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Aggressive periodontitis pattern — NDEB AFK MCQ

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HardPeriodonticsAggressive periodontitis patternNDEB AFK

A 19-year-old non-smoker has 7 mm pockets and vertical bone loss around first molars and incisors, with little plaque relative to the tissue destruction. The patient reports that an older sibling lost molars in early adulthood. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Grade C molar-incisor periodontitis

The age, molar-incisor distribution, rapid-looking attachment loss, and family history support a Grade C molar-incisor periodontitis pattern. Plaque-induced gingivitis does not cause vertical bone loss or deep attachment loss. A key pearl is that severe destruction with limited deposits should prompt assessment of grade, familial risk, and early specialist involvement.

Reference: AAP/EFP 2017 periodontal classification; NDEB KSAs 2024