NBDHE Test Periodontal Assessment and Treatment 1

Question 1

In Glickman's classification of furcation involvement, a Class II furcation is best described as a defect in which:

Accepted Answer

The probe enters the furcation but does not pass through to the opposite side

Answer

Class II furcation involvement means the horizontal probe penetrates into the furcation but is blocked before exiting the other side. Class I is a slight entry only; Class III is through-and-through; Class IV is through-and-through with visible recession.

Question 2

During a periodontal reassessment, the absence of bleeding on probing (BOP) is clinically most valuable as:

Accepted Answer

A reliable negative predictor of continued attachment loss

Answer

Research consistently shows that absence of BOP is a strong negative predictive value (approximately 98%) for periodontal stability — sites that do not bleed are very unlikely to be losing attachment. It does not, however, confirm perfect oral hygiene or allow discontinuation of maintenance.

Question 3

The primary clinical feature that definitively distinguishes periodontitis from plaque-induced gingivitis is:

Accepted Answer

Clinical attachment loss (CAL)

Answer

Gingivitis involves gingival inflammation without attachment loss — the junctional epithelium remains at the CEJ. Periodontitis is defined by irreversible loss of clinical attachment and supporting alveolar bone. BOP and increased probing depths can occur in both conditions.

Question 4

On a full-mouth series of radiographs, the most common pattern of alveolar bone loss associated with generalized chronic periodontitis is:

Accepted Answer

Horizontal bone loss parallel to the CEJ

Answer

Horizontal bone loss, in which the alveolar crest is reduced in height but remains roughly parallel to a line connecting adjacent CEJs, is the most prevalent radiographic pattern in generalized chronic periodontitis. Vertical/angular defects are less common and often associated with localized aggressive disease or specific risk factors.

Question 5

According to the 2017 World Workshop classification, periodontitis Grade C (rapid rate of progression) is supported by which indirect evidence finding?

Accepted Answer

Heavy supra-gingival calculus deposits with minimal attachment loss

Answer

Indirect evidence for Grade C includes a bone loss %/age ratio > 1.0, which suggests bone is being lost faster than expected for the patient's age. Direct evidence includes ≥ 2 mm of bone loss within 5 years. Heavy deposits with low destruction suggest Grade A (slow progression).

NBDHE Test Practice Test

NBDHE Test Practice Test

NBDHE Test Periodontal Assessment and Treatment 1