100+ Free ABP Periodontology Practice Questions

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Question 1

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Which portion of the gingiva is tightly bound to the underlying alveolar bone and demonstrates stippling in health?

Free gingiva

Attached gingiva

Alveolar mucosa

Interdental papilla

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: ABP Periodontology Exam

Part I + II + Cases + Oral

ABP Components

American Board of Periodontology certification process

~100

Practice Questions Offered

OpenExamPrep FREE ABP Periodontology question bank

~13%

Non-Surgical Therapy Weight

Largest domain on ABP content outline

~$2,000-$3,000

2026 Total Exam Fees

ABP/AAP (verify current schedule)

3 yr

CODA-Accredited Residency

Required CODA advanced education in periodontics

~2.04 mm

Supracrestal Tissue Attachment

Gargiulo biologic width average (JE + CT attachment)

The ABP Certification is a multi-component examination from the American Board of Periodontology (associated with the AAP) comprising Part I and Part II written tests plus case presentations and an oral defense. Content spans non-surgical therapy (~13%), implants (~11%), regenerative (~11%), classification (~10%), anatomy (~8%), microbiology (~8%), systemic (~7%), mucogingival (~6%), resective/osseous (~5%), occlusion (~5%), peri-implantitis (~4%), maintenance (~4%), and medical/pharmacology (~7%). Combined fees run ~$2,000-$3,000; requires a 3-year CODA-accredited periodontal residency.

Sample ABP Periodontology Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ABP Periodontology exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which portion of the gingiva is tightly bound to the underlying alveolar bone and demonstrates stippling in health?

A.Free gingiva

B.Attached gingiva

C.Alveolar mucosa

D.Interdental papilla

Explanation: The attached gingiva extends from the free gingival groove to the mucogingival junction (MGJ) and is firmly bound to periosteum/alveolar bone. Stippling (orange-peel surface) reflects rete peg projections and is variably present in health. Free gingiva is mobile and forms the sulcus wall; alveolar mucosa is loosely attached and non-keratinized.

2The biologic width (supracrestal tissue attachment) as described by Gargiulo averages approximately:

A.1.0 mm

B.2.04 mm

C.3.5 mm

D.5.0 mm

Explanation: Gargiulo's 1961 measurements: junctional epithelium ~0.97 mm + connective tissue attachment ~1.07 mm = ~2.04 mm of supracrestal tissue attachment (the term replacing 'biologic width' in the 2017 classification). Restorative margins encroaching within 3 mm of bone (including sulcus) typically cause chronic inflammation and bone loss.

3The junctional epithelium attaches to the tooth via:

A.Desmosomes only

B.Internal basal lamina and hemidesmosomes

C.Collagen fibers inserting into enamel

D.Sharpey's fibers

Explanation: Junctional epithelium attaches to the tooth surface through an internal basal lamina and hemidesmosomes. It has rapid turnover (4-6 days), high permeability allowing GCF and neutrophil egress, and is the first barrier to plaque. Sharpey's fibers are the mineralized ends of PDL fibers embedded in cementum/bone.

4Which cementum type contains cells (cementocytes) and is found predominantly in the apical third of the root?

A.Acellular afibrillar cementum

B.Acellular extrinsic fiber cementum

C.Cellular intrinsic fiber cementum

D.Cellular mixed stratified cementum

Explanation: Cellular mixed stratified cementum (apical third and furcations) contains cementocytes and both extrinsic (Sharpey) and intrinsic fibers, allowing ongoing apposition to compensate for occlusal wear. Acellular extrinsic fiber cementum covers the cervical/middle root and provides the principal tooth anchorage.

5The principal fibers of the periodontal ligament that resist intrusive occlusal forces are:

A.Alveolar crest fibers

B.Horizontal fibers

C.Oblique fibers

D.Apical fibers

Explanation: Oblique fibers are the most numerous PDL fibers and run coronally from bone to apically on cementum, converting occlusal (intrusive) forces into tension on the alveolar bone. Alveolar crest resists extrusion/tilting, horizontal resists lateral forces, and apical resists extrusion and stabilizes the apex.

6The mucogingival junction (MGJ) is BEST identified clinically by:

A.Color change and loss of stippling between attached gingiva and alveolar mucosa

B.Depth of the gingival sulcus

C.Schiller iodine staining of keratinized tissue

D.Radiographic bone crest level

Explanation: The MGJ is a visible line where pale pink, keratinized, stippled attached gingiva meets redder, non-keratinized, mobile alveolar mucosa. It can be accentuated by tension or Schiller/iodine staining (keratin takes up less stain), but clinical inspection of color/texture/mobility is the standard identifier.

7The interdental papilla between anterior teeth in health is:

A.Saddle shaped

B.Pyramidal and fills the interproximal embrasure to the contact

C.Flat and coronal to the contact

D.Apical to the CEJ

Explanation: Between anterior teeth the papilla is pyramidal, filling the embrasure up to the contact point. Posteriorly, the papilla is saddle-shaped (col) — a non-keratinized concavity connecting buccal and lingual papillae, making posterior interproximal sites more susceptible to inflammation.

8Alveolar bone proper (bundle bone) is characterized histologically by:

A.Absence of collagen fibers

B.Insertion of Sharpey's fibers from the PDL

C.Cartilage precursors only

D.Non-mineralized matrix

Explanation: Alveolar bone proper (the radiographic lamina dura) contains numerous Sharpey's fibers — mineralized ends of PDL collagen bundles anchoring the tooth. It is bundle bone; loss of tooth function leads to rapid resorption of this layer, which is why bundle bone disappears around extraction sockets.

9The three organisms comprising Socransky's 'red complex' associated with severe periodontitis are:

A.S. mutans, S. sanguinis, S. salivarius

B.P. gingivalis, T. forsythia, T. denticola

C.A. actinomycetemcomitans, F. nucleatum, P. intermedia

D.C. albicans, E. corrodens, V. parvula

Explanation: Socransky (1998) defined a 'red complex' of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola — strongly associated with deep pockets and bleeding. Orange complex (Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, P. micra, Campylobacter) bridges early and late colonizers.

10Which organism is most specifically linked to localized aggressive (Grade C, molar-incisor) periodontitis in adolescents?

A.Porphyromonas gingivalis

B.Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (serotype b)

C.Streptococcus mutans

D.Actinomyces viscosus

Explanation: A. actinomycetemcomitans serotype b (JP2 clone) produces a potent leukotoxin and cytolethal distending toxin and is strongly associated with localized aggressive periodontitis (now 2017 Stage III/IV Grade C, molar-incisor pattern). Combination amoxicillin + metronidazole systemic therapy adjunctive to SRP is evidence-based.

About the ABP Periodontology Exam

The American Board of Periodontology (ABP) Certification is the gold-standard Diplomate credential for periodontists in the United States, administered by the ABP (associated with the AAP). The multi-part process includes Part I and Part II written examinations plus case presentations and an oral examination. Content spans non-surgical periodontal therapy (SRP, local and systemic antimicrobials), implant therapy and site development (osseointegration, ridge/sinus augmentation), regenerative periodontal therapy (GTR/GBR, bone grafts, Emdogain, rhPDGF-BB), classification of periodontal and peri-implant diseases (AAP/EFP 2017 World Workshop staging/grading; Cairo RT; peri-implant case definitions), periodontal anatomy and wound healing (biologic width/supracrestal tissue attachment, PDL, cementum), microbiology and host response (Socransky complexes, keystone pathogens, cytokines), systemic-periodontal interactions (diabetes, CVD, MRONJ, antibiotic prophylaxis), mucogingival and plastic periodontal surgery (CAF + CTG, FGG, tunnel, pinhole), resective/osseous surgery, peri-implant diseases (mucositis, peri-implantitis, CIST), medical/pharmacologic management, occlusion, and maintenance. Requires completion of a CODA-accredited periodontal residency (typically 3 years).

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

Multi-day: Part I & Part II written (CBT) plus in-person case presentations and oral examination

Passing Score

Criterion-referenced standard set by the American Board of Periodontology

Exam Fee

~$2,000-$3,000 total across written and oral/case components (ABP 2026 — verify current schedule) (American Board of Periodontology (associated with the American Academy of Periodontology, AAP))

ABP Periodontology Exam Content Outline

~13%

Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy

Scaling and root planing (SRP), hand vs ultrasonic, full-mouth disinfection vs quadrant, local drug delivery (Arestin minocycline microspheres, PerioChip chlorhexidine, Atridox doxycycline gel), systemic antibiotics (amoxicillin + metronidazole for generalized stage III/IV grade C), subantimicrobial-dose doxycycline (Periostat), chlorhexidine rinses, OHI/behavior change, re-evaluation at 4-6 weeks.

~11%

Implant Therapy & Site Development

Osseointegration (Branemark, Albrektsson), implant surfaces (SLA, anodized, HA), platform switching, placement timing (Type 1 immediate to Type 4 late), immediate vs delayed loading, socket/ridge preservation (DFDBA, FDBA, xenograft, alloplast with collagen membrane), sinus augmentation (lateral window, osteotome crestal, Schneiderian membrane), ridge split, vertical/horizontal ridge augmentation.

~11%

Regenerative Periodontal Therapy

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) vs guided bone regeneration (GBR), resorbable vs non-resorbable membranes (PTFE, d-PTFE, collagen), bone graft biology (autograft osteogenic; DFDBA/FDBA osteoinductive; Bio-Oss xenograft osteoconductive; alloplast), enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain — amelogenins), rhPDGF-BB with β-TCP (GEM 21S), rhBMP-2 (Infuse), intrabony defect morphology (1/2/3-wall), furcation regeneration (Class II mandibular most predictable).

~10%

Classification of Periodontal & Peri-Implant Diseases

2017 AAP/EFP World Workshop: periodontal health on intact/reduced periodontium, gingivitis (plaque-induced vs non-plaque-induced), periodontitis staging (Stage I-IV by CAL and bone loss; complexity by PD/furcation/tooth loss) and grading (Grade A/B/C — rate of progression; smoking, diabetes HbA1c risk modifiers), necrotizing diseases, periodontitis as manifestation of systemic disease, peri-implant health/mucositis/peri-implantitis, Cairo RT1/RT2/RT3 recession.

~8%

Periodontal Anatomy, Physiology & Wound Healing

Gingival unit (free, attached, interdental papilla, col), mucogingival junction, keratinized vs attached gingiva, biologic width / supracrestal tissue attachment (~2.04 mm: junctional epithelium + connective tissue), PDL (Sharpey fibers, principal fiber groups), cementum (AAC, AEFC, CMSC), alveolar bone, blood supply, wound healing phases, primary vs secondary intention, regeneration vs repair (long junctional epithelium).

~8%

Microbiology & Host Response

Dental biofilm (Socransky complexes — red: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola; orange; Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in molar-incisor pattern), keystone pathogen hypothesis (Hajishengallis), virulence factors (LPS, gingipains, leukotoxin), host response (PMN, macrophage, T/B), cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17, RANKL/OPG), MMPs, IL-1 genotype polymorphism, peri-implant microbiome.

~7%

Systemic-Periodontal Interactions & Medical

Diabetes bidirectional relationship (HbA1c target <7%), cardiovascular disease association, adverse pregnancy outcomes, rheumatoid arthritis (P. gingivalis PAD citrullination), osteoporosis/bisphosphonate/denosumab MRONJ (staging 0-3), ADA/AHA antibiotic prophylaxis (prosthetic joint 2015; IE high-risk cardiac), smoking cessation (5 A's), HIV-associated NUG/NUP and linear gingival erythema.

~7%

Medical & Pharmacologic Management

Local anesthetics (lidocaine, articaine, bupivacaine — max doses, epinephrine cautions), analgesics (NSAIDs, acetaminophen, CDC opioid prescribing), antibiotics (penicillin VK, amoxicillin ± metronidazole, clindamycin, azithromycin, doxycycline; penicillin allergy), bleeding risk (warfarin INR 2-3 acceptable; DOACs; antiplatelets generally continued per ADA), medical emergencies (syncope, anaphylaxis — IM epinephrine, hypoglycemia), conscious sedation.

~6%

Mucogingival & Plastic Periodontal Surgery

Cairo RT1/RT2/RT3 classification (replaces Miller I-IV), coronally advanced flap (CAF), CAF + subepithelial connective tissue graft (Langer, Bruno, Zucchelli), free gingival graft (FGG) for keratinized tissue, tunnel technique, pinhole surgical technique, lateral sliding pedicle, acellular dermal matrix (AlloDerm), xenogeneic collagen matrix (Mucograft), Root Coverage Esthetic Score (RES), crown lengthening (biologic width, ostectomy/osteoplasty).

~5%

Resective & Osseous Surgery

Flap design (modified Widman, apically positioned, papilla preservation — Cortellini simplified/modified), ostectomy vs osteoplasty, positive vs negative/reversed architecture, osseous resective principles, gingivectomy/gingivoplasty, distal wedge, suturing, indications for resective vs regenerative based on defect morphology (horizontal or shallow intrabony).

~5%

Occlusion & Trauma from Occlusion

Primary vs secondary occlusal trauma, centric relation vs maximum intercuspation, working/non-working/protrusive contacts, fremitus, mobility (Miller), bruxism and parafunction, occlusal adjustment/equilibration indications, stabilization splints, implant occlusion (centric holding contacts, protected articulation), cantilever biomechanics.

~4%

Peri-Implant Diseases & Complications

Peri-implant mucositis (reversible, BOP, no bone loss), peri-implantitis (2017 case definitions — bleeding/suppuration + progressive bone loss; ≥3 mm or thresholds with historic data), CIST cumulative interceptive supportive therapy (mechanical → antiseptic CHX → antibiotic → regenerative/resective), surgical decontamination (titanium brushes, air-abrasion, Er:YAG), excess cement, keratinized mucosa width, explantation criteria.

~4%

Maintenance, Prognosis & Risk Assessment

Periodontal maintenance (typically 3-month recall), supportive periodontal therapy (SPT), tooth prognosis (Kwok-Caton, McGuire-Nunn, UNC), tooth loss risk (furcation, mobility, CAL), risk assessment tools (PreViser, UniFe spider diagram, PRA Lang-Tonetti), smoking cessation counseling, diabetes screening in dental office, documentation and periodontal charting.

How to Pass the ABP Periodontology Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Criterion-referenced standard set by the American Board of Periodontology
Exam length: 100 questions
Time limit: Multi-day: Part I & Part II written (CBT) plus in-person case presentations and oral examination
Exam fee: ~$2,000-$3,000 total across written and oral/case components (ABP 2026 — verify current schedule)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ABP Periodontology Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master the AAP/EFP 2017 World Workshop classification cold. Staging (I-IV) is driven by severity (interdental CAL at worst site, radiographic bone loss, tooth loss from periodontitis) AND complexity (max PD, furcation/intrabony, bite collapse, tooth loss affecting function). Grading (A/B/C) reflects rate of progression (radiographic bone loss %/age; biofilm-destruction ratio) and risk factors (smoking ≥10 cig/day, HbA1c ≥7%). Generalized vs localized (<30% vs ≥30% of teeth) and molar-incisor pattern modify description but NOT stage.

2Biologic width (now called supracrestal tissue attachment) averages ~2.04 mm = junctional epithelium (0.97 mm) + connective tissue attachment (1.07 mm), plus ~0.69 mm sulcus. Crown margins violating this zone cause inflammation and bone loss. Crown lengthening restores ~3 mm between restorative margin and alveolar crest (2 mm biologic width + 1 mm sulcus). For esthetic zone, allow 6 months before final impressions; for non-esthetic, 6-8 weeks may suffice.

3Bone graft biology high-yield: Autograft = osteogenic, osteoinductive, osteoconductive (gold standard). DFDBA (demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft) = osteoinductive (BMP exposure) + osteoconductive. FDBA = primarily osteoconductive. Xenograft (Bio-Oss) = osteoconductive only (non-resorbable scaffold). Alloplast (β-TCP, HA) = osteoconductive. Emdogain (enamel matrix derivative, amelogenins) is NOT a graft but a biologic that promotes cementum/PDL/bone regeneration. rhPDGF-BB + β-TCP (GEM 21S) is FDA-approved for intrabony defects and gingival recession.

4Peri-implantitis case definition (2017): bleeding on probing and/or suppuration + progressive bone loss beyond crestal remodeling. With historic data, bone loss ≥2 mm from prior baseline with increased PD indicates disease; without historic data, ≥3 mm bone loss + PD ≥6 mm + BOP. CIST protocol: A (mechanical debridement) if PD ≤3 mm with plaque/BOP; A+B (antiseptic CHX) if PD 4-5 mm; A+B+C (systemic/local antibiotic) if PD >5 mm with bone loss ≤2 mm; A+B+C+D (regenerative/resective surgery) if bone loss >2 mm; explantation for mobility or severe loss.

5Cairo RT classification (replaces Miller) for gingival recession: RT1 = no loss of interproximal attachment (best prognosis; complete root coverage achievable). RT2 = interproximal CAL ≤ buccal CAL (partial to complete coverage possible). RT3 = interproximal CAL > buccal CAL (complete root coverage NOT achievable). Coronally advanced flap + subepithelial connective tissue graft (CAF + CTG) remains the gold standard for single and multiple RT1/RT2 recessions in the esthetic zone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the American Board of Periodontology (ABP) certification?

The ABP certification is the Diplomate credential for periodontists in the United States, administered by the American Board of Periodontology (associated with the American Academy of Periodontology, AAP). The process validates comprehensive knowledge and clinical competence across non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapy, implant dentistry, regenerative therapy, and management of peri-implant diseases. Certification signals attainment of the specialty's highest standard of knowledge and is often required for academic and program leadership roles.

Who is eligible to sit for the ABP examinations?

Candidates must hold a D.D.S. or D.M.D. (or equivalent international dental degree), maintain an active unrestricted dental license, and complete a CODA-accredited advanced education program in periodontics (typically 3 years). The program director must attest to satisfactory performance and ethics. Application submission follows the ABP schedule with required documentation and case materials.

What is the format of the ABP certification examination?

The ABP process consists of multiple components: Part I and Part II written examinations (computer-based), case presentations (submission and defense of clinical cases), and an oral examination before Board examiners. Written items are single-best-answer multiple-choice questions blueprinted to the ABP content outline. Case presentations evaluate candidate diagnosis, treatment planning, execution, and outcomes across diverse periodontal and implant cases.

How much does the 2026 ABP certification cost?

Combined fees for written, case, and oral components typically total ~$2,000-$3,000 — always verify the current schedule on the ABP/AAP website. Candidates should budget additionally for travel to the in-person case and oral examination, AAP membership, and future recertification. Cancellation and refund policies follow ABP rules with decreasing refunds as the exam approaches. Retakes require re-registration and fee payment per ABP policy.

When are the 2026 exams administered?

ABP written examinations are typically offered on defined windows each year (commonly with Part I and Part II cycles), with case presentations and oral examinations scheduled in person at designated sites. Applications open several months before each administration with defined deadlines. Exact 2026 dates and deadlines should be confirmed on the ABP/AAP website.

How is the exam scored?

ABP uses criterion-referenced scoring. Written examinations are standard-set by subject-matter experts (modified Angoff methodology common in specialty boards). Case presentations and oral examinations are scored against rubrics covering diagnosis, treatment planning, execution, and outcomes. Candidates must pass all required components — a pass in one does not carry forward indefinitely beyond ABP policy limits. Score reports include domain-level feedback.

What are the highest-yield topics?

Highest-yield topics include the AAP/EFP 2017 World Workshop classification (staging/grading of periodontitis; peri-implant case definitions; Cairo RT for recession), Socransky complexes and keystone pathogens, biologic width / supracrestal tissue attachment, bone graft biology (autograft/DFDBA/Bio-Oss/alloplast) and GTR/GBR membrane selection, Emdogain and rhPDGF-BB, CIST protocol for peri-implantitis, mucogingival procedures (CAF + CTG), MRONJ staging and bisphosphonate management, and systemic-periodontal interactions (diabetes, CVD, adverse pregnancy outcomes).

How should I study for this exam?

Use a structured 12-24 month plan during and after residency. Begin with anatomy, microbiology, and the 2017 AAP/EFP classification — these are the scaffolding for every question. Layer non-surgical therapy, systemic interactions, and pharmacology, then surgical topics (resective/osseous, mucogingival), regenerative (GTR/GBR, Emdogain, rhPDGF), implants, and peri-implantitis (CIST). Integrate AAP Newman and Carranza, Lindhe Clinical Periodontology and Implant Dentistry, Journal of Periodontology/JCP key papers, and high-volume MCQ practice. Prepare cases following ABP format with diagnosis, etiology, treatment planning, execution, and 1+ year outcomes.