Diagnostic & Treatment Planning Techniques Flashcards

A patient presents with a 3 mm probing depth on the buccal of tooth #14 with bleeding on probing. Which diagnosis is most appropriate?

Answer: Gingivitis on an intact periodontium

Bleeding on probing with 3 mm depth and no radiographic bone loss indicates gingivitis on an intact periodontium.

Which cephalometric landmark is located at the most anterior point of the mandibular symphysis?

Answer: Pogonion

Pogonion (Pog) is the most anterior point of the bony chin on the mandibular symphysis.

A bitewing radiograph reveals a radiolucency confined to the outer half of dentin on the proximal surface of tooth #29. How should this lesion be classified?

Answer: Outer dentin caries (D1)

A lesion extending into the outer half of dentin is classified as D1 (outer dentin) caries.

During comprehensive examination, a patient has a maximum interincisal opening of 28 mm. This finding most likely indicates:

Answer: Severe restricted opening

Normal maximum interincisal opening is 40–60 mm; 28 mm represents severe restricted opening.

Which index is used specifically to quantify gingival inflammation based on color, contour, and bleeding?

Answer: Gingival Index (GI)

The Gingival Index (GI) by Löe and Silness scores inflammation based on color, contour, and bleeding.

A 55-year-old patient presents with cervical abrasion lesions on multiple teeth. The MOST appropriate diagnostic question to ask is:

Answer: What type of toothbrush and brushing technique do you use?

Cervical abrasion is most commonly caused by aggressive horizontal brushing with a hard-bristle toothbrush.

When evaluating a periapical radiograph, the lamina dura appears discontinuous at the apex of tooth #9. This finding is MOST consistent with:

Answer: Periapical pathology

Discontinuity or loss of lamina dura at the apex typically indicates periapical inflammatory pathology.