ADEX Dental Hygiene Periodontal Concepts Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient presents with moderate periodontitis. According to the 2017 AAP classification system, which factor is the PRIMARY determinant for assigning the initial Stage (I-IV) of periodontitis?

Accepted Answer

Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL)

Answer

The 2017 AAP classification system for periodontitis uses Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL) as the primary determinant for establishing the initial stage of the disease. While radiographic bone loss, probing depths, and tooth loss also contribute to determining the final stage and complexity, interdental CAL at the worst site is the first factor to consider.

Question 2

The primary objective of non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) is to:

Accepted Answer

Remove and control microbial biofilms and their byproducts.

Answer

The main goal of non-surgical periodontal therapy, which includes scaling and root planing, is to eliminate the primary etiological factor of periodontitis: the bacterial plaque biofilm. By disrupting and removing this biofilm and the associated calculus, inflammation is reduced, allowing the periodontal tissues to heal.

Question 3

A patient with a history of periodontitis returns for a maintenance appointment. Which of the following findings would indicate disease progression and place them in Grade C (Rapid Progression) according to the AAP staging and grading system?

Accepted Answer

Radiographs show ≥2 mm of bone loss over a 5-year period.

Answer

The grading system estimates the future risk and rate of progression. Grade C indicates rapid progression. Direct evidence for this includes radiographic bone loss or clinical attachment loss of ≥2 mm over a 5-year period. Smoking >10 cigarettes/day is a Grade C modifier, but the radiographic evidence is a primary criterion.

Question 4

A patient presents with a localized, painful, swollen lesion on the lateral aspect of tooth #14, which has a 7mm periodontal pocket. The tooth tests vital. What is the MOST likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Periodontal abscess

Answer

A periodontal abscess is a localized purulent infection within the periodontal tissues, typically associated with a pre-existing deep periodontal pocket. Key diagnostic features include location on the lateral aspect of the root and a vital pulp, distinguishing it from a periapical abscess which originates from a non-vital pulp.

Question 5

Which of the following microorganisms acts as a critical bridging species between early and late colonizers in the development of mature dental plaque biofilm?

Accepted Answer

Fusobacterium nucleatum

Answer

Fusobacterium nucleatum is a key bridging microorganism in biofilm formation. Its unique surface structures allow it to co-aggregate with both early colonizers (like Streptococcus species) and the more pathogenic late colonizers (like Porphyromonas gingivalis), facilitating the maturation of the plaque biofilm associated with periodontitis.

ADEX - Dental Hygiene Exam Practice Test

ADEX - Dental Hygiene Exam Practice Test

ADEX Dental Hygiene Periodontal Concepts Questions and Answers