CPT CPT Periodontal Instrumentation & Scaling Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How does the working end of a Gracey curette differ from a universal curette?
- It has two cutting edges
- It has one cutting edge offset at 70 degrees (Correct answer)
- It has a straight shank
- It has a pointed tip
Correct answer: It has one cutting edge offset at 70 degrees
Gracey curettes are area-specific with one cutting edge offset at 70 degrees, while universal curettes have two usable cutting edges.
Question 2: What is the primary function of the terminal shank on a periodontal instrument?
- Provides the handle grip
- Connects to the working end and indicates blade angulation (Correct answer)
- Determines instrument flexibility
- Controls water flow in ultrasonics
Correct answer: Connects to the working end and indicates blade angulation
The terminal shank connects to the working end and its orientation helps the clinician determine correct blade-to-tooth angulation.
Question 3: When using an ultrasonic scaler subgingivally, which power setting is recommended?
- High power for efficiency
- Low power to reduce heat and tissue trauma (Correct answer)
- Maximum power for all calculus types
- Power level does not matter subgingivally
Correct answer: Low power to reduce heat and tissue trauma
Low power settings are recommended for subgingival ultrasonic scaling to minimize heat generation and tissue trauma.
Question 4: Which instrument is specifically designed for subgingival calculus detection?
- Periodontal probe
- Shepherd's hook explorer
- 11/12 explorer (pigtail) (Correct answer)
- Mouth mirror
Correct answer: 11/12 explorer (pigtail)
The 11/12 explorer (pigtail) is specifically designed for subgingival calculus detection due to its curved working end.
Question 5: The Nabers probe (furcation probe) is used to:
- Measure sulcus depth
- Assess furcation involvement and horizontal bone loss between roots (Correct answer)
- Scale calculus from furcations
- Deliver subgingival irrigation
Correct answer: Assess furcation involvement and horizontal bone loss between roots
The Nabers probe's curved design allows assessment of the degree of furcation involvement and extent of horizontal bone loss.
Question 6: A feather or light exploratory stroke during instrumentation indicates:
- The instrument is dull and needs sharpening
- A detection stroke used to sense calculus (Correct answer)
- Too much pressure being applied
- Correct scaling pressure for calculus removal
Correct answer: A detection stroke used to sense calculus
A feather or light touch is characteristic of explorer detection strokes used to identify calculus and root irregularities.
CPT CPT Periodontal Instrumentation & Scaling Techniques 2
How does the working end of a Gracey curette differ from a universal curette?