INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

A furcation radiolucency is a sign of what for a primary pulp?

1. Necrosis

2. Inflammation

3. Hyperplasia

4. Calcification

The correct answer is: Necrosis

A furcation radiolucency is a dark area that appears on a radiograph at the furcation (the junction between the roots) of a tooth, indicating a void where bone and other tissues should be present. This is usually observed in primary (baby) teeth and is a sign of bone resorption, which is usually caused by necrotic (dead) pulp tissue. Option B, inflammation, is incorrect because this typically manifests as a radiolucent (bright) area on a radiograph, as the body is trying to fight an infection. Option C, hyperplasia, is incorrect because this refers to an excessive growth of tissue, which would show up as a radiopaque (dense) area on a radiograph. Option D, calcification, is incorrect because this would also appear as a radiopaque area, as calcified tissues are denser and whiter on a radiograph. Thus, the correct answer is A, necrosis, as it accurately describes the presence of a furcation radiolucency and its underlying cause.