CPT CPT Radiographic Analysis & Bone Assessment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On a periapical radiograph, the lamina dura represents:
- Pulp vitality status
- The cortical bone lining the tooth socket (Correct answer)
- Cementum thickness on the root
- The gingival margin position
Correct answer: The cortical bone lining the tooth socket
The lamina dura is the radiodense cortical bone lining the tooth socket; its presence or absence reflects periodontal health.
Question 2: A widened periodontal ligament (PDL) space on a radiograph may indicate:
- Normal occlusal function
- Occlusal trauma or early periapical pathology (Correct answer)
- Healthy periodontium without disease
- Calculus deposits along the root
Correct answer: Occlusal trauma or early periapical pathology
A widened PDL space may indicate occlusal trauma, early inflammatory changes, or periapical pathology affecting the supporting structures.
Question 3: Which radiographic view best demonstrates interproximal bone levels in posterior teeth?
- Periapical radiograph
- Panoramic radiograph
- Bitewing radiograph (Correct answer)
- Occlusal radiograph
Correct answer: Bitewing radiograph
Bitewing radiographs provide the best view of interproximal alveolar bone levels in posterior teeth due to their ideal horizontal angulation.
Question 4: Vertical (angular) bone defects on radiographs are characterized by:
- Horizontal bone loss at equal levels across teeth
- Angular bone loss adjacent to one tooth root surface (Correct answer)
- Generalized bone loss pattern
- Loss of trabecular pattern throughout
Correct answer: Angular bone loss adjacent to one tooth root surface
Vertical angular bone defects appear as diagonal bone loss on one side of a tooth root rather than horizontal loss across adjacent teeth.
Question 5: For a periodontal patient, when should full mouth periapical radiographs (FMX) be updated?
- Every 6 months regardless of status
- Every 5 years on a fixed schedule
- Based on clinical findings and disease activity (Correct answer)
- Only when the patient reports pain
Correct answer: Based on clinical findings and disease activity
Radiographic frequency for periodontal patients should be individualized based on disease activity, clinical findings, and treatment response.
Question 6: Which radiographic feature distinguishes an infrabony pocket from a suprabony pocket?
- Width of the periodontal ligament space
- Position of the bone crest relative to the base of the defect (Correct answer)
- Presence of calculus deposits
- Root length differences
Correct answer: Position of the bone crest relative to the base of the defect
An infrabony pocket has its base apical to the alveolar bone crest, visible radiographically as bone loss below the pocket base level.
CPT CPT Radiographic Analysis & Bone Assessment 2
On a periapical radiograph, the lamina dura represents: