,Chapter 1: Periodontium: The Tooth-Supporting Structures
*Question* 1
Which of the following structures is NOT considered part of the periodontium?
A. Gingiva
B. Periodontal ligament
C. Cementum
D. Enamel
*Correct Answer: *D
Rationale: The periodontium consists of the four supporting structures of the tooth: the gingiva,
periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone. Enamel is the hard, protective outer layer of the
tooth crown and is not part of the periodontium, as it is not a supporting structure. The periodontium
provides attachment and support for the tooth within the alveolar bone.
*Question* 2
The gingiva is anatomically divided into which three types?
A. Attached gingiva, free gingiva, and interdental papilla
B. Marginal gingiva, attached gingiva, and alveolar mucosa
C. Free gingiva, attached gingiva, and gingival sulcus
D. Marginal gingiva, attached gingiva, and interdental gingiva
*Correct Answer: *D
Rationale: The gingiva is anatomically divided into marginal (free) gingiva, attached gingiva, and
interdental gingiva (interdental papilla). The marginal gingiva is the terminal edge that surrounds the
tooth like a collar. The attached gingiva is continuous with the marginal gingiva and is firmly bound to
the underlying alveolar bone. The interdental gingiva occupies the gingival embrasure between two
teeth.
,*Question* 3
The free gingival groove is clinically significant because it:
A. Marks the boundary between the gingiva and alveolar mucosa
B. Indicates the location of the mucogingival junction
C. Approximates the depth of the gingival sulcus and the level of the epithelial attachment
D. Separates the attached gingiva from the periodontal ligament
*Correct Answer: *C
Rationale: The free gingival groove is a shallow linear depression that runs parallel to the free gingival
margin. It is clinically significant because its location approximately marks the depth of the gingival
sulcus and the level of the epithelial attachment (the junctional epithelium). This landmark is important
when assessing probing depths and understanding the relationship between the gingival margin and the
underlying attachment.
*Question* 4
What is the normal color of healthy gingiva?
A. Bright red
B. Dark pink with stippling
C. Coral pink with possible physiologic pigmentation
D. Pale pink with no stippling
*Correct Answer: *C
Rationale: Healthy gingiva is typically described as coral pink due to its vascular supply and
keratinization. However, physiologic pigmentation (melanin) can cause variations in color, especially in
individuals with darker skin tones. This pigmentation is normal and not indicative of disease. Bright red
(A) suggests inflammation. Stippling (B) is a normal texture but not a color descriptor; healthy gingiva
may have stippling, but its absence does not indicate disease.
, *Question* 5
Stippling of the attached gingiva is best described as:
A. A sign of gingival inflammation
B. An orange-peel texture caused by connective tissue fibers attaching to the epithelium
C. A pathological condition requiring treatment
D. A characteristic of free gingiva only
*Correct Answer: *B
Rationale: Stippling is the orange-peel texture of the attached gingiva caused by the connective tissue
papillae projecting into the overlying epithelium. This texture is the result of the firm attachment of the
gingiva to the underlying cementum and bone. Stippling is associated with health and may diminish or
disappear with inflammation. It is not pathological and is typically absent in the free gingiva.
*Question* 6
The gingival sulcus depth in health is approximately:
A. 1-2 mm
B. 2-3 mm
C. 3-4 mm
D. 4-5 mm
*Correct Answer: *B
Rationale: In a state of health, the gingival sulcus depth is 2-3 mm when measured with a periodontal
probe. This depth represents the space between the free gingiva and the tooth surface, extending to the
coronalmost portion of the junctional epithelium. Depths greater than 3 mm may indicate periodontal
disease, but anatomical variations can occur.
*Question* 1
Which of the following structures is NOT considered part of the periodontium?
A. Gingiva
B. Periodontal ligament
C. Cementum
D. Enamel
*Correct Answer: *D
Rationale: The periodontium consists of the four supporting structures of the tooth: the gingiva,
periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone. Enamel is the hard, protective outer layer of the
tooth crown and is not part of the periodontium, as it is not a supporting structure. The periodontium
provides attachment and support for the tooth within the alveolar bone.
*Question* 2
The gingiva is anatomically divided into which three types?
A. Attached gingiva, free gingiva, and interdental papilla
B. Marginal gingiva, attached gingiva, and alveolar mucosa
C. Free gingiva, attached gingiva, and gingival sulcus
D. Marginal gingiva, attached gingiva, and interdental gingiva
*Correct Answer: *D
Rationale: The gingiva is anatomically divided into marginal (free) gingiva, attached gingiva, and
interdental gingiva (interdental papilla). The marginal gingiva is the terminal edge that surrounds the
tooth like a collar. The attached gingiva is continuous with the marginal gingiva and is firmly bound to
the underlying alveolar bone. The interdental gingiva occupies the gingival embrasure between two
teeth.
,*Question* 3
The free gingival groove is clinically significant because it:
A. Marks the boundary between the gingiva and alveolar mucosa
B. Indicates the location of the mucogingival junction
C. Approximates the depth of the gingival sulcus and the level of the epithelial attachment
D. Separates the attached gingiva from the periodontal ligament
*Correct Answer: *C
Rationale: The free gingival groove is a shallow linear depression that runs parallel to the free gingival
margin. It is clinically significant because its location approximately marks the depth of the gingival
sulcus and the level of the epithelial attachment (the junctional epithelium). This landmark is important
when assessing probing depths and understanding the relationship between the gingival margin and the
underlying attachment.
*Question* 4
What is the normal color of healthy gingiva?
A. Bright red
B. Dark pink with stippling
C. Coral pink with possible physiologic pigmentation
D. Pale pink with no stippling
*Correct Answer: *C
Rationale: Healthy gingiva is typically described as coral pink due to its vascular supply and
keratinization. However, physiologic pigmentation (melanin) can cause variations in color, especially in
individuals with darker skin tones. This pigmentation is normal and not indicative of disease. Bright red
(A) suggests inflammation. Stippling (B) is a normal texture but not a color descriptor; healthy gingiva
may have stippling, but its absence does not indicate disease.
, *Question* 5
Stippling of the attached gingiva is best described as:
A. A sign of gingival inflammation
B. An orange-peel texture caused by connective tissue fibers attaching to the epithelium
C. A pathological condition requiring treatment
D. A characteristic of free gingiva only
*Correct Answer: *B
Rationale: Stippling is the orange-peel texture of the attached gingiva caused by the connective tissue
papillae projecting into the overlying epithelium. This texture is the result of the firm attachment of the
gingiva to the underlying cementum and bone. Stippling is associated with health and may diminish or
disappear with inflammation. It is not pathological and is typically absent in the free gingiva.
*Question* 6
The gingival sulcus depth in health is approximately:
A. 1-2 mm
B. 2-3 mm
C. 3-4 mm
D. 4-5 mm
*Correct Answer: *B
Rationale: In a state of health, the gingival sulcus depth is 2-3 mm when measured with a periodontal
probe. This depth represents the space between the free gingiva and the tooth surface, extending to the
coronalmost portion of the junctional epithelium. Depths greater than 3 mm may indicate periodontal
disease, but anatomical variations can occur.
