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!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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What is the main capability of the periodontal ligament?

Growth
Remodelling and resorption
Support only
Protection

The correct answer is: Remodelling and resorption

The main capability of the periodontal ligament is associated with remodeling and resorption. This specialized connective tissue plays a crucial role in anchoring teeth to the alveolar bone and allows for the transmission of forces during chewing and biting. It consists of collagen fibers and cells that enable the periodontal ligament to adapt to changes in force and stress, facilitating the dynamic process of remodeling and resorption of both the ligament and surrounding bone. This ability to remodel is vital for maintaining the stability of the teeth within the dental arch and ensuring that they can withstand various functional demands. As forces are applied to the teeth, the periodontal ligament can stimulate osteoclasts and osteoblasts, leading to resorption of bone on one side of a tooth while simultaneously promoting growth and mineralization on the other side, thereby adjusting the tooth's position as necessary. While growth, support, and protection are important aspects of various dental tissues, they do not encompass the primary role of the periodontal ligament as effectively as remodeling and resorption, making this option the most accurate choice.