If the alveolar crest of bone is located 2 mm apical to the CEJ of teeth, what does this indicate?

• A. Periodontal disease
• B. Health
• C. Gingivitis
• D. Periodontitis

Answer: (B)

When the alveolar crest of bone is located 2 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) of teeth, this typically suggests that the periodontal tissues are in a healthy state. In healthy conditions, there is a normal relationship between the alveolar bone and the CEJ, with the alveolar crest usually positioned about 1-2 mm below the CEJ.

If the alveolar crest is within this range, it indicates no significant loss of attachment or periodontal support, which are signs associated with health. Periodontal disease, gingivitis, and periodontitis involve different levels of inflammation and loss of attachment or bone, with periodontal disease and periodontitis illustrating more significant bone loss and pathology, which would not be reflected by the alveolar crest being only 2 mm apical to the CEJ.

Thus, the finding of the alveolar crest at this position aligns with a diagnosis of periodontal health.