Periodontology Flashcards

What is the primary goal of the 'Step 1' in the BSP four-step periodontal treatment model?

Answer: Patient education, risk factor modification, and supra-gingival biofilm removal

Step 1 focuses on patient education, oral hygiene instruction, risk factor management (e.g., smoking cessation), and professional removal of supra-gingival plaque and calculus.

Which cell type is primarily responsible for alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis?

Answer: Osteoclasts

Osteoclasts are the multinucleated cells responsible for resorbing alveolar bone in response to the inflammatory mediators triggered by periodontal pathogens.

Which antibiotic combination has been used as an adjunct to mechanical debridement in aggressive periodontitis?

Answer: Amoxicillin and metronidazole

The combination of amoxicillin (500 mg TDS) and metronidazole (400 mg TDS) for 7 days has evidence for adjunctive use in generalised Stage III/IV Grade C periodontitis.

What is the recommended probing force for periodontal assessment?

Answer: 0.2–0.25 N (20–25 g)

A probing force of 0.2–0.25 N (20–25 g) is internationally recommended to standardise periodontal pocket depth measurements.

In periodontal diagnosis, what does a vertical bone defect on a radiograph indicate compared to a horizontal defect?

Answer: Angular bone loss suggesting an infrabony component amenable to regeneration

Vertical (angular) bone defects suggest infrabony pockets that may be amenable to regenerative surgical therapy, unlike horizontal bone loss.

What is the primary pathogenic bacterium associated with localised Stage III Grade C periodontitis (formerly aggressive)?

Answer: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa)

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is strongly associated with localised aggressive (now Grade C) periodontitis, particularly its JP2 clone in younger patients.