Periodontology Fundamentals Flashcards

Which of the following BEST describes 'plaque-induced gingivitis' according to the 2017 Classification?

Answer: Reversible inflammation of the gingiva without attachment loss, caused by dental plaque biofilm

Plaque-induced gingivitis is characterised by gingival inflammation (redness, swelling, BOP) caused by dental plaque biofilm — it is reversible with plaque removal, occurs without loss of attachment or alveolar bone, and may occur on a reduced periodontium.

Chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash is frequently prescribed for periodontal patients. What is its primary mechanism of action?

Answer: It disrupts bacterial cell membranes, killing gram-positive and gram-negative organisms, and has substantivity (prolonged action) in the oral cavity

Chlorhexidine is a cationic bisguanide that disrupts bacterial cell membranes through electrostatic interaction. Its substantivity (binding to oral surfaces for up to 12 hours) makes it the gold standard antimicrobial mouthwash in periodontics.

Necrotising periodontal disease (NPD) is a distinct form of periodontitis characterised by which CLASSIC clinical triad?

Answer: Papillary necrosis with ulceration, interproximal bone loss, and pain

Necrotising periodontal disease classically presents with: necrosis and ulceration of the interdental papillae (punched-out appearance), rapid interproximal bone loss, and intense pain — often with halitosis, bleeding, and fever in severe cases.

At the periodontal re-evaluation appointment (typically 8-12 weeks after non-surgical periodontal therapy), which clinical outcome is the PRIMARY indicator of treatment success?

Answer: Resolution of inflammation as indicated by reduced BOP and improved pocket depths

The primary indicators of successful non-surgical periodontal therapy are resolution of gingival inflammation (reduced BOP) and reduction in pocket depths — these reflect the host's healing response to bacterial load reduction.

Peri-implantitis differs from peri-implant mucositis in that peri-implantitis:

Answer: Involves progressive bone loss around an osseointegrated implant in addition to soft tissue inflammation

Peri-implant mucositis is reversible soft-tissue inflammation without bone loss (analogous to gingivitis). Peri-implantitis adds progressive peri-implant bone loss to the inflammation (analogous to periodontitis) — and is not fully reversible.

A patient is prescribed systemic metronidazole as an adjunct to root surface debridement for Stage III Grade C periodontitis. Which of the following is the most important drug interaction to counsel this patient about?

Answer: Metronidazole interacts with alcohol (disulfiram-like reaction) and with warfarin (potentiates anticoagulant effect)

Metronidazole has two critical interactions: it causes a disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol (nausea, vomiting, flushing, palpitations) and it potentiates warfarin's anticoagulant effect, significantly increasing bleeding risk in anticoagulated patients.