Question

The maxillary right canine has 4 mm of recession on the facial surface. What would be the clinical attachment loss for this tooth?

A. 3 mm
B. 4 mm
C. 5 mm
D. 6 mm
E. 7 mm

Answer 1

For the maxillary right canine with a 4 mm recession on the facial surface, the clinical attachment loss would also be 4 mm, assuming the cemento-enamel junction is at the gum margin.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks about the clinical attachment loss on the facial surface of the maxillary right canine with a 4 mm recession. Clinical attachment loss is calculated by measuring the distance from the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) to the base of the periodontal pocket. Recession refers specifically to the loss of gum tissue resulting in exposure of the root surface; thus, the recession measurement alone may not reflect the true attachment loss if the CEJ has also migrated apically which often occurs with gum recession. Without additional clinical data specifying the location of the CEJ relative to the gumline, one would typically equate the recession measurement to the clinical attachment loss, assuming that CEJ is at the gum margin. Therefore, based on the information provided, the clinical attachment loss for the tooth in question would be 4 mm, corresponding directly to the amount of recession noted.