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Periodontics Flashcards

7 cards from real DDS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Periodontics flashcards as text

  1. Scaling and root planing (SRP) is considered the gold standard of which type of periodontal therapy?

    Answer: Non-surgical therapy

    SRP is the cornerstone of non-surgical periodontal therapy, mechanically removing calculus and biofilm from root surfaces to reduce pathogenic bacterial load.

  2. The Modified Widman Flap procedure was primarily designed to:

    Answer: Provide access for root debridement while preserving maximum tissue

    The Modified Widman Flap (Ramfjord and Nissle, 1974) prioritizes access for thorough root debridement with minimal surgical trauma and tissue sacrifice.

  3. Which systemic disease has the strongest bidirectional relationship with periodontitis?

    Answer: Diabetes mellitus

    Poorly controlled diabetes impairs neutrophil function and collagen metabolism, worsening periodontitis; conversely, periodontal infection raises blood glucose levels.

  4. An autogenous bone graft used in periodontal surgery is defined as bone harvested from:

    Answer: The patient's own body

    Autogenous grafts are taken from the patient (e.g., maxillary tuberosity, chin, or ramus) and are considered the gold standard because they are osteogenic, osteoinductive, and osteoconductive.

  5. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) barrier membranes function by:

    Answer: Excluding epithelial and gingival connective tissue cells from the healing wound

    GTR membranes selectively block fast-migrating epithelial and connective tissue cells, allowing slower-growing PDL and bone cells to repopulate the defect for true regeneration.

  6. The recommended interval for supportive periodontal therapy (maintenance) in most treated periodontitis patients is:

    Answer: Every 3–4 months

    A 3–4 month maintenance interval is standard because pathogenic subgingival bacteria recolonize treated pockets within this timeframe.

  7. Osteoplasty in periodontal surgery is best defined as:

    Answer: Reshaping of non-supporting bone to achieve physiologic architecture

    Osteoplasty reshapes non-supporting (non-attachment) bone to improve bony architecture without sacrificing bone that directly supports the tooth.