CPT CPT Radiographic Analysis & Bone Assessment 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which radiographic technique provides the most accurate image of alveolar bone levels?
- Panoramic radiograph
- Periapical radiograph with paralleling technique (Correct answer)
- Bitewing radiograph
- Occlusal radiograph
Correct answer: Periapical radiograph with paralleling technique
Periapical radiographs using the paralleling technique minimize distortion and provide the most accurate representation of alveolar bone levels.
Question 2: On a periapical radiograph, normal alveolar bone crest height is typically located:
- At the cementoenamel junction (CEJ)
- 1–2 mm apical to the CEJ (Correct answer)
- 3–4 mm apical to the CEJ
- At the midroot level
Correct answer: 1–2 mm apical to the CEJ
Normal alveolar bone crest height is approximately 1–2 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction on radiographic examination.
Question 3: Horizontal bone loss on a radiograph indicates:
- Localized aggressive periodontitis pattern
- Even bone resorption affecting multiple teeth at a similar level (Correct answer)
- Vertical defect pattern
- Furcation involvement only
Correct answer: Even bone resorption affecting multiple teeth at a similar level
Horizontal bone loss presents as generalized, even bone resorption affecting multiple teeth at a relatively uniform level.
Question 4: A triangular-shaped radiolucency at the interproximal crest most likely suggests:
- Normal anatomical variation
- Early bone loss due to periodontitis with loss of lamina dura (Correct answer)
- Periapical abscess formation
- Cementum resorption only
Correct answer: Early bone loss due to periodontitis with loss of lamina dura
A triangular radiolucency at the interproximal crest indicates early loss of the lamina dura and beginning periodontal bone destruction.
Question 5: Which radiographic finding is most consistent with localized aggressive periodontitis?
- Generalized horizontal bone loss
- Arc-shaped vertical bone loss around first molars and incisors (Correct answer)
- Diffuse calculus deposits throughout
- Uniform bone height on all teeth
Correct answer: Arc-shaped vertical bone loss around first molars and incisors
Localized aggressive periodontitis characteristically shows arc-shaped or vertical bone loss around first molars and incisors in younger patients.
Question 6: Furcation involvement is radiographically evident when:
- The periodontal ligament space widens at the apex
- Radiolucency is visible in the furcation area between roots (Correct answer)
- The lamina dura completely disappears
- Root resorption is present at the apex
Correct answer: Radiolucency is visible in the furcation area between roots
Furcation involvement is seen radiographically as a radiolucent area in the furcation region between tooth roots.
CPT CPT Radiographic Analysis & Bone Assessment 1
Which radiographic technique provides the most accurate image of alveolar bone levels?