AGD Periodontics and Gum Disease 2

Question 1

Which cytokine is considered the primary mediator of bone resorption in periodontitis?

Accepted Answer

Interleukin-1β

Answer

IL-1β is a key pro-inflammatory cytokine that upregulates RANKL expression and drives osteoclast-mediated alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis.

Question 2

A patient presents with rapid, severe periodontal destruction affecting the first molars and incisors in an otherwise healthy adolescent. The most likely diagnosis is:

Accepted Answer

Localized aggressive periodontitis

Answer

Localized aggressive periodontitis classically presents in adolescents with rapid bone loss around first molars and incisors, often associated with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.

Question 3

The Widman flap procedure differs from the modified Widman flap primarily in that the original technique:

Accepted Answer

Includes osseous recontouring as a standard step

Answer

The original Widman flap routinely incorporated osseous recontouring, while the modified Widman flap emphasizes root debridement with minimal osseous surgery.

Question 4

Which furcation classification indicates that a probe can pass completely through the furcation from one side to the other?

Accepted Answer

Class III

Answer

Class III (through-and-through) furcation involvement means the probe can pass completely through the furcation, indicating severe attachment loss.

Question 5

Systemically, which medication class is most strongly associated with drug-influenced gingival enlargement?

Accepted Answer

Calcium channel blockers

Answer

Calcium channel blockers, particularly nifedipine, are well-known to cause gingival enlargement by increasing collagen synthesis in gingival fibroblasts.

(AGD) Academy of General Dentistry Certification Practice Test

(AGD) Academy of General Dentistry Certification Practice Test

AGD Periodontics and Gum Disease 2