National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the National Dental Assisting Exam with comprehensive quiz questions, including multiple choice and detailed explanations. Equip yourself for success!

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What is an impacted tooth?

A tooth that is decayed
A tooth that remains unerupted beyond the normal eruption time
A tooth that is ectopic
A tooth that has too many roots

The correct answer is: A tooth that remains unerupted beyond the normal eruption time

An impacted tooth is defined as a tooth that remains unerupted beyond the normal eruption time, often due to a lack of space in the jaw or obstruction from other teeth. In the case of common impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth, they can become trapped within the jawbone or beneath the gum line. This condition may lead to various complications, including pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. The other options do not accurately describe an impacted tooth. A decayed tooth refers to one that has dental caries and needs treatment, but it can be fully erupted. An ectopic tooth is positioned abnormal to its natural alignment, which is not the same as being impacted. A tooth with too many roots refers to a variation in dental anatomy and does not relate to the tooth’s eruption status. Therefore, understanding that impacted teeth specifically concern their failure to erupt within their expected timeframe clarifies why the correct choice is the one concerning unerupted teeth.