HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What type of bone loss is associated with even distribution across the dental arch?

1. Vertical bone loss

2. Horizontal bone loss

3. Localized bone loss

4. Angular bone loss

The correct answer is: Horizontal bone loss

The correct choice is associated with horizontal bone loss, which refers to the pattern of bone loss that occurs evenly across the dental arch. This type of bone loss typically results from periodontal disease or other systemic conditions that affect the supporting structures of the teeth. Unlike vertical bone loss, which is characterized by a reduction in bone height or depth around specific teeth, horizontal bone loss maintains a uniform distance across the entire area, resulting in equal loss of bone support between adjacent teeth. This can lead to changes in the alignment of teeth and overall dental health, but it does not produce the uneven or tooth-specific loss seen in localized or angular bone loss. Localized bone loss occurs in specific areas around a tooth, often due to localized infection or trauma, while angular bone loss refers to a more severe, angular pattern of bone loss, typically involving the crestal bone around a tooth. Understanding the distinctions between these types of bone loss is crucial for diagnosing periodontal diseases and planning effective treatments.