ASPEN Dental Assisting Practice Exam

A bony outgrowth on bone, often seen in the jaw, is called what?

Osteophyte Exotosis Hyperostosis Osteitis

Correct Answer:

Exotosis

Explanation:

Exostosis is a benign bony outgrowth that pushes outward from the surface of a bone, commonly seen on the jaw as a small, discrete projection on the cortical plate. This is different from an osteophyte, which is a bone spur that forms at joints in response to arthritis and isn’t typically found on the jawbone. Hyperostosis refers to diffuse thickening of bone rather than a distinct bump, and osteitis means inflammation of bone, which would involve pain and systemic signs rather than a simple outgrowth. So for a bony outgrowth on the jaw, exostosis is the right term.

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