CPT CPT Periodontal Instrumentation & Scaling Techniques 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which Gracey curette is specifically designed for scaling the mesial surfaces of posterior teeth?
- Gracey 1/2
- Gracey 11/12 (Correct answer)
- Gracey 13/14
- Gracey 15/16
Correct answer: Gracey 11/12
Gracey 11/12 curettes are area-specific instruments designed to adapt to mesial surfaces of posterior teeth.
Question 2: What is the correct blade angulation of a curette to the tooth surface during active scaling?
- 0–45 degrees
- 45–90 degrees (Correct answer)
- 90–135 degrees
- 135–180 degrees
Correct answer: 45–90 degrees
A blade angulation of 45–90 degrees to the tooth surface is required for effective calculus removal with a curette.
Question 3: Which ultrasonic scaler insert is best suited for removing heavy supragingival calculus?
- Thin perio insert
- Beaver-tail insert (Correct answer)
- Right-angle insert
- Furcation insert
Correct answer: Beaver-tail insert
Beaver-tail inserts are designed for heavy supragingival calculus removal due to their robust, broad design.
Question 4: The modified pen grasp is preferred for periodontal instrumentation primarily because it:
- Provides maximum lateral force
- Allows tactile sensitivity and precise control (Correct answer)
- Prevents instrument slippage entirely
- Reduces operator fatigue only
Correct answer: Allows tactile sensitivity and precise control
The modified pen grasp provides optimal tactile sensitivity and precise control during subgingival instrumentation.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of root planing compared to scaling?
- Remove supragingival plaque
- Smooth the cementum and remove embedded endotoxins (Correct answer)
- Polish the enamel surface
- Remove inflamed gingival tissue
Correct answer: Smooth the cementum and remove embedded endotoxins
Root planing smooths cementum and removes embedded endotoxins to create a biologically compatible root surface for tissue reattachment.
Question 6: Which stroke direction is most effective for subgingival calculus detection with an explorer?
- Horizontal strokes only
- Vertical strokes only
- Overlapping vertical and oblique strokes (Correct answer)
- Circular strokes only
Correct answer: Overlapping vertical and oblique strokes
Overlapping vertical and oblique strokes with an explorer ensure complete detection of subgingival calculus deposits across all root surfaces.
CPT CPT Periodontal Instrumentation & Scaling Techniques 1
Which Gracey curette is specifically designed for scaling the mesial surfaces of posterior teeth?