INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

How is negative architectural bone in the interproximal area defined?

1. Interproximal bone apical to radicular bone

2. Interproximal bone coronal to radicular bone

3. Interproximal bone level with radicular bone

4. No interproximal bone present

The correct answer is: Interproximal bone apical to radicular bone

Negative architectural bone in the interproximal area is defined as interproximal bone apical to radicular bone. This terminology refers to the loss of the alveolar bone between the roots of adjacent teeth, resulting in a more significant distance between the roots as the bone level drops apically. This condition can lead to significant consequences, such as compromised stability of the teeth and the surrounding structures. Option B, stating that negative architectural bone is interproximal bone coronal to radicular bone, is incorrect because the bone loss in this area is located apically, not coronally. Option C, which mentions that the interproximal bone is level with radicular bone, is incorrect as well. In negative architectural bone, there is a clear apical migration of the bone, which results in the bone being located apical to the radicular bone. Option D, stating that no interproximal bone is present, is incorrect because negative architectural bone refers to the specific condition where there is bone loss between the roots of adjacent teeth, not a complete absence of bone in the interproximal area.