ABP Reaccreditation and Maintenance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following BEST describes the concept of 'full-mouth disinfection' in the context of periodontal maintenance?
- Completing all quadrant scaling within 24 hours with chlorhexidine adjuncts (Correct answer)
- Using systemic antibiotics for all maintenance patients every visit
- Alternating between ultrasonic and hand instrumentation each visit
- Debridement limited to sites with active bleeding
Correct answer: Completing all quadrant scaling within 24 hours with chlorhexidine adjuncts
Full-mouth disinfection involves treating all quadrants within 24 hours combined with chlorhexidine to reduce bacterial recolonization from untreated sites.
Question 2: According to current ABP guidelines, which implant maintenance protocol is recommended for peri-implant health?
- Annual radiographic evaluation only
- Regular professional cleaning with non-metallic instruments and home care reinforcement (Correct answer)
- Probing is contraindicated around implants
- Hydrogen peroxide irrigation at every maintenance visit
Correct answer: Regular professional cleaning with non-metallic instruments and home care reinforcement
Implant maintenance includes professional cleaning with plastic/titanium instruments, probing, radiographs as indicated, and reinforced home care.
Question 3: A diplomate seeking ABP reaccreditation who has let their certification lapse for more than two years must:
- Simply pay a reinstatement fee and complete CE requirements
- Re-take the written qualifying examination only
- Complete the full examination process including oral examination (Correct answer)
- Submit a portfolio review to the ABP credentials committee
Correct answer: Complete the full examination process including oral examination
Diplomates whose certification has lapsed beyond the grace period must complete the full re-examination process to regain diplomate status.
Question 4: Which of the following host modulation therapies is FDA-approved as an adjunct to scaling and root planing AND can be considered during maintenance?
- Systemic metronidazole
- Sub-antimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD) (Correct answer)
- Chlorhexidine gluconate rinse
- Minocycline microspheres
Correct answer: Sub-antimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD)
Sub-antimicrobial dose doxycycline (Periostat) is FDA-approved for use as a host modulation agent adjunct in chronic periodontitis management.
Question 5: In periodontal maintenance, the term 'stable periodontitis' refers to a patient who demonstrates:
- No probing depths exceeding 3 mm at any site
- No further attachment loss or bone loss with acceptable BOP levels (Correct answer)
- Complete resolution of all inflammation with no residual pockets
- Negative microbiological tests for Porphyromonas gingivalis
Correct answer: No further attachment loss or bone loss with acceptable BOP levels
Stable periodontitis means no progressive attachment or bone loss despite possible residual pockets and minimal bleeding.
Question 6: Which radiographic series is most appropriate for evaluating bone levels at a standard SPT recall appointment for a stable patient?
- Full-mouth periapical series
- Panoramic radiograph
- Vertical bitewing radiographs (Correct answer)
- CBCT scan
Correct answer: Vertical bitewing radiographs
Vertical bitewings provide optimal visualization of alveolar crestal bone levels with less radiation than a full-mouth series.
Question 7: Which of the following scenarios would NOT qualify for localized antibiotic therapy (e.g., minocycline microspheres) during an SPT visit?
- Residual pocket of 6 mm with bleeding on probing unresponsive to repeated debridement
- Isolated site with 5 mm probing depth and suppuration
- Generalized 4 mm pockets with 40% BOP (Correct answer)
- Single recurrent pocket of 7 mm at a previously treated molar furcation
Correct answer: Generalized 4 mm pockets with 40% BOP
Localized antibiotics are indicated for isolated residual pockets, not for generalized shallow pocket disease which requires systemic re-evaluation.
ABP Reaccreditation and Maintenance 3
Which of the following BEST describes the concept of 'full-mouth disinfection' in the context of periodontal maintenance?