Prepare for the DANB General Chairside Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question has hints and explanations. Maximize your study efficiency!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What is the surgical procedure called where bone is added, reshaped, and contoured?

  1. Osteoplasty

  2. Osteotomy

  3. Gingivectomy

  4. Alveoloplasty

The correct answer is: Osteoplasty

The procedure that involves adding, reshaping, and contouring bone is referred to as osteoplasty. This surgical intervention is performed to modify the bone structure, often to improve the contour for restorative purposes or to correct deformities. In orthodontic and prosthetic dentistry, osteoplasty may be utilized to prepare the jaw for the placement of dental implants or to enhance the overall function and aesthetics of the dental arch. Osteotomy, on the other hand, typically involves cutting and repositioning bone segments rather than just shaping or adding to the existing bone. Gingivectomy is a procedure focused on the gums where excess gum tissue is removed, and alveoloplasty is specifically related to reshaping the alveolar ridge but usually involves bone smoothing following tooth extraction rather than adding bone. Therefore, osteoplasty is the most accurate term for the procedure described in the question.