Foundations of Periodontics for the
Dental Hygienist Sixth edition Jill S.
Gehrig TESTBANK
SECTION 1: THE PERIODONTIUM IN HEALTH (Chapters 1-2)
This section covers the anatomy, histology, and function of healthy periodontal tissues.
Question 1:
Which of the following tissues is NOT part of the periodontium?
A) Periodontal ligament
B) Gingiva
C) Cementum
D) Alveolar mucosa
Answer: D) Alveolar mucosa
,Rationale: The periodontium consists of the gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar
bone. Alveolar mucosa is the movable tissue apical to the attached gingiva and is not part of the
periodontium.
Question 2:
During mastication, the tooth is cushioned from occlusal forces by the:
A) Periodontal ligament
B) Gingiva
C) Cementum
D) Alveolar bone
Answer: A) Periodontal ligament
Rationale: The periodontal ligament contains collagen fibers and fluid that act as a shock absorber,
cushioning the tooth against occlusal forces during chewing.
Question 3:
After many years, periodontal instrumentation might remove a part of the periodontium. Which
anatomical area could be removed from the root after years of instrumentation?
A) Periodontal ligament
B) Gingiva
C) Cementum
D) Alveolar bone
Answer: C) Cementum
Rationale: Cementum is a thin layer covering the root surface that can be inadvertently removed
during repeated or aggressive periodontal instrumentation, potentially leading to root sensitivity.
Question 4:
Lattice-like bone that fills the interior portion of the alveolar process refers to:
A) Cortical bone
B) Cancellous bone
,C) Periosteum
D) Cribriform plate
Answer: B) Cancellous bone
Rationale: Cancellous bone (also known as spongy bone) is the lattice-like bone that fills the interior
portion of the alveolar processes. It is mostly seen interproximally and supports alveolar bone
proper.
Question 5:
The gingival sulcus in clinically healthy tissue has a probing depth of approximately:
A) 1–3 mm
B) 3–5 mm
C) 5–7 mm
D) 0–1 mm
Answer: A) 1–3 mm
Rationale: In clinically healthy gingiva, the normal sulcus depth ranges from 1–3 mm. Depths greater
than 3 mm may indicate pseudopocketing or attachment loss.
Question 6:
Which of the following describes the junctional epithelium?
A) Keratinized stratified squamous epithelium
B) Non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium that attaches to the tooth surface
C) Simple columnar epithelium
D) Pseudostratified ciliated epithelium
Answer: B) Non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium that attaches to the tooth surface
Rationale: The junctional epithelium is a non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium that forms a
biological seal by attaching to the tooth surface via hemidesmosomes and the basal lamina.
, Question 7:
The gingival fibers that encircle the tooth in a ring-like manner are called:
A) Dentogingival fibers
B) Circular fibers
C) Transseptal fibers
D) Alveologingival fibers
Answer: B) Circular fibers
Rationale: Circular fibers are gingival collagen fibers that run around the tooth in a circular pattern,
helping to maintain gingival contour and position.
Question 8:
The ends of periodontal ligament fibers that embed in bone and cementum are known as:
A) Interradicular fibers
B) Sharpey's fibers
C) Rete pegs
D) Endpoint fibers
Answer: B) Sharpey's fibers
Rationale: Sharpey's fibers are the terminal portions of the principal fibers of the periodontal
ligament that embed into cementum and alveolar bone, appearing brush-like in cross-section.
Question 9:
All of the following are functions of the periodontal ligament EXCEPT:
A) It attaches the tooth to the bony socket
B) It provides sensory and nutritive function
C) It unites free gingiva with cementum
D) It produces osteoclasts to resorb bone
Dental Hygienist Sixth edition Jill S.
Gehrig TESTBANK
SECTION 1: THE PERIODONTIUM IN HEALTH (Chapters 1-2)
This section covers the anatomy, histology, and function of healthy periodontal tissues.
Question 1:
Which of the following tissues is NOT part of the periodontium?
A) Periodontal ligament
B) Gingiva
C) Cementum
D) Alveolar mucosa
Answer: D) Alveolar mucosa
,Rationale: The periodontium consists of the gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar
bone. Alveolar mucosa is the movable tissue apical to the attached gingiva and is not part of the
periodontium.
Question 2:
During mastication, the tooth is cushioned from occlusal forces by the:
A) Periodontal ligament
B) Gingiva
C) Cementum
D) Alveolar bone
Answer: A) Periodontal ligament
Rationale: The periodontal ligament contains collagen fibers and fluid that act as a shock absorber,
cushioning the tooth against occlusal forces during chewing.
Question 3:
After many years, periodontal instrumentation might remove a part of the periodontium. Which
anatomical area could be removed from the root after years of instrumentation?
A) Periodontal ligament
B) Gingiva
C) Cementum
D) Alveolar bone
Answer: C) Cementum
Rationale: Cementum is a thin layer covering the root surface that can be inadvertently removed
during repeated or aggressive periodontal instrumentation, potentially leading to root sensitivity.
Question 4:
Lattice-like bone that fills the interior portion of the alveolar process refers to:
A) Cortical bone
B) Cancellous bone
,C) Periosteum
D) Cribriform plate
Answer: B) Cancellous bone
Rationale: Cancellous bone (also known as spongy bone) is the lattice-like bone that fills the interior
portion of the alveolar processes. It is mostly seen interproximally and supports alveolar bone
proper.
Question 5:
The gingival sulcus in clinically healthy tissue has a probing depth of approximately:
A) 1–3 mm
B) 3–5 mm
C) 5–7 mm
D) 0–1 mm
Answer: A) 1–3 mm
Rationale: In clinically healthy gingiva, the normal sulcus depth ranges from 1–3 mm. Depths greater
than 3 mm may indicate pseudopocketing or attachment loss.
Question 6:
Which of the following describes the junctional epithelium?
A) Keratinized stratified squamous epithelium
B) Non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium that attaches to the tooth surface
C) Simple columnar epithelium
D) Pseudostratified ciliated epithelium
Answer: B) Non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium that attaches to the tooth surface
Rationale: The junctional epithelium is a non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium that forms a
biological seal by attaching to the tooth surface via hemidesmosomes and the basal lamina.
, Question 7:
The gingival fibers that encircle the tooth in a ring-like manner are called:
A) Dentogingival fibers
B) Circular fibers
C) Transseptal fibers
D) Alveologingival fibers
Answer: B) Circular fibers
Rationale: Circular fibers are gingival collagen fibers that run around the tooth in a circular pattern,
helping to maintain gingival contour and position.
Question 8:
The ends of periodontal ligament fibers that embed in bone and cementum are known as:
A) Interradicular fibers
B) Sharpey's fibers
C) Rete pegs
D) Endpoint fibers
Answer: B) Sharpey's fibers
Rationale: Sharpey's fibers are the terminal portions of the principal fibers of the periodontal
ligament that embed into cementum and alveolar bone, appearing brush-like in cross-section.
Question 9:
All of the following are functions of the periodontal ligament EXCEPT:
A) It attaches the tooth to the bony socket
B) It provides sensory and nutritive function
C) It unites free gingiva with cementum
D) It produces osteoclasts to resorb bone
