HESI DENTAL HYGIENE PRACTICE EXAM NEWEST VERSION ACTUAL EXAM
COMPLETE 259+ QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) |ALREADY GRADED A+.
What is the term to describe when the molars and premolars occlude cusp to cusp?
A. open bite
B. over jet
C. over bite
D. crossbite
E. Edge-edge
F. End-to-end
CORRECT ANS: End-to-end
Expert Rationale
An end-to-end occlusion, also known as a cusp-to-cusp relationship, occurs when the
opposing cusps of the maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth meet directly on top of
each other. This is a specific type of occlusal relationship where the cusps are in contact
without any overlap, in contrast to a normal occlusal relationship where the cusps
interdigitate. This condition is often seen in cases of occlusal wear or as a result of
malocclusion. An open bite (A) is a lack of vertical overlap between the upper and lower
incisors. Overjet (B) is a horizontal overlap of the maxillary incisors over the mandibular
incisors. Overbite (C) is a vertical overlap. Crossbite (D) is a lateral misalignment where
maxillary teeth are lingual to mandibular teeth. Edge-to-edge (E) is a similar concept but
typically refers to incisors rather than posterior teeth.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension) TOP: Occlusion and Malocclusion
MSC: NCLEX: N/A (Professional Licensing)
Which malposition describes when a tooth is rotated or turned?
A. torsoversion
B. infraversion
C. supraversion
,CORRECT ANS: torsoversion
Expert Rationale
Torsoversion is the term used to describe a tooth that is rotated or turned on its axis
from its normal alignment. This malposition is often a result of crowding, arch length
discrepancies, or other developmental anomalies. The tooth may be rotated mesially,
distally, facially, or lingually. This malposition can cause esthetic concerns, speech issues,
and increased susceptibility to periodontal and carious disease due to impaired
cleansability. Infraversion (B) describes a tooth that is depressed below the line of
occlusion. Supraversion (C) describes a tooth that is erupted beyond the occlusal plane.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remember (Knowledge) TOP: Dental Terminology
MSC: NCLEX: N/A (Professional Licensing)
Which malposition describes when a tooth is depressed below the line of occlusion?
A. torsoversion
B. infraversion
C. supraversion
CORRECT ANS: Infraversion
Expert Rationale
Infraversion refers to a tooth that is positioned below the normal occlusal plane,
meaning it is depressed or not fully erupted into the line of occlusion. This condition can
result from a lack of space, ankylosis, or a persistent deciduous tooth. An infraverted
tooth may interfere with proper occlusion and can cause supra-eruption of opposing
teeth. Torsoversion (A) describes a rotated tooth. Supraversion (C) describes a tooth that
has erupted beyond the occlusal plane.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remember (Knowledge) TOP: Dental Terminology
MSC: NCLEX: N/A (Professional Licensing)
Which malposition describes when a tooth is erupted beyond the occlusal plane?
,A. torsoversion
B. infraversion
C. supraversion
CORRECT ANS: SUPRAversion
Expert Rationale
Supraversion is the term used to describe a tooth that has erupted beyond the normal
occlusal plane, extending further occlusally than the adjacent teeth. This condition can
occur when an opposing tooth is missing or when there is a lack of occlusal contact.
Supraversion can lead to occlusal interferences, trauma from occlusion, and
temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Torsoversion (A) describes a rotated tooth.
Infraversion (B) describes a tooth that is depressed below the line of occlusion.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remember (Knowledge) TOP: Dental Terminology
MSC: NCLEX: N/A (Professional Licensing)
What is the wearing away of tooth structure resulting from excessive horizontal forces
like bruxism and mastication?
A. Abrasion
B. Attrition
C. Erosion
D. Abfraction
CORRECT ANS: Attrition
Expert Rationale
Attrition is the mechanical wearing away of tooth structure due to direct tooth-to-tooth
contact, primarily from functions such as mastication (chewing) and parafunctional
habits like bruxism (teeth grinding) and clenching. These excessive horizontal forces
cause the wearing of occlusal surfaces, cusps, and incisal edges, often leading to a
flattening of the occlusal anatomy. Over time, attrition can result in dentin exposure,
tooth sensitivity, and a reduction in vertical dimension of occlusion. Abrasion (A) is the
mechanical wearing from foreign objects, such as aggressive toothbrushing. Erosion (C)
is the chemical wearing from acids. Abfraction (D) is the flaking of enamel at the cervical
third from excessive occlusal forces.
, DIF: Cognitive Level: Remember (Knowledge) TOP: Dental Pathology
MSC: NCLEX: N/A (Professional Licensing)
What is the mechanical wearing away of tooth structure from aggressive toothbrushing?
A. Abrasion
B. Attrition
C. Erosion
D. Abfraction
CORRECT ANS: Abrasion
Expert Rationale
Abrasion is the mechanical wearing away of tooth structure caused by friction from a
foreign object, most commonly aggressive toothbrushing with a hard-bristled brush or
the use of abrasive toothpaste. This type of wear typically presents as V-shaped notches
or grooves at the cervical margins of teeth, especially on the facial surfaces of canines
and premolars. The loss of tooth structure can lead to dentin hypersensitivity and
esthetic concerns. Attrition (B) is tooth-to-tooth wear. Erosion (C) is chemical wear.
Abfraction (D) is the flaking of enamel from occlusal forces.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remember (Knowledge) TOP: Dental Pathology
MSC: NCLEX: N/A (Professional Licensing)
What is the flaking of facial enamel at the cervical third of the tooth resulting from
excessive occlusal forces?
A. Abrasion
B. Attrition
C. Erosion
D. Abfraction
CORRECT ANS: Abfraction
Expert Rationale
COMPLETE 259+ QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) |ALREADY GRADED A+.
What is the term to describe when the molars and premolars occlude cusp to cusp?
A. open bite
B. over jet
C. over bite
D. crossbite
E. Edge-edge
F. End-to-end
CORRECT ANS: End-to-end
Expert Rationale
An end-to-end occlusion, also known as a cusp-to-cusp relationship, occurs when the
opposing cusps of the maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth meet directly on top of
each other. This is a specific type of occlusal relationship where the cusps are in contact
without any overlap, in contrast to a normal occlusal relationship where the cusps
interdigitate. This condition is often seen in cases of occlusal wear or as a result of
malocclusion. An open bite (A) is a lack of vertical overlap between the upper and lower
incisors. Overjet (B) is a horizontal overlap of the maxillary incisors over the mandibular
incisors. Overbite (C) is a vertical overlap. Crossbite (D) is a lateral misalignment where
maxillary teeth are lingual to mandibular teeth. Edge-to-edge (E) is a similar concept but
typically refers to incisors rather than posterior teeth.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension) TOP: Occlusion and Malocclusion
MSC: NCLEX: N/A (Professional Licensing)
Which malposition describes when a tooth is rotated or turned?
A. torsoversion
B. infraversion
C. supraversion
,CORRECT ANS: torsoversion
Expert Rationale
Torsoversion is the term used to describe a tooth that is rotated or turned on its axis
from its normal alignment. This malposition is often a result of crowding, arch length
discrepancies, or other developmental anomalies. The tooth may be rotated mesially,
distally, facially, or lingually. This malposition can cause esthetic concerns, speech issues,
and increased susceptibility to periodontal and carious disease due to impaired
cleansability. Infraversion (B) describes a tooth that is depressed below the line of
occlusion. Supraversion (C) describes a tooth that is erupted beyond the occlusal plane.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remember (Knowledge) TOP: Dental Terminology
MSC: NCLEX: N/A (Professional Licensing)
Which malposition describes when a tooth is depressed below the line of occlusion?
A. torsoversion
B. infraversion
C. supraversion
CORRECT ANS: Infraversion
Expert Rationale
Infraversion refers to a tooth that is positioned below the normal occlusal plane,
meaning it is depressed or not fully erupted into the line of occlusion. This condition can
result from a lack of space, ankylosis, or a persistent deciduous tooth. An infraverted
tooth may interfere with proper occlusion and can cause supra-eruption of opposing
teeth. Torsoversion (A) describes a rotated tooth. Supraversion (C) describes a tooth that
has erupted beyond the occlusal plane.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remember (Knowledge) TOP: Dental Terminology
MSC: NCLEX: N/A (Professional Licensing)
Which malposition describes when a tooth is erupted beyond the occlusal plane?
,A. torsoversion
B. infraversion
C. supraversion
CORRECT ANS: SUPRAversion
Expert Rationale
Supraversion is the term used to describe a tooth that has erupted beyond the normal
occlusal plane, extending further occlusally than the adjacent teeth. This condition can
occur when an opposing tooth is missing or when there is a lack of occlusal contact.
Supraversion can lead to occlusal interferences, trauma from occlusion, and
temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Torsoversion (A) describes a rotated tooth.
Infraversion (B) describes a tooth that is depressed below the line of occlusion.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remember (Knowledge) TOP: Dental Terminology
MSC: NCLEX: N/A (Professional Licensing)
What is the wearing away of tooth structure resulting from excessive horizontal forces
like bruxism and mastication?
A. Abrasion
B. Attrition
C. Erosion
D. Abfraction
CORRECT ANS: Attrition
Expert Rationale
Attrition is the mechanical wearing away of tooth structure due to direct tooth-to-tooth
contact, primarily from functions such as mastication (chewing) and parafunctional
habits like bruxism (teeth grinding) and clenching. These excessive horizontal forces
cause the wearing of occlusal surfaces, cusps, and incisal edges, often leading to a
flattening of the occlusal anatomy. Over time, attrition can result in dentin exposure,
tooth sensitivity, and a reduction in vertical dimension of occlusion. Abrasion (A) is the
mechanical wearing from foreign objects, such as aggressive toothbrushing. Erosion (C)
is the chemical wearing from acids. Abfraction (D) is the flaking of enamel at the cervical
third from excessive occlusal forces.
, DIF: Cognitive Level: Remember (Knowledge) TOP: Dental Pathology
MSC: NCLEX: N/A (Professional Licensing)
What is the mechanical wearing away of tooth structure from aggressive toothbrushing?
A. Abrasion
B. Attrition
C. Erosion
D. Abfraction
CORRECT ANS: Abrasion
Expert Rationale
Abrasion is the mechanical wearing away of tooth structure caused by friction from a
foreign object, most commonly aggressive toothbrushing with a hard-bristled brush or
the use of abrasive toothpaste. This type of wear typically presents as V-shaped notches
or grooves at the cervical margins of teeth, especially on the facial surfaces of canines
and premolars. The loss of tooth structure can lead to dentin hypersensitivity and
esthetic concerns. Attrition (B) is tooth-to-tooth wear. Erosion (C) is chemical wear.
Abfraction (D) is the flaking of enamel from occlusal forces.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remember (Knowledge) TOP: Dental Pathology
MSC: NCLEX: N/A (Professional Licensing)
What is the flaking of facial enamel at the cervical third of the tooth resulting from
excessive occlusal forces?
A. Abrasion
B. Attrition
C. Erosion
D. Abfraction
CORRECT ANS: Abfraction
Expert Rationale
