DDS Trivia 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of connector joins two or more retainers in a fixed partial denture?
- Pontic
- Major connector
- Rigid connector (Correct answer)
- Rest seat
Correct answer: Rigid connector
A rigid connector (solder joint or cast connector) joins retainers in a fixed partial denture, providing a solid, non-movable union between components.
Question 2: What is the term for the bony projection on the lingual surface of the mandible where the mylohyoid muscle attaches?
- Mental spine
- Genial tubercle
- Mylohyoid ridge (Correct answer)
- Oblique ridge
Correct answer: Mylohyoid ridge
The mylohyoid ridge (internal oblique ridge) runs diagonally on the lingual surface of the mandible and serves as the attachment for the mylohyoid muscle.
Question 3: Which carious lesion classification system is based on location and morphology rather than severity?
- ICDAS
- G.V. Black's cavity classification (Correct answer)
- Mount and Hume system
- Pitts classification
Correct answer: G.V. Black's cavity classification
G.V. Black's cavity classification (Classes I–VI) categorizes cavities by anatomical location and surface involved, forming the basis for cavity preparation design.
Question 4: The periodontal ligament space visible on radiographs appears as which structure?
- A radiopaque line surrounding the root
- A radiolucent space between root and lamina dura (Correct answer)
- A radiopaque band at the CEJ
- A radiolucent halo around the apex only
Correct answer: A radiolucent space between root and lamina dura
The PDL space appears as a thin radiolucent line between the root surface (cementum) and the surrounding lamina dura (cortical bone of the socket).
Question 5: Which medication class is most likely to cause gingival hyperplasia as a side effect?
- Tetracyclines
- Calcium channel blockers (Correct answer)
- Beta-blockers
- ACE inhibitors
Correct answer: Calcium channel blockers
Calcium channel blockers (e.g., nifedipine, amlodipine) are well-documented causes of drug-induced gingival overgrowth, along with phenytoin and cyclosporine.
Question 6: What is the name of the fibrous joint connecting the roots of a multi-rooted tooth to the alveolar bone?
- Gomphosis (Correct answer)
- Synarthrosis
- Syndesmosis
- Amphiarthrosis
Correct answer: Gomphosis
A gomphosis is a peg-in-socket fibrous joint formed by the periodontal ligament connecting the tooth root to the alveolar socket.
Question 7: Which radiographic technique is best suited for detecting interproximal caries in posterior teeth?
- Periapical radiograph
- Occlusal radiograph
- Panoramic radiograph
- Bitewing radiograph (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Bitewing radiograph
Bitewing radiographs provide the ideal projection for detecting early interproximal caries in posterior teeth because they capture both crowns and crestal bone without superimposition.
DDS Trivia 3
Which type of connector joins two or more retainers in a fixed partial denture?