HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which condition might result from untreated gangrene in the oral cavity?

1. Healthy gum tissue

2. Loss of tooth structure

3. Development of oral lesions

4. Infection and necrosis

The correct answer is: Infection and necrosis

Untreated gangrene in the oral cavity can lead to infection and necrosis because gangrene typically involves the death of body tissue due to a lack of blood flow or severe bacterial infection. When this condition occurs in the mouth, the result can be the breakdown of tissues through necrosis, leading to further complications such as the spread of infection. This can create a vicious cycle where the death of tissue promotes more extensive decay and infection, affecting overall oral health significantly. The other options do not accurately reflect the severe consequences of gangrene. Healthy gum tissue cannot result from untreated gangrene, as the condition actively damages tissue. While loss of tooth structure might occur due to secondary factors associated with untreated gangrene, the direct consequence focuses more on the necrosis itself. Development of oral lesions may be a related concern but does not encapsulate the broader picture of significant tissue death and associated infections resulting from gangrene. The most comprehensive and direct outcome of untreated gangrene is indeed infection and necrosis.