Periodontology Flashcards

What is peri-implantitis and how does it differ from peri-implant mucositis?

Answer: Peri-implantitis involves bone loss around an implant; mucositis is reversible soft tissue inflammation only

Peri-implant mucositis is reversible inflammation of the soft tissues without bone loss, while peri-implantitis involves progressive bone loss around a functioning implant.

What systemic condition should always be excluded when a patient presents with generalised severe gingival overgrowth?

Answer: Leukaemia

Acute myeloid leukaemia can cause gingival infiltration by leukaemic cells, presenting as diffuse haemorrhagic gingival overgrowth, and must be excluded urgently.

What is the clinical significance of furcation Class II involvement in a maxillary molar?

Answer: Reduced prognosis; complete root separation or extraction may be considered

Class II furcation in maxillary molars indicates significant attachment and bone loss within the furcation, complicating cleaning, and worsening long-term prognosis.

Which microorganism is classified as a 'red complex' pathogen in the Socransky classification of periodontal pathogens?

Answer: Porphyromonas gingivalis

Porphyromonas gingivalis belongs to Socransky's red complex along with Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola — the most pathogenic periodontal bacteria.

What does the term 'critical probing depth' refer to in periodontal treatment planning?

Answer: The pocket depth at which surgery is more effective than non-surgical debridement

The critical probing depth (approximately 5–6 mm) is the threshold at which surgical therapy provides greater benefit than non-surgical debridement in reducing pocket depth.

Which material is used in Emdogain (enamel matrix derivative) for periodontal regeneration?

Answer: Amelogenin proteins from porcine enamel matrix

Emdogain contains amelogenin proteins derived from porcine enamel matrix, which stimulate periodontal ligament cells to promote regeneration of cementum, PDL, and bone.