NBDHE Periodontal Assessment and Treatment 3

Question 1

The biologic width of the periodontium refers to the combined dimension of:

Accepted Answer

Junctional epithelium and connective tissue attachment above the alveolar crest (approximately 2.04 mm total)

Answer

Probing depth and recession combined

Answer

Attached gingiva and free gingiva

Answer

The periodontal ligament space

Question 2

A furcation defect classified as Glickman Class II on tooth #3 (maxillary first molar) means:

Accepted Answer

The furcation can be partially probed (bone loss into the furcation but does not extend through it)

Answer

The furcation can be probed all the way through (through-and-through defect)

Answer

Only initial furcation involvement detectable with a curved furcation probe

Answer

The furcation is not involved

Question 3

Subgingival irrigation as an adjunct to scaling and root planing delivers antimicrobial agents to:

Accepted Answer

The base of the periodontal pocket to disrupt residual biofilm and reduce microbial load

Answer

Supragingival plaque only

Answer

The bloodstream via mucosal absorption

Answer

Cementum surface for chemical root conditioning

Question 4

Which instrument characteristic distinguishes a Gracey curette from a universal curette?

Accepted Answer

Gracey curettes are area-specific with one working cutting edge per blade, angled at 60–70° to the terminal shank; universal curettes have two cutting edges angled at 90°

Answer

Gracey curettes have two cutting edges and are used on all surfaces; universal curettes are area-specific

Answer

Gracey curettes are used only supragingivally; universal curettes are only subgingival

Answer

There is no functional difference between them

Question 5

The goal of supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) intervals every 3 months versus every 6 months is based on:

Accepted Answer

Bacterial recolonization studies showing subgingival pathogenic bacteria return to pre-treatment levels in 9–11 weeks without maintenance

Answer

Annual insurance coverage cycles

Answer

Patient convenience

Answer

Antibiotic rotation schedules

Question 6

Localized aggressive periodontitis (now reclassified as Stage III/IV Grade C periodontitis in young patients) is classically characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Severe alveolar bone loss localized to first molars and incisors in adolescents with minimal plaque accumulation

Answer

Generalized bone loss proportional to large amounts of plaque

Answer

Predominant anterior tooth involvement only after age 40

Answer

Absence of any bacterial involvement