ADEX Periodontal Instrumentation and Care 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which Gracey curette is specifically designed for scaling the distobuccal and distolingual surfaces of posterior teeth?
- Gracey 11/12
- Gracey 13/14 (Correct answer)
- Gracey 7/8
- Gracey 1/2
Correct answer: Gracey 13/14
The Gracey 13/14 is area-specific for the distal surfaces of posterior teeth.
Question 2: A dental hygienist notices tissue tags remaining after scaling. The MOST appropriate next step is to:
- Apply chlorhexidine and dismiss the patient
- Perform root planing to smooth the root surface
- Use a curette to remove the detached tissue tags (Correct answer)
- Re-probe the area at the next appointment
Correct answer: Use a curette to remove the detached tissue tags
Residual tissue tags should be removed with a curette as part of thorough debridement.
Question 3: The correct angulation of a curette blade to the tooth surface during the working stroke for scaling is:
- 0–30 degrees
- 45–90 degrees (Correct answer)
- 90–120 degrees
- 30–45 degrees
Correct answer: 45–90 degrees
A 45–90 degree angulation between the blade face and tooth surface is required for effective scaling.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes the cutting edge of a universal curette compared to a Gracey curette?
- Universal curettes have one cutting edge; Gracey curettes have two
- Universal curettes have two cutting edges; Gracey curettes have one functional cutting edge (Correct answer)
- Both types have identical cutting edges
- Gracey curettes have two curved cutting edges; universal curettes have one straight edge
Correct answer: Universal curettes have two cutting edges; Gracey curettes have one functional cutting edge
Universal curettes have two usable cutting edges, while Gracey curettes have one lower, offset cutting edge.
Question 5: When instrumenting a furcation area with Class II furcation involvement, the BEST instrument choice is a:
- Standard sickle scaler
- Gracey 11/12 curette
- Nabers probe and furcation curette (Correct answer)
- Universal curette with extended shank
Correct answer: Nabers probe and furcation curette
The Nabers probe identifies furcation depth, and furcation-specific curettes adapt within the concave furcation anatomy.
Question 6: Ultrasonic scalers primarily disrupt calculus through which mechanism?
- Thermal energy melting calculus
- Acoustic turbulence and cavitation (Correct answer)
- Direct abrasion by the tip alone
- Chemical dissolution via irrigant
Correct answer: Acoustic turbulence and cavitation
Ultrasonic scalers use acoustic streaming and cavitation from the oscillating tip and water coolant to disrupt deposits.
Question 7: A patient with a pacemaker is scheduled for periodontal debridement. Which instrument type requires SPECIAL CAUTION?
- Hand curettes
- Magnetostrictive ultrasonic scalers (Correct answer)
- Piezoelectric ultrasonic scalers
- Periodontal files
Correct answer: Magnetostrictive ultrasonic scalers
Magnetostrictive ultrasonic units generate an electromagnetic field that can potentially interfere with older pacemakers.
ADEX Periodontal Instrumentation and Care 2
Which Gracey curette is specifically designed for scaling the distobuccal and distolingual surfaces of posterior teeth?