Which radiographic finding would indicate heavy calculus presence?

• A. Radiolucent furcation defects
• B. Widened PDL space
• C. Increased tooth mobility
• D. Radiopaque deposits along tooth surfaces

Answer: (D)

Heavy calculus on radiographs appears as radiopaque, dense deposits along tooth surfaces, often seen as irregular white bands or patches near the contact areas and root surfaces. Calculus is mineralized plaque that sticks to enamel and cementum, and it shows up on X-rays when present in substantial amounts. The other findings point to bone loss or periodontal changes rather than deposits of calculus: radiolucent furcation defects indicate bone loss in the furcation areas, a widened periodontal ligament space suggests trauma or inflammatory processes, and increased tooth mobility is a clinical sign of support loss (which may relate to bone loss but doesn’t show calculus). So the radiographic finding that indicates heavy calculus is radiopaque deposits along tooth surfaces.