Periodontology Fundamentals Flashcards

According to the 2017 World Workshop classification, which of the following BEST describes Stage III Grade C periodontitis?

Answer: Severe bone loss or tooth loss with complexity factors such as masticatory dysfunction, and a rapid rate of progression possibly associated with systemic factors or risk factors like smoking

Stage III indicates severe periodontitis with significant bone/tooth loss and complexity factors (like vertical bone defects, furcation involvement). Grade C indicates rapid progression and/or risk factors (smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, systemic disease).

What is the primary cause of chronic periodontitis?

Answer: Subgingival dental plaque (biofilm) and the host's inflammatory response to it

Periodontitis is fundamentally caused by the host inflammatory response to subgingival bacterial plaque biofilm. The destruction of periodontium results from this immune-inflammatory response rather than direct bacterial destruction alone.

In periodontal assessment, a 'bleeding on probing' (BOP) score is important because:

Answer: BOP indicates the presence of gingival inflammation and is used to monitor disease activity and treatment response

Bleeding on gentle probing (BOP) indicates inflamed gingival tissues and is the primary clinical marker used to monitor the success of plaque control and periodontal treatment — healthy gingiva does not bleed.

What is the purpose of subgingival debridement (root surface debridement/RSD) in the non-surgical treatment of periodontitis?

Answer: To mechanically disrupt and remove the subgingival biofilm and calculus from root surfaces, reducing the bacterial load causing periodontal inflammation

Root surface debridement aims to mechanically disrupt and remove the subgingival bacterial biofilm and calculus, eliminating the primary cause of periodontal inflammation and allowing the host's tissues to heal.

Which furcation classification system grades furcation involvement using a probe measurement, and what does Class II indicate?

Answer: Hamp classification — Class II means the probe penetrates >3mm horizontally into the furcation but does not pass through

Hamp's classification grades furcation involvement by horizontal probe penetration: Class I (3mm but not through-and-through), Class III (through-and-through furcation — probe passes completely from one side to the other).

Which systemic condition has the STRONGEST evidence for bidirectional association with periodontitis?

Answer: Diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus has the strongest and most well-established bidirectional link with periodontitis — diabetes increases the risk and severity of periodontal disease, and periodontitis adversely affects glycaemic control in diabetic patients.