ADEX Periodontal Instrumentation and Care 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which explorer tip design is MOST effective for detecting subgingival calculus in narrow, deep periodontal pockets?
- No. 23 (shepherd's hook)
- ODU 11/12 (Correct answer)
- No. 17
- No. 3A
Correct answer: ODU 11/12
The ODU 11/12 explorer has a long, angled shank that provides tactile access to subgingival deposits in deep pockets.
Question 2: Root planing differs from scaling primarily in that root planing:
- Removes only supragingival deposits
- Smooths and detoxifies the cementum surface (Correct answer)
- Uses only hand instruments
- Requires local anesthesia by law
Correct answer: Smooths and detoxifies the cementum surface
Root planing aims to create a smooth, biologically compatible root surface by removing embedded toxins and altered cementum.
Question 3: During periodontal instrumentation, a 'walking stroke' with a probe is used to:
- Remove calculus along the root surface
- Systematically assess the full circumference of the pocket depth (Correct answer)
- Polish root surfaces after scaling
- Measure the width of attached gingiva
Correct answer: Systematically assess the full circumference of the pocket depth
The walking stroke moves the probe apically then advances 1–2 mm around the tooth to map the entire sulcus floor.
Question 4: The 'toe-third' of a curette blade should be adapted against the tooth surface to avoid tissue trauma. How much of the blade should contact the tooth?
- The entire length of the cutting edge
- The terminal 1–2 mm (toe-third) (Correct answer)
- The middle third only
- Only the heel of the blade
Correct answer: The terminal 1–2 mm (toe-third)
Adapting only the toe-third of the curette ensures the sharp toe does not lacerate adjacent soft tissue.
Question 5: Which condition is an absolute contraindication to the use of ultrasonic instrumentation?
- Generalized chronic periodontitis
- Presence of a first-generation demand-type cardiac pacemaker (Correct answer)
- Moderate supragingival calculus
- A patient who is 20 weeks pregnant
Correct answer: Presence of a first-generation demand-type cardiac pacemaker
First-generation demand-type pacemakers can be disrupted by the electromagnetic field of magnetostrictive ultrasonic scalers.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of the terminal shank angle on area-specific Gracey curettes?
- To increase instrument rigidity for heavy calculus
- To allow adaptation to specific tooth surfaces and angles (Correct answer)
- To enable use on both posterior and anterior teeth equally
- To reduce operator hand fatigue
Correct answer: To allow adaptation to specific tooth surfaces and angles
The offset and angled terminal shank of Gracey curettes is engineered so the lower blade adapts precisely to specific tooth surfaces.
Question 7: After non-surgical periodontal therapy, the recommended re-evaluation interval before assessing treatment outcomes is typically:
- 1 week
- 4–6 weeks (Correct answer)
- 6 months
- 1 year
Correct answer: 4–6 weeks
A 4–6 week re-evaluation allows tissue healing and response to debridement to be accurately assessed.
ADEX Periodontal Instrumentation and Care 3
Which explorer tip design is MOST effective for detecting subgingival calculus in narrow, deep periodontal pockets?