Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What characterizes hypercementosis in comparison to cementoblastoma?

1. Painful and enlarging mass

2. Intact periodontal ligament and painless

3. Radiolucency surrounding the lesion

4. Requires surgical intervention

The correct answer is: Intact periodontal ligament and painless

The characterization of hypercementosis primarily involves the presence of an intact periodontal ligament and the fact that it is typically painless. Hypercementosis is defined as an abnormal increase in the amount of cementum, which is the mineralized tissue covering the roots of teeth. Given this process, it does not typically produce pain or create a noticeable mass; rather, it often appears as a thickening of the root itself without disrupting surrounding structures. In contrast, a cementoblastoma, while also involving cementum, presents as a painful, expanding mass and is often associated with radiographic findings of a radiopacity or mixed radiolucent/opaque lesion in the periodontal area. This distinction is crucial for diagnosis and understanding the implications regarding treatment. The absence of pain and maintenance of a normal periodontal ligament in cases of hypercementosis further supports its definition, making the correct answer clear in outlining these differences.