Alveolar bone removal: paint the bone off the which aspect of the tooth root?

• A. Buccal
• B. Lingual
• C. Mesial
• D. Distal

Answer: (A)

This question tests which root surface is targeted when removing alveolar bone during ridge contouring. In procedures like alveoloplasty, bone is shaped on the buccal (facial) aspect of the tooth root to create a smooth, even ridge that provides proper support for prosthetics. The buccal surface faces the cheek and is the most accessible for contouring, making it the common site for bone removal. The lingual aspect (toward the tongue) is less commonly altered due to anatomy and risk to nearby nerves and structures, and mesial/distal describe directions along the tooth rather than specific surfaces to trim. So, the bone removal is performed on the buccal aspect.