Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

For a patient who has a dental implant, what condition might indicate poor denture hygiene?

1. Chronic bad breath

2. Inflammatory papillary hyperplasia

3. Gingival recession

4. Severe tooth decay

The correct answer is: Inflammatory papillary hyperplasia

Inflammatory papillary hyperplasia is a common condition that can develop in patients who wear dentures, particularly when there is poor oral hygiene. This condition is characterized by the proliferation of tissue, often resulting in a thickened, red, and swollen appearance of the papillae between the teeth or around the denture borders. When a patient with a dental implant also has dentures, poor denture hygiene can lead to irritants, such as plaque accumulation and food particles, which can cause inflammation in the oral mucosa. This inflammation manifests as inflammatory papillary hyperplasia, signaling that the patient's denture hygiene may be insufficient. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices is essential to minimize plaque buildup and prevent tissue irritation, ultimately protecting the health of both the soft tissues and any implants present. Chronic bad breath can suggest poor oral hygiene but is not specific to denture hygiene and can occur for various reasons. Gingival recession is associated with periodontal disease or trauma rather than directly pointing to denture care. Severe tooth decay typically relates to natural teeth and is not an indicator of denture hygiene specifically. Hence, inflammatory papillary hyperplasia stands out as the most relevant condition indicating poor denture hygiene in this context.