2