Periodontics Flashcards

Which furcation classification indicates that a probe can pass completely through the furcation from one side to the other?

Answer: Class III

Class III furcation involvement means the probe passes completely through the furcation, though it may still be covered by soft tissue.

The junctional epithelium attaches to the tooth surface via which structures?

Answer: Hemidesmosomes and a basal lamina

The junctional epithelium attaches to enamel and cementum through hemidesmosomes and an internal basal lamina.

A patient has 6 mm probing depths, 2 mm of recession, and radiographic bone loss to the mid-root. What is the clinical attachment level (CAL)?

Answer: 8 mm

CAL = probing depth + recession = 6 + 2 = 8 mm.

Which systemic condition is most associated with aggressive generalized periodontitis in young patients due to neutrophil dysfunction?

Answer: Chediak-Higashi syndrome

Chediak-Higashi syndrome involves defective neutrophil chemotaxis and degranulation, predisposing to severe early-onset periodontitis.

Scaling and root planing is best described as which type of periodontal therapy?

Answer: Cause-related (etiotropic) phase

Scaling and root planing is the cornerstone of cause-related (etiotropic) therapy, targeting the primary etiologic factor—bacterial plaque and calculus.

Which periodontal fiber group runs from the alveolar crest obliquely to insert into cementum coronal to the crest?

Answer: Alveolar crest fibers

Alveolar crest fibers run from the alveolar crest obliquely upward to insert into cementum just apical to the CEJ.

In the Armitage 1999 classification, which condition is characterized by rapid attachment loss in otherwise healthy young adults affecting multiple teeth?

Answer: Aggressive periodontitis

Aggressive periodontitis (generalized form) presents with rapid attachment loss in systemically healthy young adults and familial aggregation.