National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

What occurs to the supporting tissue during Luxation?

1. Growth of new tissue around the tooth

2. Fracture of the labial or palatal alveolar bone

3. Thinning of the periodontal ligament

4. Absorption of the tooth root

The correct answer is: Fracture of the labial or palatal alveolar bone

Luxation refers to the dislocation of a tooth within its socket, which can occur due to trauma. In this context, when luxation happens, it can lead to significant damage to the supporting structures surrounding the tooth, particularly the alveolar bone. Fracture of the labial or palatal alveolar bone is a common consequence of luxation because the forces exerted on the tooth can cause the surrounding alveolar bone to crack or break. This fracture can affect the stability of the tooth in its socket and may lead to complications, such as further tooth mobility or loss. While other processes may occur with dental trauma, such as the thinning of the periodontal ligament or changes to the tooth root, the direct and immediate consequence of luxation is often the fracture of the surrounding bone structure due to the forceful displacement of the tooth. This makes the option about fractures the most accurate representation of what typically occurs during episodes of luxation.