INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

What is the most common intrabony defect?

1. Crater

2. Fissure

3. Tunnel defect

4. Periodontal abscess

The correct answer is: Crater

The most common intrabony defect in periodontal disease is referred to as a "crater." Crater defects are bowl-shaped defects in the alveolar bone that result from the destruction of bone surrounding a tooth affected by periodontitis. These defects are commonly seen in moderate to severe cases of periodontal disease where there is significant bone loss around the tooth. The other options can be considered less common or less characteristic of intrabony defects seen in periodontal disease: - Fissure: Fissures are narrow openings or clefts in the bone that are less commonly associated with intrabony defects in periodontal disease. - Tunnel defect: Tunnel defects are characterized by a passageway or tunnel-like structure within the bone and are less commonly observed compared to crater defects. - Periodontal abscess: A periodontal abscess is a localized collection of pus within the periodontal tissues and is not a typical representation of an intrabony defect as seen with crater defects.