Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

Which of the following conditions may lead to hypercementosis?

1. Gardner's syndrome

2. Osteogenesis imperfecta

3. Marfan syndrome

4. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

The correct answer is: Gardner's syndrome

Hypercementosis refers to an abnormal increase in the deposition of cementum, the outer layer of the tooth root. This condition can be associated with various systemic conditions. Gardner's syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by the presence of multiple osteomas (benign bone growths), dental abnormalities, and a predisposition to colorectal cancer. One of the dental manifestations associated with Gardner's syndrome is hypercementosis. In individuals with Gardner's syndrome, the presence of multiple impacted teeth and other alterations in the dentition can lead to stress on the teeth's roots, resulting in an excess production of cementum. This condition is particularly relevant because Gardner's syndrome also affects dental physiology, highlighting a direct correlation between the syndrome and hypercementosis. The other conditions listed may have their own unique dental or skeletal manifestations, but they do not typically lead to hypercementosis in the same way as Gardner's syndrome. Understanding the specific features and systemic implications of Gardner's syndrome aids in recognizing its association with hypercementosis and highlights the importance of monitoring dental health in patients diagnosed with this genetic disorder.