HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

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Master HOSA Dental terminology with interactive quizzes and multiple-choice questions. Study with confidence and enhance your ability for exam success and knowledge expansion. Prepare effectively and achieve your certification goals.

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How is an "ankylosed" tooth characterized?

It is loose and mobile
It is fixed and stiff
It is discolored and decayed
It has irregular root structure

The correct answer is: It is fixed and stiff

An ankylosed tooth is characterized by being fixed and stiff within the alveolar bone, connecting directly to the bone without the normal periodontal ligament spaces present. This condition arises when the periodontal ligament is lost, which typically occurs as a result of trauma, infection, or developmental anomalies. The fusion of the tooth root to the surrounding bone restricts normal movement, causing the tooth to exhibit a lack of mobility. This immobilization is distinct from teeth that are loose due to periodontal disease or other factors. The absence of the periodontal ligament also means that the tooth does not respond to normal physiological forces, leading to a stiff presentation compared to neighboring teeth that are healthy. Understanding this characteristic helps in diagnosing and managing dental conditions related to tooth mobility and ankylosis.