Periodontics Flashcards

Which fibers of the periodontal ligament embed directly into the cementum and alveolar bone?

Answer: Sharpey's fibers

Sharpey's fibers are the terminal portions of principal periodontal ligament fibers that insert into cementum and alveolar bone, anchoring the tooth in its socket.

What is the accepted normal sulcus probing depth in a clinically healthy periodontium?

Answer: 1–3 mm

A healthy gingival sulcus measures 1–3 mm on probing; depths ≥4 mm indicate pathological pocket formation.

In a healthy periodontium, the apical termination of the junctional epithelium coincides with the:

Answer: Cemento-enamel junction (CEJ)

Under healthy conditions, the apical end of the junctional epithelium is located at the CEJ, with no apical migration onto the root surface.

According to Hamp's furcation classification, Class II involvement is defined as:

Answer: Horizontal loss exceeding one-third the width but not encompassing the total width

Hamp Class II means the probe penetrates horizontally more than one-third the tooth width but cannot pass completely through the furcation.

The 'biologic width' of the periodontium comprises which two structures?

Answer: Junctional epithelium and supracrestal connective tissue attachment

Biologic width (~2 mm) consists of the junctional epithelium (~1 mm) and the supracrestal connective tissue attachment (~1 mm); violations cause chronic inflammation.

Which pattern(s) of alveolar bone loss can occur in periodontitis?

Answer: Both horizontal and vertical bone loss

Periodontitis may produce horizontal bone loss (uniform reduction in bone height), vertical/angular defects, or both, depending on local anatomy and plaque distribution.

Which cell type is primarily responsible for alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis?

Answer: Osteoclasts

Osteoclasts are multinucleated cells derived from monocyte precursors that resorb bone via acids and proteolytic enzymes in response to inflammatory cytokines.