Which stage is associated with more than 50% attachment loss?

• A. Stage 3
• B. Stage 4
• C. Stage 2
• D. Stage 1

Answer: (B)

The stage being tested is defined by how much of the tooth’s supporting attachment has been lost. More than half of that attachment being gone means the tooth is in the most advanced category, reflecting severe periodontal destruction. At this stage you’ll see major clinical signs such as marked tooth mobility, furcation involvement, and radiographic evidence of substantial alveolar bone loss, with a prognosis that is often poor and treatment typically requiring extraction or extensive intervention. Earlier stages involve progressively less attachment loss, so they do not reach the >50% threshold.