HESI General Chairside Assisting Practice Exam

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Prepare for the HESI General Chairside Assisting Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations, to enhance your understanding and ace the exam!

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Which tooth structure has a mineral composition similar to bone?

Enamel
Dentin
Cementum
Pulp

The correct answer is: Cementum

Cementum is the tooth structure that has a mineral composition similar to bone. This similarity is due to its makeup, which primarily includes hydroxyapatite, collagen fibers, and other organic components. The presence of collagen gives cementum a structure that is somewhat less rigid than enamel but more mineralized than dental pulp. Cementum plays a crucial role in anchoring the teeth to the alveolar bone via the periodontal ligament. This connection is vital for the stability of teeth within the jaw. While enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and is primarily composed of hydroxyapatite with very little organic material, it does not share the same structural characteristics as bone. Dentin, on the other hand, is similar to cementum in its composition but is not classified in the same way; it is more similar to bone than enamel but still has significant differences due to the presence of dentinal tubules. Pulp, being the innermost part of the tooth, contains nerves and blood vessels, and has a completely different structure and function, lacking the mineral composition that characterizes both cementum and bone.