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AVDC Veterinary Dentistry study materials
AVDC Veterinary Dentistry study resources

AVDC Veterinary Dentistry practice questions

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Question 1Small Animal Dentistry

Which tooth in the permanent adult dog dentition is the largest and is referred to as the carnassial tooth of the upper jaw?

  1. Mandibular first molar
  2. Maxillary first molar
  3. Maxillary fourth premolar Correct answer.
  4. Mandibular fourth premolar

Explanation

The upper carnassial tooth is the maxillary fourth premolar, a large shearing tooth that works against the mandibular first molar to cut food. The lower carnassial is the mandibular first molar, which is the largest tooth of the lower arcade.

Question 2Small Animal Dentistry

In the modified Triadan numbering system, which number designates the right maxillary canine tooth of a permanent dog dentition?

  1. 104 Correct answer.
  2. 404
  3. 304
  4. 204

Explanation

The Triadan system assigns quadrant 1 to the right maxilla, quadrant 2 to the left maxilla, quadrant 3 to the left mandible, and quadrant 4 to the right mandible. Within each quadrant the canine is always tooth 04, so the right maxillary canine is 104.

Question 3Small Animal Dentistry

Which periodontal tissue inserts directly into the alveolar bone and anchors the tooth within the socket?

  1. Periodontal ligament Correct answer.
  2. Alveolar mucosa
  3. Junctional epithelium
  4. Gingival connective tissue

Explanation

The periodontal ligament is the fibrous tissue that spans the space between the cementum and the alveolar bone, providing attachment and shock absorption. The junctional epithelium and gingival connective tissue form the soft tissue seal but do not anchor tooth to bone.

Question 4Small Animal Dentistry

Which grade of periodontal disease is characterized by established attachment loss with pocket formation but no more than 25 percent loss of attachment?

  1. Stage 1
  2. Stage 3
  3. Stage 2 Correct answer.
  4. Stage 4

Explanation

In the standard staging scheme, stage 2 periodontitis corresponds to early attachment loss of up to about 25 percent with pocket formation. Stage 1 describes gingivitis without attachment loss, and stages 3 and 4 involve progressively greater attachment loss and bone loss.

Question 5Small Animal Dentistry

What is the primary purpose of a periodontal probe during a dental examination?

  1. Measuring gingival sulcus depth and attachment loss Correct answer.
  2. Detecting enamel fractures on crown surfaces
  3. Assessing pulp vitality through thermal response
  4. Removing calculus from the subgingival margin

Explanation

A periodontal probe is a thin, marked instrument used to measure sulcus or pocket depth and to detect attachment loss around each tooth. It is not designed for fracture detection, vitality testing, or calculus removal.

Question 6Small Animal Dentistry

Which dental radiograph finding is most consistent with a vital tooth that has recently suffered a crown fracture with pulp exposure?

  1. Generalized external root resorption
  2. Widened pulp canal with a visible fracture line Correct answer.
  3. Complete absence of the lamina dura
  4. Peripheral root sclerosis with a narrow canal

Explanation

A recent fracture with pulp exposure may be visible as a radiolucent defect crossing the crown, and the pulp canal remains wide because the tooth is young and vital. Loss of the lamina dura and generalized resorption suggest other pathology such as periapical disease or resorptive lesions.

Question 7Small Animal Dentistry

Which local anesthetic agent is most commonly used for dental nerve blocks in dogs and cats because of its rapid onset and safety profile?

  1. Tetracaine
  2. Procaine
  3. Bupivacaine
  4. Lidocaine Correct answer.

Explanation

Lidocaine provides rapid onset and reliable dental anesthesia and is widely used for regional blocks in small animal dentistry. Bupivacaine is used for longer duration but has a slower onset and greater cardiotoxicity risk.

Question 8Small Animal Dentistry

Which tooth is most frequently affected by a traumatic slab fracture in dogs?

  1. Maxillary fourth premolar Correct answer.
  2. Mandibular second premolar
  3. Maxillary central incisor
  4. Mandibular canine

Explanation

The maxillary fourth premolar is the most commonly fractured tooth because it is a large shearing tooth that contacts hard objects during chewing. Slab fractures typically split the crown vertically, often exposing the pulp.

Question 9Small Animal Dentistry

A dog presents with a firm, nonpainful swelling over the maxillary fourth premolar that has been present for months. Radiographs show a well-defined radiolucency at the apex with a sclerotic rim. What is the most likely diagnosis?

  1. Periapical cyst Correct answer.
  2. Squamous cell carcinoma
  3. Osteosarcoma
  4. Fibrous osteodystrophy

Explanation

A well-defined periapical radiolucency with a sclerotic rim and a slow-growing, nonpainful swelling is characteristic of a periapical cyst or granuloma of endodontic origin. Malignancies such as squamous cell carcinoma or osteosarcoma usually show irregular, destructive margins and more rapid growth.

Question 10Small Animal Dentistry

Which clinical sign most strongly suggests a feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion rather than periodontal disease?

  1. A defect at the gingival margin of a tooth that bleeds on probing Correct answer.
  2. Generalized halitosis with mobile teeth
  3. Bilateral enlargement of the submandibular lymph nodes
  4. Diffuse gingival erythema with plaque accumulation

Explanation

Feline resorptive lesions often begin at the cementoenamel junction near the gingival margin, producing a visible defect that may bleed when probed. Periodontal disease more typically presents with mobility, plaque, and diffuse gingival inflammation rather than a focal cervical defect.

Question 11Small Animal Dentistry

A cat with a fractured mandibular canine has a mobile tooth with a horizontal fracture line below the gingival margin. What is the most appropriate management?

  1. Application of a light-cured composite splint
  2. Extraction of the tooth Correct answer.
  3. Root canal therapy with a metal crown
  4. Observation with no treatment

Explanation

A fracture below the gingival margin leaves insufficient crown for restoration and often involves the pulp, so extraction is the practical treatment. Root canal therapy requires adequate crown structure and is not indicated when the fracture is deep subgingival.

Question 12Small Animal Dentistry

Which nerve block provides anesthesia to the mandibular teeth and chin on one side?

  1. Infraorbital nerve block
  2. Maxillary nerve block
  3. Major palatine nerve block
  4. Inferior alveolar nerve block Correct answer.

Explanation

The inferior alveolar nerve block anesthetizes the mandibular teeth and the chin on the ipsilateral side. The maxillary, infraorbital, and major palatine blocks provide anesthesia to the upper jaw and associated structures.

Question 13Small Animal Dentistry

A dog has generalized gingival enlargement with pseudopockets and no attachment loss on probing. Which diagnosis is most appropriate?

  1. Gingival hyperplasia Correct answer.
  2. Periodontal abscess
  3. Chronic periodontitis
  4. Gingival recession

Explanation

Gingival enlargement without clinical attachment loss and with pseudopocket formation is consistent with gingival hyperplasia, which may be breed-related or medication-associated. Periodontitis and recession involve true attachment loss and do not fit the probing findings.

Question 14Small Animal Dentistry

Which radiographic view is most useful for evaluating the mandibular symphysis and the apices of the mandibular incisors in a cat?

  1. Open-mouth rostrocaudal view
  2. Dorsoventral skull view
  3. Lateral oblique view
  4. Intraoral occlusal view Correct answer.

Explanation

An intraoral occlusal radiograph places the film or sensor beneath the mandible and directs the beam through the symphysis, giving a clear view of the incisor apices and the symphysis. Lateral oblique and skull views are useful for other regions but distort or superimpose the symphysis.

Question 15Small Animal Dentistry

A dog with a history of chronic vomiting and a high-protein diet presents with mobile teeth and a rubbery mandible. Which condition is most likely?

  1. Feline resorptive lesion
  2. Osteosarcoma
  3. Periodontal disease
  4. Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism Correct answer.

Explanation

Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, sometimes called rubber jaw, causes generalized bone resorption and tooth mobility because of calcium deficiency or excess phosphorus. The history of an unbalanced diet and a rubbery mandible supports this diagnosis.

Question 16Small Animal Dentistry

Which oral tumor is most common in dogs and often presents as a benign, locally invasive gingival mass?

  1. Peripheral odontogenic fibroma Correct answer.
  2. Fibrosarcoma
  3. Malignant melanoma
  4. Squamous cell carcinoma

Explanation

The peripheral odontogenic fibroma is the most common benign gingival tumor in dogs and tends to be locally invasive. Squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and fibrosarcoma are malignant tumors with different behavior and appearance.

Question 17Small Animal Dentistry

A dog with a maxillary fourth premolar that has a discolored crown and a radiographically widened pulp canal is most likely to have which condition?

  1. Enamel hypoplasia
  2. Normal aging of the pulp
  3. Dentinogenesis imperfecta
  4. Pulp necrosis with arrested development Correct answer.

Explanation

A discolored crown with a widened pulp canal suggests pulp necrosis that occurred while the tooth was still developing, arresting dentin deposition. Normal aging narrows the canal rather than widening it.

Question 18Small Animal Dentistry

Which instrument is most appropriate for removing subgingival calculus while preserving cementum during periodontal therapy?

  1. Extraction forceps
  2. Dental explorer
  3. Diamond bur
  4. Periodontal curette Correct answer.

Explanation

Periodontal curettes have rounded tips and sharp cutting edges designed to remove subgingival calculus while minimizing cementum removal. Explorers, forceps, and diamond burs are not designed for this purpose.

Question 19Small Animal Dentistry

Which finding on a dental radiograph is most consistent with a periapical abscess of a mandibular first molar?

  1. A well-defined radiopaque mass at the apex
  2. Radiolucency at the apex with loss of the lamina dura Correct answer.
  3. Thickening of the periodontal ligament space only
  4. Diffuse sclerosis of the surrounding bone

Explanation

A periapical abscess produces a radiolucent lesion at the apex with loss of the lamina dura and often widening of the periodontal ligament space. Sclerosis and radiopaque masses suggest chronic or neoplastic processes rather than acute abscess.

Question 20Small Animal Dentistry

Which of the following is the most appropriate first step in managing a dog with a traumatic avulsion of a mature maxillary incisor?

  1. Extract the tooth and place a bridge
  2. Reimplant the tooth after gentle cleaning and stabilization Correct answer.
  3. Discard the tooth and plan for restoration
  4. Perform immediate root canal therapy before reimplantation

Explanation

For an avulsed mature tooth, prompt reimplantation after gentle cleaning and stabilization offers the best chance of retention, though root resorption is common. Immediate root canal therapy before reimplantation is not standard, and extraction or bridging is not the first step.

Question 21Small Animal Dentistry

Which local anesthetic block is most appropriate for extracting a maxillary canine tooth in a dog?

  1. Infraorbital nerve block Correct answer.
  2. Major palatine nerve block
  3. Mandibular nerve block
  4. Inferior alveolar nerve block

Explanation

The infraorbital nerve block anesthetizes the maxillary incisors, canine, and premolars on the ipsilateral side, making it ideal for maxillary canine extraction. The inferior alveolar and mandibular blocks target the lower jaw, and the major palatine block targets the palate.

Question 22Small Animal Dentistry

A cat presents with a painful, swollen mandible and a history of a recent dental extraction. Radiographs show a radiolucent line through the mandibular body. What is the most likely complication?

  1. Periodontal abscess
  2. Neoplasia
  3. Osteomyelitis
  4. Iatrogenic mandibular fracture Correct answer.

Explanation

A radiolucent line through the mandible after extraction is consistent with an iatrogenic fracture, which can occur when excessive force is applied to a weakened mandible. Osteomyelitis, neoplasia, and periodontal abscess would not typically produce a discrete fracture line.

Question 23Small Animal Dentistry

Which feature best distinguishes a benign peripheral odontogenic fibroma from a malignant oral tumor on histopathology?

  1. Presence of atypical mitotic figures and vascular invasion
  2. Well-differentiated fibrous stroma with odontogenic epithelium and no invasion Correct answer.
  3. Nests of melanocytes with pigment production
  4. Sheets of squamous cells with keratin pearls

Explanation

Peripheral odontogenic fibroma is characterized by a well-differentiated fibrous stroma containing strands of odontogenic epithelium without invasive behavior. Atypical mitoses, vascular invasion, melanocytes, and keratin pearls suggest malignancy or other tumor types.

Question 24Small Animal Dentistry

A dog has a deep periodontal pocket on the distal aspect of the mandibular first molar with furcation involvement. Which treatment is most appropriate when the tooth is otherwise stable?

  1. Application of a sealant to the crown
  2. Open root planing with periodontal flap and possible guided tissue regeneration Correct answer.
  3. Systemic antibiotics alone
  4. Immediate extraction of the tooth

Explanation

A deep pocket with furcation involvement on a stable tooth is best managed with a periodontal flap for open root planing and possible regenerative procedures. Extraction is reserved for teeth that cannot be maintained, and sealants or antibiotics alone do not address the defect.

Question 25Small Animal Dentistry

Which radiographic change is most consistent with external root resorption in a dog?

  1. Uniform widening of the periodontal ligament space
  2. Irregular radiolucent defects along the root surface Correct answer.
  3. A well-defined radiolucent halo around the crown
  4. Generalized increased radiopacity of the root

Explanation

External root resorption appears as irregular radiolucent defects along the root surface where odontoclasts have removed tooth structure. Uniform ligament widening, increased root opacity, and a coronal halo represent different processes.

Question 26Small Animal Dentistry

Which tooth in the dog is designated by the modified Triadan system number 104?

  1. Mandibular left canine
  2. Maxillary right canine Correct answer.
  3. Maxillary left canine
  4. Mandibular right canine

Explanation

In the modified Triadan system the first digit identifies the quadrant: 1 is the maxillary right, 2 maxillary left, 3 mandibular left, and 4 mandibular right. The second and third digits give the tooth position within the quadrant, and 04 denotes the canine. Combining quadrant 1 with position 04 gives the maxillary right canine, tooth 104.

Question 27Small Animal Dentistry

In the permanent dentition of the dog, which tooth is the largest and most commonly fractured carnassial tooth of the upper jaw?

  1. Maxillary fourth premolar Correct answer.
  2. Maxillary third premolar
  3. Maxillary first molar
  4. Maxillary second premolar

Explanation

The maxillary fourth premolar is the largest tooth of the upper arcade and, together with the mandibular first molar, forms the carnassial shearing pair. Because of its prominent cusps and exposed position it is the most frequently fractured maxillary tooth in dogs. Its three roots also make endodontic and extraction management more complex.

Question 28Small Animal Dentistry

Which tooth type is absent from the permanent dentition of the cat?

  1. Maxillary second molar
  2. Mandibular first premolar Correct answer.
  3. Maxillary first premolar
  4. Mandibular first molar

Explanation

Cats normally have no mandibular first premolar, so each mandibular arcade contains three premolars rather than four. The maxillary arcade retains its first premolar, and both jaws retain molars. Knowing this normal absence prevents mislabeling a missing tooth as pathologically lost.

Question 29Small Animal Dentistry

Which periodontal structure attaches the tooth root directly to alveolar bone?

  1. Periodontal ligament Correct answer.
  2. Gingival sulcus
  3. Junctional epithelium
  4. Alveolar mucosa

Explanation

The periodontal ligament is the fibrous connective tissue that spans the space between cementum on the root surface and the alveolar bone. It provides attachment, suspends the tooth, and transmits occlusal forces to bone. The other listed structures are epithelial or mucosal surfaces that do not form a direct tooth-to-bone attachment.

Question 30Small Animal Dentistry

Which type of tooth wear is characterized by a scooped, cupped lesion on the occlusal surface caused by repeated contact with abrasive food or material?

  1. Flexure
  2. Erosion
  3. Attrition
  4. Abrasion Correct answer.

Explanation

Abrasion refers to wear produced by foreign abrasive material such as food, grit, or objects the animal chews. It typically creates cupped or scooped defects on the occlusal surface. Attrition, by contrast, results from tooth-to-tooth contact, and erosion is chemical demineralization.

Question 31Small Animal Dentistry

Which suture pattern is generally recommended for closing an extraction site in the oral cavity to minimize plaque trapping?

  1. Cruciate sutures
  2. Horizontal mattress sutures
  3. Simple interrupted sutures Correct answer.
  4. Purstring sutures

Explanation

Simple interrupted sutures appose the gingival margins with minimal bulk and few exposed suture strands, which reduces plaque accumulation and dehiscence in the contaminated oral environment. They also allow individual suture removal if one fails. Bulky or tension-producing patterns are avoided where possible.

Question 32Small Animal Dentistry

Which nerve provides sensory innervation to the maxillary teeth?

  1. Facial nerve
  2. Mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve
  3. Hypoglossal nerve
  4. Maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve Correct answer.

Explanation

The maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve supplies sensation to the maxillary teeth and associated soft tissues. The mandibular branch supplies the lower teeth, and the facial and hypoglossal nerves are motor nerves to facial muscles and the tongue, respectively. This anatomy underlies maxillary nerve blocks.

Question 33Small Animal Dentistry

Which term describes inflammation confined to the gingiva without loss of periodontal attachment?

  1. Pulpitis
  2. Periodontitis
  3. Stomatitis
  4. Gingivitis Correct answer.

Explanation

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gingival tissues alone and is reversible with plaque control. Periodontitis involves destruction of the periodontal attachment and bone loss, distinguishing it from gingivitis. Stomatitis affects broader oral mucosa and pulpitis affects the dental pulp.

Question 34Small Animal Dentistry

A dog is scheduled for extraction of the mandibular first molar. Which nerve block most directly anesthetizes this tooth?

  1. Inferior alveolar nerve block Correct answer.
  2. Maxillary nerve block
  3. Infraorbital nerve block
  4. Major palatine nerve block

Explanation

The inferior alveolar nerve supplies sensation to the mandibular teeth, and blocking it near the mandibular foramen anesthetizes the entire ipsilateral mandibular arcade including the first molar. The maxillary and infraorbital blocks target upper teeth, and the major palatine block targets the palate. Selecting the block that matches the surgical site provides effective intraoperative analgesia.

Question 35Small Animal Dentistry

A dog presents with a fractured maxillary canine exposing the pulp chamber. The fracture occurred 48 hours ago and the tooth is vital. Which treatment is most appropriate?

  1. Extraction of the tooth
  2. Application of a fluoride varnish only
  3. Root canal therapy or vital pulp therapy Correct answer.
  4. Observation with no treatment

Explanation

Once the pulp is exposed, bacterial contamination leads to pulp necrosis and periapical disease, so the pulp must be addressed promptly. Vital pulp therapy can be attempted in a young tooth with recent exposure, while root canal therapy is appropriate for a mature tooth. Extraction is a salvage option but not the preferred first choice for a strategic canine.

Question 36Small Animal Dentistry

A cat has a deep, narrow periodontal defect on the palatal aspect of a maxillary canine with attachment loss exceeding 5 mm. Which treatment is most appropriate?

  1. Routine supragingival scaling alone
  2. Gingivectomy to eliminate the pocket
  3. Periodontal flap surgery with debridement and guided tissue regeneration Correct answer.
  4. Topical chlorhexidine application alone

Explanation

Deep vertical defects with substantial attachment loss require open debridement and, when suitable, regenerative techniques to restore attachment. Closed scaling alone cannot adequately debride the base of a narrow defect. Gingivectomy is contraindicated where attachment loss exists because it removes supporting tissue.

Question 37Small Animal Dentistry

A dog has a malocclusion in which the mandibular canine is displacing the maxillary gingiva palatally. Which term best describes this abnormality?

  1. Anterior crossbite
  2. Mandibular prognathism
  3. Wry mouth
  4. Base-narrow mandibular canine malocclusion Correct answer.

Explanation

A base-narrow mandibular canine occurs when the mandibular canines are positioned too close together, so their crowns contact and traumatize the palatal or maxillary gingiva. It is a common acquired or developmental malocclusion in dogs. Mandibular prognathism and wry mouth describe jaw length and asymmetry, not this specific canine position.

Question 38Small Animal Dentistry

A dog presents with a rapidly growing, friable gingival mass on the mandible, and radiographs show irregular bone destruction. Which diagnostic step is most appropriate next?

  1. Simple gingivectomy
  2. Empirical antibiotic therapy and recheck in one month
  3. Cytology alone with no further workup
  4. Incisional biopsy for histopathology Correct answer.

Explanation

A rapidly growing mass with bone destruction raises concern for malignancy, and histopathologic diagnosis guides prognosis and treatment planning. Incisional biopsy provides a representative tissue sample before definitive surgery. Delaying diagnosis or performing a simple gingivectomy risks incomplete removal and obscures the diagnosis.

Question 39Small Animal Dentistry

A young dog has a persistent deciduous canine and a permanent canine erupting in the same position. Which management is most appropriate?

  1. Observation until the permanent tooth fully erupts
  2. Orthodontic movement of the deciduous tooth
  3. Extraction of the permanent tooth
  4. Extraction of the deciduous tooth as soon as possible Correct answer.

Explanation

A retained deciduous tooth can deflect the erupting permanent tooth into an abnormal position and create a trap for plaque and food. Early extraction of the deciduous tooth allows the permanent tooth to assume a normal position. Waiting for full eruption may allow malocclusion to become established.

Question 40Small Animal Dentistry

Which local anesthetic block is most appropriate for providing anesthesia to the palatal mucosa during extraction of a maxillary incisor in a dog?

  1. Mandibular nerve block
  2. Mental nerve block
  3. Inferior alveolar nerve block
  4. Major palatine nerve block Correct answer.

Explanation

The major palatine nerve supplies the palatal mucosa, and blocking it provides anesthesia to the palate during maxillary procedures. The inferior alveolar, mental, and mandibular blocks all target the lower jaw. Matching the block to the innervation of the surgical site improves comfort and reduces anesthetic requirement.

Question 41Small Animal Dentistry

A cat has a painful, swollen maxilla and a history of a recent extraction. Radiographs show a radiolucent area with a sequestrum. Which diagnosis is most likely?

  1. Dentigerous cyst
  2. Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion
  3. Osteomyelitis with sequestrum formation Correct answer.
  4. Squamous cell carcinoma

Explanation

A painful swollen site after extraction with a radiolucent area containing a sequestrum is consistent with osteomyelitis and bone necrosis. The sequestrum is devitalized bone that must be removed for resolution. Odontoclastic resorption, neoplasia, and cysts do not typically produce this combination of recent surgery, pain, and sequestrum.

Question 42Small Animal Dentistry

A dog requires extraction of a mobile maxillary incisor with severe attachment loss. Which instrument is most appropriate to section the periodontal ligament?

  1. A fine, curved dental elevator Correct answer.
  2. A periosteal elevator
  3. A rongeur
  4. A curette

Explanation

A fine dental elevator is used to sever the periodontal ligament around the root and gently luxate the tooth. Periosteal elevators reflect soft tissue, rongeurs remove bone, and curettes debride the socket after extraction. Using the correct instrument preserves adjacent tissues and reduces root fracture.

Question 43Small Animal Dentistry

A dog has a fractured mandibular first molar with a necrotic pulp and a periapical lucency. Which treatment provides the best long-term outcome while preserving function?

  1. Root canal therapy Correct answer.
  2. Extraction without further treatment
  3. Pulpotomy
  4. Crown reduction

Explanation

Root canal therapy removes the infected pulp, seals the canal, and retains a functional, strategically important tooth. It is preferred when the tooth can be restored and the periodontium is adequate. Extraction is a valid alternative but sacrifices function, and pulpotomy is not appropriate for a necrotic pulp.

Question 44Small Animal Dentistry

A cat presents with a firm swelling at the angle of the mandible and a history of chronic ear disease. Which diagnostic test is most useful to evaluate for a possible tumor or abscess in this region?

  1. Schirmer tear test
  2. Fine-needle aspiration with cytology Correct answer.
  3. Tonometry
  4. Bacterial culture of the ear canal

Explanation

Fine-needle aspiration with cytology helps distinguish an abscess or cyst from a neoplasm in a mandibular swelling. It is minimally invasive and guides further imaging or biopsy. The other tests evaluate ocular or otic disease and do not characterize a mandibular mass.

Question 45Small Animal Dentistry

A dog has a deep periodontal pocket on the distal aspect of the mandibular first molar with furcation involvement. Which factor most strongly influences the treatment decision?

  1. The presence of supragingival calculus only
  2. The amount of remaining attachment and furcation exposure Correct answer.
  3. The age of the dog
  4. The color of the tooth crown

Explanation

Treatment planning for periodontitis depends on the extent of attachment loss and furcation involvement, which determine whether the tooth can be maintained or should be extracted. Crown color and supragingival calculus alone do not reflect the severity of attachment loss. Age influences anesthetic risk but not the local periodontal decision.

Question 46Small Animal Dentistry

Which radiographic finding is most consistent with a retained root fragment after extraction?

  1. A distinct radiopaque structure within the extraction socket Correct answer.
  2. A smooth radiolucent halo around an unerupted crown
  3. Diffuse widening of the periodontal ligament space
  4. Generalized horizontal bone loss

Explanation

A retained root fragment appears as a distinct radiopaque structure remaining in the extraction site after the crown has been removed. Diffuse ligament widening suggests early periapical or periodontal disease, a radiolucent halo around an unerupted crown suggests a dentigerous cyst, and horizontal bone loss indicates periodontitis.

Question 47Small Animal Dentistry

A dog with no clinical signs has a small, smooth, radiopaque structure overlying the crown of an unerupted tooth. Which condition is most likely?

  1. Ameloblastoma
  2. Osteosarcoma
  3. Dentigerous cyst
  4. Compound odontoma Correct answer.

Explanation

A compound odontoma consists of multiple small tooth-like structures and often appears as a cluster of radiopaque densities associated with an unerupted tooth. It is benign and treated by surgical removal. Dentigerous cysts are radiolucent, and ameloblastoma and osteosarcoma do not typically present as small tooth-like densities.

Question 48Small Animal Dentistry

A dog has a maxillary swelling that is fluctuant and painful, and radiographs show a well-defined radiolucency around the apex of a nonvital tooth. Which diagnosis is most likely?

  1. Odontoma
  2. Fibrosarcoma
  3. Periapical abscess Correct answer.
  4. Dentigerous cyst

Explanation

A fluctuant painful swelling with a well-defined periapical radiolucency adjacent to a nonvital tooth is characteristic of a periapical abscess. The infection originates from the necrotic pulp and extends into the periapical tissues. Cysts and tumors do not typically present with acute pain and fluctuance related to a nonvital tooth.

Question 49Small Animal Dentistry

A cat with a history of chronic gingivostomatitis has failed to respond to professional cleaning and antibiotics. Which treatment approach is most appropriate next?

  1. Repeated antibiotic courses
  2. Long-term corticosteroids alone
  3. Full-mouth or near-full-mouth extraction of affected teeth Correct answer.
  4. Topical fluoride application

Explanation

Feline chronic gingivostomatitis that persists despite cleaning and medical management often requires extraction of affected teeth to remove the antigenic and plaque-retentive surfaces. Many cats improve substantially after extraction. Corticosteroids, antibiotics, and fluoride do not address the underlying plaque-driven inflammation.

Question 50Small Animal Dentistry

A dog has a mandibular fracture with a stable, minimally displaced single fracture line through the body. Which fixation method is most appropriate?

  1. Rigid internal fixation with a bone plate
  2. Conservative management with a soft diet and restricted activity Correct answer.
  3. External coaptation with a bandage alone
  4. Immediate mandibulectomy

Explanation

Stable, minimally displaced mandibular fractures in dogs can often be managed conservatively with a soft diet and activity restriction to allow healing. Surgical fixation is indicated for unstable, displaced, or multiple fractures. Mandibulectomy is a tumor procedure, and bandages alone do not stabilize jaw fractures.