DRC DRC Pathology & Radiographic Diagnosis 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: External root resorption on a radiograph is identified by:
- Blunting or shortening of the root apex with an irregular outline (Correct answer)
- Widening of the root canal space
- Increased radiodensity of the root
- Widening of the PDL space
Correct answer: Blunting or shortening of the root apex with an irregular outline
External root resorption appears as blunting, shortening, or irregular destruction of the root outline, typically at the apex or along the lateral surfaces.
Question 2: Internal root resorption is radiographically characterized by:
- An oval or round radiolucency within the root canal space (Correct answer)
- A radiopaque mass within the root
- Irregular external root contour
- Periapical radiolucency
Correct answer: An oval or round radiolucency within the root canal space
Internal root resorption appears as a well-defined oval or round radiolucency within the root canal, caused by clastic cells resorbing the dentin from the inside.
Question 3: A dentigerous (follicular) cyst appears on a radiograph as a:
- Well-defined radiolucency surrounding the crown of an unerupted tooth (Correct answer)
- Radiolucency at the root apex of a non-vital tooth
- Multilocular radiolucency in the posterior mandible
- Radiopaque mass with a radiolucent halo
Correct answer: Well-defined radiolucency surrounding the crown of an unerupted tooth
A dentigerous cyst appears as a well-defined, corticated radiolucency that surrounds the crown of an unerupted (impacted) tooth, attached at the CEJ.
Question 4: Calculus deposits on dental radiographs appear as:
- Irregular radiopaque projections on the root surface between the teeth (Correct answer)
- Radiolucent areas adjacent to the alveolar crest
- Dense white bands within the pulp chamber
- Smooth radiopaque root surface coating
Correct answer: Irregular radiopaque projections on the root surface between the teeth
Calculus appears as irregular, nodular, or pointed radiopaque deposits on the root surfaces, most commonly visible interproximally on bitewing radiographs.
Question 5: Vertical bone defects (angular bone loss) visible on radiographs indicate:
- Localized, asymmetric bone destruction associated with advanced periodontal disease (Correct answer)
- Generalized uniform bone height reduction
- Periapical infection of endodontic origin
- Normal anatomical variation
Correct answer: Localized, asymmetric bone destruction associated with advanced periodontal disease
Vertical (angular) bone loss indicates localized, asymmetric bone destruction along the root surface, often associated with aggressive or advanced periodontal disease.
Question 6: Which radiographic finding would most suggest pulp calcification (pulp stones)?
- Radiopaque masses within the pulp chamber or canal space (Correct answer)
- Widening of the root canal space
- Periapical radiolucency with corticated border
- Loss of lamina dura
Correct answer: Radiopaque masses within the pulp chamber or canal space
Pulp calcifications (denticles or diffuse calcifications) appear as radiopaque masses within the pulp chamber or canal, reducing the normally radiolucent pulp space.
DRC DRC Pathology & Radiographic Diagnosis 2
External root resorption on a radiograph is identified by: