Periodontology Flashcards

What is the primary characteristic of periodontitis?

Answer: Bone loss around the teeth

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that progresses beyond gingivitis, leading to the destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth. Its primary characteristic is irreversible bone loss around the teeth, along with clinical attachment loss and the formation of periodontal pockets, which can ultimately lead to tooth mobility and loss.

Which of the following is a common sign of gingivitis?

Answer: Gingival bleeding

Gingival bleeding, particularly during brushing, flossing, or probing, is one of the earliest and most common clinical signs of gingivitis. It indicates inflammation of the gum tissue, which becomes more fragile and prone to bleeding due to bacterial plaque accumulation along the gumline.

What is the primary goal of scaling and root planing in periodontal therapy?

Answer: To remove calculus and smooth the root surfaces

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical periodontal therapy aimed at treating periodontal disease. The primary goal is to meticulously remove bacterial plaque, calculus (hardened plaque), and toxins from above and below the gumline, and then to smooth the root surfaces to remove any remaining toxins and make it harder for bacteria to reattach, promoting reattachment of healthy gum tissue.

Which of the following conditions is a potential complication of untreated periodontitis?

Answer: Tooth loss

Untreated periodontitis leads to progressive destruction of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone that support the teeth. As this supporting structure is lost, teeth become mobile and eventually fall out or need to be extracted, making tooth loss a direct and severe complication of the disease.

What is the purpose of using an ultrasonic scaler in periodontal therapy?

Answer: To remove soft deposits and calculus with vibrations

Ultrasonic scalers use high-frequency vibrations to dislodge and remove plaque, calculus, and stains from tooth surfaces, both above and below the gumline. The rapid vibrations, combined with water irrigation, effectively clean the teeth and flush out debris, making it an efficient tool for periodontal therapy.