CPT Supportive Periodontal Therapy & Maintenance 2

Question 1

What is the PRIMARY goal of supportive periodontal therapy (SPT)?

Accepted Answer

To maintain the clinical results of active therapy and prevent disease recurrence

Answer

To reverse existing alveolar bone loss through repeated debridement alone

Answer

To eliminate the need for future surgical intervention permanently

Answer

To improve dental aesthetics and tooth whitening

Question 2

Which systemic condition most commonly necessitates more frequent SPT recall intervals?

Accepted Answer

Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus

Answer

Well-controlled hypertension on stable antihypertensives

Answer

Hypothyroidism managed with stable levothyroxine

Answer

Iron deficiency anemia with normal oral findings

Question 3

During an SPT visit, bleeding on probing (BOP) is found at 30% of sites. This finding most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Active gingival inflammation requiring reinforced oral hygiene instruction and possible interval adjustment

Answer

Complete periodontal health with no clinical intervention needed

Answer

An immediate indication for systemic antibiotic therapy

Answer

A normal finding in all SPT patients that requires no action

Question 4

Which bacteria are MOST strongly associated with recurrent periodontitis during SPT?

Accepted Answer

Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia

Answer

Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus

Answer

Actinomyces viscosus and Streptococcus sanguinis

Answer

Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus

Question 5

What is the MOST effective method to detect bone level changes over time during SPT?

Accepted Answer

Sequential standardized periapical radiographs compared to post-treatment baseline images

Answer

Full-mouth probing depth measurements alone

Answer

Cone beam CT (CBCT) performed at every 3-month visit

Answer

Panoramic radiograph taken at each recall appointment

Question 6

A compliant SPT patient with well-controlled type 2 diabetes has residual pocket depths of 4–5mm. What is the most appropriate recall interval?

Accepted Answer

Every 3 months

Answer

Every 6 months

Answer

Every 12 months

Answer

Every 2 years

Question 7

Which factor is considered the STRONGEST site-specific predictor of future attachment loss during SPT?

Accepted Answer

Presence of residual pockets ≥6mm after active therapy

Answer

Patient age greater than 50 years at initial diagnosis

Answer

Use of a manual toothbrush instead of a powered toothbrush

Answer

History of prior orthodontic treatment