FREE ADEX Dental Hygiene Scaling & Root Planing Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 52-year-old patient presents for their recall appointment after initial scaling and root planing (SRP) therapy completed three months ago.
Upon re-evaluation, the dental hygienist observes persistent bleeding on probing in several sites that previously had 5-6mm pockets, though pocket depths have decreased to 3-4mm.
The patient reports improved home care, but still occasionally misses flossing.
Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in managing this patient's periodontal health?

Accepted Answer

Perform a thorough debridement of the persistent bleeding sites with hand and ultrasonic instruments.

Answer

Recommend localized antimicrobial therapy in the persistent bleeding sites.

Answer

Schedule the patient for a full-mouth radiographic series.

Answer

Reinforce oral hygiene instructions and schedule for a 6-month recall.

Question 2

Which of the following describes the primary goal of root planing?

Accepted Answer

To smooth the root surface to remove calculus, endotoxins, and create a biologically acceptable surface.

Answer

To remove supragingival calculus and plaque.

Answer

To remove diseased cementum and dentin.

Answer

To reduce gingival inflammation by polishing the coronal surfaces of teeth.

Question 3

A patient undergoing scaling and root planing reports moderate discomfort during the procedure, despite local anesthesia administered in the quadrant. Which of the following strategies is most appropriate for the dental hygienist to implement to enhance patient comfort?

Accepted Answer

Administer additional local anesthetic or consider nitrous oxide sedation.

Answer

Increase the power setting of the ultrasonic scaler.

Answer

Switch to larger curettes to complete the debridement faster.

Answer

Inform the patient that some discomfort is unavoidable during deep cleaning.

Question 4

Following a scaling and root planing appointment, a patient calls the office complaining of increased tooth sensitivity to cold and air, particularly in areas where significant root exposure was noted prior to treatment. What is the most appropriate advice for the dental hygienist to give?

Accepted Answer

Recommend using a desensitizing toothpaste and avoiding extreme temperature foods/drinks.

Answer

Suggest rinsing with warm salt water multiple times a day.

Answer

Advise the patient that this sensitivity is normal and will subside completely within a few days.

Answer

Instruct the patient to immediately return to the office for an emergency evaluation.

Question 5

When performing scaling and root planing on a patient with generalized chronic periodontitis, which of the following instruments is most effective for removing tenacious subgingival calculus and endotoxins from deep periodontal pockets (6mm or more)?

Accepted Answer

Gracey curettes specifically designed for the quadrant and tooth surface.

Answer

Universal curettes with short, rigid shanks.

Answer

Sickle scalers with thin, angled blades.

Answer

Periodontal hoes and chisels.

Question 6

During a re-evaluation appointment one month after initial scaling and root planing, a patient with a history of moderate chronic periodontitis still exhibits a 5mm pocket with bleeding on probing on the mesial of tooth #19. All other previously treated sites show significant improvement. What is the most likely reason for this localized lack of response to therapy?

Accepted Answer

Incomplete removal of calculus and biofilm in that specific area.

Answer

The patient is likely not compliant with home care.

Answer

Undiagnosed systemic disease is impeding healing.

Answer

A new carious lesion has developed in the area.