California Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Written Practice Exam

When a tooth is avulsed, what has happened?

1. It has deteriorated

2. It has been fractured

3. It has come out

4. It has decayed

The correct answer is: It has come out

When a tooth is avulsed, it means that it has been completely knocked out from its socket in the jawbone. This typically happens from a strong impact or trauma to the mouth. The other options are incorrect because they do not accurately describe what has happened to the tooth. Option A, deterioration, is a gradual process of wearing down and weakening of the tooth's structure, whereas avulsion is an immediate and forceful event. Option B, fracture, refers to a partial or complete break of the tooth and does not necessarily involve the complete displacement of the tooth from its socket. Option D, decay, is a result of bacteria and plaque buildup on the tooth's surface, which leads to the breakdown of its hard outer layer. Avulsion is a physical injury and not related to tooth decay. Overall, C (the tooth has been knocked out) is the most appropriate answer for this question