Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

For hypercementosis, what laboratory findings would you expect?

1. Elevated alkaline phosphatase

2. Elevated phosphorus

3. Normal alkaline phosphatase and phosphorus

4. Decreased calcium

The correct answer is: Normal alkaline phosphatase and phosphorus

In the context of hypercementosis, laboratory findings typically show normal levels of alkaline phosphatase and phosphorus. Hypercementosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal increase in the amount of cementum on the roots of teeth, often associated with localized factors like trauma or inflammation rather than systemic metabolic disorders. Normal levels of alkaline phosphatase suggest that there isn’t an increased bone turnover or metabolic bone disease, which would typically elevate this marker. Similarly, phosphorus levels remain normal since hypercementosis does not typically disrupt systemic calcium and phosphorus metabolism. In contrast, elevated alkaline phosphatase could indicate a variety of conditions such as Paget's disease, osteomalacia, or other metabolic bone diseases, none of which are directly related to hypercementosis. Though elevated phosphorus could be associated with these disorders, it does not apply to hypercementosis. Lastly, decreased calcium levels are not relevant, as hypercementosis does not lead to systemic alterations in calcium metabolism. Therefore, the expectation of normal alkaline phosphatase and phosphorus levels is consistent with the localized nature of hypercementosis, confirming that the chosen answer represents the typical laboratory findings for this condition.