Dental Anatomy and Oral Health Assessment Flashcards
6 cards from real DANB practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Dental Anatomy and Oral Health Assessment flashcards as text
What does a periodontal probe measure during an oral examination?
Answer: The depth of the gingival sulcus or periodontal pocket
A periodontal probe measures sulcus or pocket depth in millimeters to assess the health of the supporting structures around each tooth.
Which periodontal condition involves gingival inflammation WITHOUT bone loss?
Answer: Gingivitis
Gingivitis is limited to inflammation of the gingival soft tissue with no destruction of supporting bone, making it fully reversible with proper oral hygiene.
What does 'furcation involvement' indicate in a periodontal assessment?
Answer: Bone loss extending into the area where root branches divide
Furcation involvement means that bone loss has progressed into the furcation area where multi-rooted teeth divide, indicating advanced periodontal disease.
During an oral cancer screening, the dental assistant should look for:
Answer: Unexplained red or white patches, ulcers, or lumps in the oral cavity
Oral cancer screening involves identifying suspicious lesions such as leukoplakia (white), erythroplakia (red), persistent ulcers, and unexplained lumps or indurated areas.
What is the primary diagnostic use of a dental explorer during an examination?
Answer: To detect caries, calculus deposits, and surface irregularities
The explorer's sharp tip catches on soft decayed tooth structure and rough calculus deposits, helping detect caries and surface defects.
Which periodontal finding is considered within NORMAL limits?
Answer: 2 mm probing depth with no bleeding on probing
A probing depth of 1–3 mm with no bleeding on probing indicates a healthy gingival sulcus and normal periodontal attachment.