HOSA Dental Terminology Test 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Vertical bone loss in dentistry specifically refers to the uneven loss of bone that occurs around the teeth, often associated with periodontal disease. In a clinical context, this type of bone loss is characterized by the reduction in the height of the alveolar bone surrounding the teeth, which can lead to changes in periodontal attachment levels and an increased risk of tooth mobility.

Uneven loss manifests in areas where inflammation or infection is more pronounced, such as around one tooth compared to its neighboring teeth. This uneven pattern is critical for diagnosis and treatment planning because it can indicate the severity of periodontal disease and help in assessing the need for surgical intervention or regenerative procedures.

In contrast, even loss of bone would not accurately describe the typical presentation associated with periodontal conditions, as this type can occur uniformly across a broader area, which is less common in clinical situations. Localized bone increase and bone growth are also not characteristic of vertical bone loss; these terms suggest an improvement or healing of the bone rather than a loss, making them unrelated to this specific condition.